Cixi's order to abolish women's foot binding was a major turning point in history. In a feudal society where men are inferior to women, women have a low status and suffer unfair treatment. And women's foot binding, as an extreme cruel and bad habit, is even more heart-wrenching. This article will delve into the origins, development, and abolition of the bad practice of foot binding, as well as the story behind Cixi's abolition of foot binding.
The bad habit of foot binding originated in the late Northern Song Dynasty, flourished in the Southern Song Dynasty, and was passed down through dynasties. Women begin to bind their feet at an early age and do not unravel until their adult bones are finalized, and this cruel destruction of women's bodies is heartbreaking. However, after the Manchu Qing Dynasty entered the customs, they saw the situation of Han women binding their feet, and felt very incredible, so they ordered a ban. Despite opposition from the Han Chinese, this decree laid the groundwork for the process of abolishing foot binding.
Cixi repeatedly ordered the abolition of women's foot binding in the late Qing Dynasty, a move that is puzzling, but there is a deep meaning behind it. Cixi hated foot binding since she was a child and insisted on growing up without foot binding, which made her have a pair of big feet, which was different from the women of the time. After entering the palace, her big feet aroused the interest of Emperor Xianfeng, and her background and talent made her the darling of the harem, which was unmatched for a while.
During her reign, Cixi further promoted the abolition of women's foot binding. At that time, society had gradually modernized, and people's attitudes had changed, and they no longer pursued foot binding. Cixi's repeal decree became a crucial step towards ending women's foot binding and promoted the progress and modernization of society.
Cixi's move to abolish women's foot binding was a major step forward and reform in history. This is not only a respect for the female body, but also a manifestation of the progress and development of human civilization. Although foot binding has disappeared, the memory of this period of history will forever be engraved in people's hearts, reminding us to cherish life and refuse cruelty.