An edict forbidding the practice of binding women’s feet in China was issued by Empress Tzu Hsi on this day in 1902. The practice goes back many centuries and seems to have begun as a fashion in the court of the emperor and spread from there. It was seen as a sign of both beauty and status and practiced by the elite though poorer families took up the practice because it improved marriage prospects. It was extremely painful and severely restricted what women were able to do. Sadly the edict was rescinded after a short period. It was banned again in 1912 but the practice continued until 1949.
Gracious God
throughout history there have been various notions around what constitutes beauty.
We remember those who have suffered because they did not conform to accepted norms.
We pray for those who are tempted to pay huge sums for various procedures that they believe enhance their beauty.
Amen
By Fr Pat O'Shea - Lower Hutt
Antique Shoes, for Foot binding also called Lotus Feet.
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