Chinese Customs
Another topic discussed was Chinese traditions. Traditions are a large part of the Chinese culture and are taken very seriously. A common goal to achieve in any culture is beauty. The Chinese believe that foot binding will not only allow them to attain beauty but will also allow them to achieve a good life. Foot Binding began in the North and then eventually moved throughout China. At first it was only the court dancers and the women of the court and then the wealthy, royalty, and eventually all classes including the poor practiced foot binding. The process began for girls around the ages of four to six. The mother was the one who bound the feet and the reason it started at such a young age was because the feet were so young they didn't have a chance to fully develop. The mother would chose to began practicing during the winter months so the weather would numb the feet and the girl would not be in a great deal of pain. Not only was the process long and agonizing but the consequences were even worse. The process would begin with the soaking of the girl's feet in warm water or animal blood that would allow for the dead flesh to fall off. After this her toenails would be cut so short making it impossible for them to g
As well, Chinese people tend to wear red to add to the joyful occasion. There are many steps that are associated with an arranged marriage. Once the decision has been made, the final arrangements for the wedding are decided. After this long process her feet were only about three to four inches long. Men didn't marry or acknowledge women without bound feet. Once each of the families is comfortable and pleased with the other, the bride gets asked for her hand in marriage. Another effect is the flesh rotting off because the toenails would continue to grow into the skin. Not only was there an excess amount of pain, but there were many health risks associated with foot binding. The final stage is the Engagement. Once this is done the two families arrange to meet and discuss plans. It was the mother's responsibility to make sure that her son was marrying a woman with bound feet, and if she found different it was the ultimate humiliation. By wearing these rings it is not definite the couple will become married, but an intention they plan to marry. The groom then takes this information to a fortune teller to pick the date of the wedding. It is very important for the bride's family to be aware of the grooms family to make sure that their daughter will be treated properly once she becomes part of his family.
Common topics in this essay:
Binding North,
Negotiation Period,
Foot Binding,
Period Engagement,
Traditions Chinese,
foot binding,
,
bound feet,
social status,
chinese culture,
woman bound feet,
culture arranged marriages,
wedding day,
arrangements wedding,
girl's feet,
social status wedding,
culture arranged,
bride groom,
bride's family,
|