A Brief Analysis of Ancient Chinese Female Role in
- 格式:doc
- 大小:56.55 KB
- 文档页数:6
用英文介绍中药名人小故事Title: A Brief Introduction to the Stories of Famous Figures in Traditional Chinese Medicine.In the long history of traditional Chinese medicine, there have been many renowned figures who have made significant contributions to the development and promotionof this ancient healing art. Their stories are not only inspirational but also provide valuable insights into the wisdom and practices of traditional Chinese medicine. Here are a few brief introductions to some of these famous figures:1. Bian Que (扁鹊): Known as the "miracle doctor" in Chinese history, Bian Que is one of the most legendary figures in traditional Chinese medicine. He was believed to have lived during the Warring States period and was knownfor his exceptional medical skills and diagnostic abilities. According to historical records, Bian Que could diagnose illnesses with extraordinary accuracy and was credited withmany miraculous healing stories.2. Hua Tuo (华佗): Hua Tuo was a renowned physician and surgeon during the Eastern Han dynasty. He is best knownfor his pioneering work in anesthesia and surgical techniques. Hua Tuo developed a form of general anesthesia using a mixture of herbal concoctions, allowing him to perform complex surgical procedures with minimal pain for his patients.3. Li Shizhen (李时珍): Li Shizhen was a famous pharmacologist and physician who lived during the Ming dynasty. He is best known for his monumental work, the "Compendium of Materia Medica" (Bencao Gangmu), which is considered one of the most comprehensive and influential works on traditional Chinese medicine. Li Shizhen's extensive research and documentation of medicinal herbs and their properties have had a profound impact on the practice of traditional Chinese medicine.These are just a few examples of the many influential figures in traditional Chinese medicine. Their storiescontinue to inspire and inform practitioners and enthusiasts of traditional Chinese medicine around the world, highlighting the rich heritage and enduring legacy of this ancient healing tradition.。
北京历代帝王庙简介The Chinese Historical Imperial Temple was originally built in the 9th year of the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty (1530). It is a royal temple where the emperors from past dynasties along with many eminent ministers and generals, was worshiped during the Ming and the Qing Dynasties. In 1996, the government designated it as one of the key cultural properties under state protection in China.The tablets of "the Three August Ones and the Five August Ones" have always been the center of the sacrifice system, reflecting their high status as ancestors. By the Qianlong period of the Qing dynasty, there had been 188 historical emperors, including those who had founded new dynasties and safeguarded the Chinese heritage. Their sacrificial tablets are located in the main hall of Jing De Chong Sheng Palace with the tablets of seventy-nine eminent ministers or generals located in the two minor halls on its eastern and western sides. In addition, there is a Guan Di Temple built in the Qing Dynasty just for worship of Guan Yu.The Chinese Historical Imperial Temple comprises 21,500 square meters with the buildings themselves occupying 6000 square meters. Solemn and monumental, it is an elaborate work of Chinese ancient architecture.。
A Brief Introduction to Ancient CHINESE POETRYChinese poetry has its origin from Shijing (詩經) or Book of Songs. It was the first major collection of Chinese poems, consisting mostly folksongs (the "Songs"). They are composed of four-character (四言) lines. It comprises 305 poems, covering the period from eleven century to six century B.C. Some of the most popular ones are taught in schools nowadays. With the help of some annotations they are not difficult to understand and appreciate despite their antiquity. Poetry is the most popular form of literature since the beginning of written Chinese and is still popular today. It has developed into many forms throughout history and reached its zenith in the Tang Dynasty (618 –907 A.D.) when poetry was the main subject in the imperial civil examination. In our present time anyone who has gone to school can recite some of them. The classical forms of poetry mostly consist of lines of five-character (五言) or seven-character (七言) poems with special rules concerning rhythm, rhyme, tone and balance. Chinese poetry has several distinct features which are derived from the special features of the Chinese language. Chinese is a monosyllabic language. Each character has a single sound. Putonghua (or Mandarin) which is the official language and the most common one, has four tones. The sound of a character can be represented by one to three musical notes.Each character sounds like a beat in music.We can see that the Chinese classical form of poetry is very musical. Let us take a seven-word-lin e poem from late Tang Dynasty (9th century). The words are simple and so is the story that any pr imary school student today can understand it. It is a poem that can illustrate the basic features of classical poetry. (Note 1)Chinese: 去年 / 今日 / 此门中, Meaning of Last year / to-day / this d oor centre, each word:Pinyin: qu (\) nian(/) / jin(--) ri(\) / ci(--) Men(/) zhong(--)人面 / 桃花 / 相映红。
6月英语六级翻译预测及答案汇总请将下面这段话翻译成英文:中国人对玉(jade)—向有着特殊的尊爱之情,从而延伸发展出一种优秀而古老的玉石文化。
作为配饰供人赏玩是玉器的原始功能之一,也是玉器最广泛的一种用途。
玉器作为一种文物,它也是历史的见证,有着不可复制的唯一性,更为当今世人所器重。
玉器从一种美化生活的装饰品,到简单的生产工具,然后被融入各种礼节(ritual)内容,被人格化、道德化,继而被看成是财富的象征、宗教图腾(totem)的崇拜……这些无不反映出中国传统文化和中华民族爱玉的心理。
参考译文:Chinese people always show special respect and love for jade, thus derivingand excellent and ancient jade culture. Being used for decoration and admirationis one of the original functions of jade, and is also the most widely used one.As a cultural relic,jade is also the witness of history,the uniqueness of whichcannot be copied,making it valued more by people around the world today. Fromornaments that beautify our life,to simple instrument of production, and thenbeing integrated into a variety of rituals, jade has been personified, moralizedand further regarded as a symbol of wealth and worship for religious totems…Allof these reflect Chinese traditional culture and Chinese people s love forjade.词句点拨1.延伸发展出:即“衍生出”,翻译时可以使用derive—词来表达。
中国古代神话故事英文版Sure! Here is a brief introduction of two famous Chinese ancient mythological stories in English:1. "The Legend of Nüwa"In ancient Chinese mythology, it is believed that the world was once in chaos. Nüwa, a goddess with a human form and a serpent's tail, came to the world with the mission to create balance. She molded yellow clay into human figures, bringing them to life and establishing the human race. Nüwa also repaired the broken heavens, propping them up with stones to restore order. She is revered as the goddess of creation and restoration.2. "The Monkey King""The Monkey King," also known as "Journey to the West," is a renowned Chinese mythological tale. It follows the adventures of Sun Wukong, a mischievous and rebellious Monkey King endowed with incredible strength and magical abilities. Sun Wukong accompanies the monk Xuanzang on a pilgrimage to retrieve the sacred Buddhist scriptures from India. Along the journey, they encounter numerous challenges and face mythical creatures. Sun Wukong's bravery, intelligence, and loyalty make him a beloved and legendary character in Chinese mythology.These are just a glimpse of the vast collection of Chinese ancient mythological stories. They are filled with symbolism, cultural significance, and moral teachings, showcasing the rich imagination and beliefs of ancient Chinese civilization.。
中国故事英文版简短China's Story: A Brief IntroductionChina, the land of ancient traditions and rich cultural heritage, has a fascinating story that has captivated the world for centuries. From its mythical beginnings to its modern achievements, China has undergone a remarkable transformation. China's story begins with the legendary figure of Pangu, who is believed to have created the world. According to ancient Chinese mythology, Pangu separated the chaos of heaven and earth, and his body became the mountains, rivers, and everything in the world. This mythical tale reflects the profound connection between nature and the Chinese people's worldview.As one of the oldest civilizations in the world, China has a long and complex history. Its dynastic rule, which lasted for over two thousand years, saw the rise and fall of numerous dynasties, each leaving a significant mark on Chinese culture. The mighty Great Wall, built by the Qin Dynasty, stands as a testament to China's perseverance and determination to protect its borders.China's story took a dramatic turn with the arrival of European traders in the 16th century. The Opium Wars and thesubsequent decline of the Qing Dynasty brought Chinaface-to-face with the challenges of the modern world. This period of turmoil eventually led to the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912, marking the beginning of a new era. Under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, China's story continued to evolve. The founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949 brought about significant changes, as the country embarked on a path of socialist development. The Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution were tumultuous periods that shaped China's political and social landscape. In recent decades, China has witnessed remarkable economic growth and development. The Chinese government's commitment to economic reform and opening up to the world has transformed the country into a global powerhouse. China's story today is one of rapid urbanization, technological advancements, and increasingly influential global presence.As China's story unfolds, it continues to captivate the world with its rich tapestry of ancient traditions and modern achievements. From the majestic Forbidden City to the bustling streets of Shanghai, China's cultural heritage and dynamic society offer a captivating narrative that is both unique and inspiring. With its ever-evolving story, China remains anenigma waiting to be discovered and understood.。
Lesson 9 A Brief History of Chinese FurnitureThe early history of Chinese furniture recorded in excavated material, engraved stone and stamped brick reveals a mat-level furniture culture. The ancient Chinese knelt or sat cross-legged upon woven mats surrounded by various furnishings including low tables, screens, and armrests.Examples of excavated lacquer furniture from the ancient kingdom of Chu (ca.500 BC) demonstrate an aesthetic Of minimalism and simplicity, and others are decorated with unique colorful patterns and bear finely carved decoration in relief and openwork. The blending of artistic form with practical functionality can be seen as a common thread running throughout the long history of Chinese furniture.Developments toward high seating were influenced by foreign customs and migration of Buddhism. During the second century AD, the Han emperor Lindi was recorded to have had a fascination with things foreign, including the foreign or ―barbarian‖ seat (huchuang). This term referred to the folding stool, which at that time was commonly used by nomadic tribes in the more remote northern and western regions where it was also used for mounting horses. Being easily carried over the shoulder, it quickly became a popular seat for traveling or hunting.Low platform were another early form of raised seating furniture which were used as honorific seats by high officials and religious dignitaries during ceremonial and sacrificial rites. Records from the Han dynasty(260 BC-220AD) indicate that these sitting platforms were called ta; the relatively longer chuang was used both for sitting and reclining.With the eastward migration of Buddhism from India, chairs and raised platform began to appear with more frequency as the status enhancing seats of great masters, along with the custom of disciples gathered around seated upon stools. Hourglass-shaped stool made of straw and basketwork also begin to appear during the Northern and Southern Dynasties (386-586 AD) period; similarly shaped stools of rattan are still found throughout modern China.During the transitional period –from mat to chair—kneeling and cross-legged positions upon the seating platforms was common. Additionally, the raised platform also began to function as a large, medium-height table for dining.By the Tang dynasty(618-907AD), stools and chairs had become common amongst the elite and those of rank. Prototypes to the yoke back chair as well as the round back chair appear in contemporary paintings and wall murals which depict the sitter with legs both pendant and crossed.By the Northern and Southern Song(960—1279)periods, many types of high furniture had developed and were commonly used throughout all circles of life.Scenes recorded within contemporary paintings as well as archeological finds reveal that tables, chairs, stools, and benches of the architecturally related recessed-leg style were widely used.Waisted corner leg furniture is also evidenced in Song paintings, although, this more elegant form, with roots tracing back through Gandhara to early Greek architecture, appears to have been reserved for the elite and for activities of ritualistic and ceremonial significance.Many basic patterns established during the Song dynasties continued to mature throughout the Yuan and Ming periods into beautiful well-rounded and robust forms that were smoothly finished with thick lacquer coatings and finely detailed with painted decoration. During the late Ming and early Qing periods, furniture of a minimal classical style was abundantly produced in durable tropical hardwoods after a ban on imports was lifted in 1567. The use of these hard, dense woods spawned advancements in joinery techniques permitting the creation open, elegant forms previously unattainable in softer woods. This popularity of this furniture, which often reflected the restrained, elegant tastes of the scholar official’s class, also spread through the rising nouceau-riche merchant class.After the fall of the corrupted Ming-ruling in 1644. China again flourished under the benevolent rule of the early Qing emperors. While early Qing furniture—makers generally held to classic patterns, a tendency towards refinement emerges correlating to that which permeated all of the decorative arts. Qianlong’s fascination with antiquity stimulated archaistic decoration and styles in furniture design. Qing-style furniture is more angular in form, and the surfaces are often elaborately decorated.New Words and Phrasesexcavate vt.挖、掘开的vi.挖掘engraved a.有刻纹的knelt vi.跪下lacquer 漆vt.喷漆relief n.浮雕openwork n.透孔织物Buddhism n.佛教nomadic a.游牧的honorific a.尊敬的recline vi.斜靠disciple n.弟子hourglass n.沙漏basketwork n.编织物rattan n.藤stool n.凳子elite n.精英pendant a.下垂的transitional a.过渡的robust a.粗壮的、健壕的hardwood n.硬材、硬木spawned vt.孵出joinery n.细木工benevolent a.慈善的、仁慈的hold to 坚持permeate n.Vt.渗透archaistic a.古风的、仿古的。
Gardening in the Ancient WorldT he earliest gardens were grown for practical reasons. When man be-came civilized an upper class emerged with the leisure to enjoy purely decora-tive gardens. They also had servants (or slaves) to do the gardening for them. Gardening in Ancient Egypt2 In the hot and aridcient Egypt, rich people liked to rest in the shade of trees. They created gardens早的花园是出于很实际的原因营建的。
在人类走向文明的过程中出现了上层阶级,他们有闲情逸致来欣赏纯装饰性的花园,还有仆人(或奴隶)来为其打理花园。
古埃及园艺古埃及气候炎热干燥,富人们喜欢在树荫下休息。
他们扫码听读dens to have rectangular ponds. Some-times they were stocked with fish.3 The Egyptians believed that the gods liked gardens and so temples usually had gardens by them. In ancient Egypt differ-ent trees were associated with different gods, so gardens had religious signifi-cance. However in Egypt there was no strict division between gardens for plea-sure and gardens for produce. As well as being beautiful gardens were used to grow fruit and vegetables and to produce wine and olive oil.Gardening in Ancient Iraq4 In the ancient world beautiful gardens were created in what is now Iraq. The As-syrians came from Iraq and in the period 900 BC–612 BC they ruled a great empire in the Middle East. Like the upper-class Egyptians, Assyrians enjoyed gardens. They created large hunting parks but they also made pleasure gardens irrigated by water canals. The Assyrians planted trees such as palms and cypresses. When the Assyrian Empire was destroyed in 612 BC, the city-state of Babylon created an-other huge empire. King Nebuchadnezzar is supposed to have built the hanging gar-dens of Babylon, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. According to tradition his wife Amyitis missed the mountainous terrain of her homeland, so the king builta stepped terrace garden for her.5 The Babylonians liked formal gar-dens. They enjoyed the shade of trees 花园里建长方形的池塘,有时里面养鱼。
英文演讲中国故事3分钟Ladies and gentlemen,Today, I want to share with you a brief glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of China. With a civilization dating back over 5,000 years, it is impossible to fully capture the essence of China in just three minutes. However, I will do my best to convey some of the highlights.One of the most iconic symbols of China is the Great Wall. Stretching over 13,000 miles, this ancient architectural wonder served as a defense against invasions from the north. It stands as a testament to the perseverance and ingenuity of the Chinese people throughout history.The Forbidden City in Beijing is another showcase of China's glorious past. It was once the imperial palace for over 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its grandeur and magnificence continue to amaze visitors from around the world, showcasing the imperial power and cultural sophistication of ancient China.China is also known for its stunning landscapes. From the picturesque karst mountains in Guilin to the vast and serene Yangtze River, the country offers a diverse range of natural beauty. The terraced rice fields in Yuanyang and the ethereal Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which inspired the landscape of the movie "Avatar," are just a few examples of China's breathtaking scenery.In terms of cultural heritage, Chinese cuisine is renowned worldwide. From the flavorful dishes of Sichuan province to the delicate dim sum of Cantonese cuisine, the multitude of flavors and cooking techniques make Chinese cuisine a true culinary delight.The ancient Chinese philosophy of Confucianism emphasizes the importance of harmony, respect, and moral values. Confucian teachings have shaped the societal values and ethical principles that remain influential in China today.Furthermore, China has many traditional art forms, such as calligraphy, painting, and porcelain. The intricate brush strokes of calligraphy and the vibrant colors of Chinese paintings reflect the profound appreciation for beauty and artistic expression.In conclusion, China's long and rich history is a tapestry woven with stories of triumphs and traditions. From the Great Wall to the Forbidden City, the beautiful landscapes to the delicious cuisine, and the cultural heritage to the art forms, China has so much to offer. I hope this brief glimpse has sparked your curiosity to explore and learn more about this fascinating country. Thank you.。
A Brief Analysis of Female Role in Ancient China in the Perspectiveof Foot BindingAbstract: Foot binding is a particular Chinese custom in ancient time which required girls to bind their feet from healthy growth with long bands of white cotton cloth. The cruel practice was etched in Chinese history from Song dynasty to Qing dynasty. Foot-binding was prevalent from rich to poor classes and deeply rooted in women’s mind. On account of social influence, female’s inferior status and so called“beauty”,people blindly adhered to this tradition. Behind this custom is the miserable situation of female. The article will try to make a brief analysis of the female role in ancient China in the perspective of foot-binding.Keywords: foot binding;history ;“beauty”;female role;inferior statusFoot binding is an old Chinese custom of wrapping women's feet with cloth in order to stop them from growing with age. Women’s feet are forced to be bound with long bands of strong white cotton cloth, folding all the toes except the great one under the soles as tightly as possible. The outcome, three-inch golden lotuses, has once become the aesthetic standard, which is considered ugly and disgusting now[1]. Foot binding began at the court of the Song dynasty (960–1279 CE). It lasted until the early 20th century, when it was banned by the People's Republic of China. It was finally outlawed (made illegal) by the Chinese government in the 20th century. The traditional corrupt custom has run a long period of time in ancient China. It has caused severe life-long disability for millions of elderly women and had a profound influence on women’s ideological emancipation. This essay is to analyze female role and status in ancient time through the study of foot binding.What is Foot Binding?In ancient China, foot binding is a traditional custom for girls to bind their feet from growth. It usually began somewhere between the ages of four and seven. Possibly even later if the family was poor and needed their daughter to do work around the house or farm. The ideal length for a bound foot was 8 centimeters (3 in). A bandage, ten feet long and two inches wide was wrapped tightly around the foot, forcing the four small toes under the sole of the foot. This made the feet narrower but at the same time it made the feet shorter because it also forced the big toe and the heel closer together by bowing the arch of the foot. The bandage was tightened each day and the girl was put into progressively smaller and smaller sized shoes. The entire process usually took about two years at the end of which the feet were essentially dead and utterly useless. Binding the feet was the easy part, being bent so out of shape the feet required lots of core. The feet had to be washed and manicured on a daily basis. If they weren't manicured properly the toe nails could cutinto the instep and infection could set in. If the bindings were too tight they could cut off circulation which could lead to gangrene and blood poisoning[2]. The physical consequences of this process extended far beyond the feet themselves. Women with bound feet had difficulty walking, squatting and working in the fields. A 1997 study by researchers at the University of California at San Francisco found that women ages 80 and older with bound feet were more likely to have fallen in the previous year and to need assistance in rising from a sitting position. They also had lower bone density in the hip and spine than women with normal feet, increasing their risk of debilitating fractures[3] .The Long Course of Foot Binding HistoryIn spite of the torturing process, generations of Chinese women still obediently practiced the custom for hundreds of years. There are several different stories concerned with the origins of foot binding. The first recorded binding occurred in the Five Dynasties and Ten States period in the 10th century. According to the story, an emperor had a favorite concubine, a dancer who built a gilded stage in the shape of a lotus flower. When she bound her feet into a hoof-like shape and danced on the lotus, the practice became very fashionable; after all, she was the emperor's favorite concubine and the other concubines attempted to imitate her in order to gain the emperor's favor[4]. Soon, the practice of foot binding became a symbol of feminine beauty, royal approval, social status. At very beginning, foot binding was then replicated by upper-class women to gain status. So a small pair of lotus feet could indicate a high social rank. Since the wide spreading of the custom, lower-class girls began to bind foot for want of a good marriage. So it then became an unwritten rule that binding foot was one of the key factors of choosing a spouse. The smaller the shoes, the more desirable, sexier and marriageable the young girls would be to prospective husbands. A girl without binding foot could hardly find a husband. And if it was exposed that she did not have binding feet, the arranged marriage might be canceled finally. By the end of the Song Dynasty, it was customary for men to drink from a special shoe whose heel contained a small cup. During the Yuan Dynasty, some would also drink directly from the shoe itself. It somewhat indicates the increasing influence of foot binding. The prevalence of binding foot could also be seen in the poetry and writings from this period, which express an obsession bordering on craziness for lotus feet. There was quite a large number of paintings and engravings with scenes of women's feet. The custom was deeply etched in the feudal society and reached its peak at that time.However, when the Manchuria created the Qing dynasty, the Manchurian emperors wrote many laws banning foot binding. While, the laws did not contribute much to abolishing the evil practice. In the 19th century, at the end of the Qing Dynasty, western countries effectively colonized most part of China and many western people began to move to the country. So manywestern women, especially the wives of Christian missionaries, strongly advocated against the practice. They even produced pamphlets and opened shelters in support of inferior women.In 1874, the first anti-footbinding committee (meeting of people) was held in Shanghai by a British priest. Also in this year, 60 Christian women in Xiamen called for an end of the practice and it was championed by the Woman's Christian Temperance Movement in 1883, and advocated by missionaries including Timothy Richard, who thought that Christianity could promote equality between the sexes. Around the same time, Chinese intellectuals who had studied abroad returned to China and stated their support for abolishment[4]. Gradually, educated Chinese began to realize that this aspect of their culture did not reflect well upon the progress of the modern rising world. Feminists attacked the practice because it caused women to suffer. There were also edicts that attempted to ban foot binding. The Empress Dowager Cixi, a Manchu, issued such an edict following the Boxer Rebellion in order to appease foreigners, but it was rescinded a short time later. Foot binding was also outlawed in 1902 by the imperial edicts of the Qing Dynasty. In 1912, after the fall of the Qing Dynasty, the practice became unfashionable. The new Nationalist government of the Republic of China banned foot binding, though, like its predecessors, not always successfully[5]. In Taiwan, foot-binding was banned by the Japanese administration in 1915. Additionally, some families who opposed the practice made contractual agreements with each other, promising an infant son in marriage to an infant daughter who did not have bound feet. When the Communists took power in 1949, they were able to implement a strict prohibition on foot-binding. As time went on, more and more isolated areas in the countryside where the nationalist prohibition had been ignored were favored profoundly. Now, in our modern society ,the shadow of foot binding never exist. Foot binding inevitably quits from the stage of history.The Roots of Foot BindingThe feudal practice lasted for hundreds of years in the Chinese history. Along with the reform and change of dynasties and governments, the emancipation of women’s feet also underwent great impediments after decades of years. The deep roots that resulted in the crippling custom ingrained in people’s mind are diversified. Generally speaking, foot binding was in line with the dominant social ideology in spite of the severe damage to women’s body. In addition,social environment, sex discrimination and the aesthetic standard also lead to the enduring popularity.People were not aware of the importance of breaking the bondage of ossified thinking. Since it began early and gradually spread through the upper class then, foot binding was regarded as an essential process that every young girl ought to experience. Despite the great pain that every mother suffered, she would still bind her daughters’feet in consideration of the whole family’s fame. On account of the social atmosphere, it was viewed as lacking in virtue if a woman did not bind her feet. Thus few women dared to free their feet under the intangible pressure and scornfrom others. Therefore, successive generations of Chinese women obediently made efforts to bind a pair of lotus feet. Another crucial social factor for the prevalence of foot binding is that lotus feet was an important standard to have a good spouse. It is a status symbol that allowed them to marry into wealthy family.The practice became so pervasive that a woman whose feet had not been bound would have difficulty finding a husband; most families demanded a woman with tiny feet when selecting a wife for their son. In this regard, foot-binding was one of the essential qualities that a virtuous woman should possess.The great discrimination towards women made women inferior in the society. They had no rights to disobey their parents,husband and sons. They should behave obediently without freedom or self-esteem. In the patriarchal society, men nearly had absolute control of women. Thus there were various oppressions in ancient time and foot-binding was included. Bound feet was said to be a way to seduce men. Women, their families, and their husbands took great pride in tiny feet, with the ideal length, called the “Golden Lotus”, being about 7 cm long. This pride was reflected in the elegantly embroidered silk slippers and wrappings girls and women wore to cover their feet. For men, the primary erotic effect was a function of the lotus gait, the tiny steps and swaying walk of a woman whose feet had been bound. Women with such deformed feet avoided placing weight on the front of the foot and tended to walk predominantly on their heels. As a result, women who underwent foot-binding walked in a careful, cautious, and unsteady manner. Additionally a common male fantasy was that the unusual gait tended to strengthen the vaginal muscles. "When a Celestial takes into his hand a woman's foot, especially if it is very small, the effect upon him is precisely the same as is provoked in a European by a young and firm bosom..."[2] . In other words, men could get sexual excitement from women’s lotus feet. It's no wonder that men were so adamant about their wives having bound feet. In a traditional family in ancient China, wife should be responsible to behave well in terms of all the things that her husband ordered. Most men , regardless of his status or job, hoped his wife could stay at home to serve him well and have no touch with other men. If with a pair of lotus feet, women could hardly walk for a long time. Even the husband treated his wife badly, he would not worry about her escape because she could not run far away with the small feet[6]. The wife belonged to the husband’s family forever with the restriction of movement. So it is also a symbol of sexual difference in a family.A small pair of feet was up to the aesthetic standard of Chinese people at that time. It is difficult for us to understand the beauty of the bound feet, while the ancients hold the opposite view.“A well-bound, well shaped pair of dainty feet was a delight because most bound feet were not well bound with regard to proportion and angle. The principal thing, apart from perfect harmony of line, was “uprightness”so that the feet formed a perfect base for the woman’s body. “, which illustrates that a well-bound pair of feet can reflect the beauty of the woman[5].Theideal size of a well-bound foot foot was 3 inches and should be shaped like the bud of a lotus flower, full and round at the heel and coming to a thin point at the front. In order to achieve this length, the arch of the foot must be broken and all the toes, except the big toe, must be permanently bent toward the sole of the foot. The tiny pointed foot could slide easily into the lotus bud-shaped slippers. The smaller the shoes, the more desirable, sexier and marriageable the young girls would be to prospective husbands. For want of the perverted beauty, women endured pain and damage for nearly thousands of years.The Low Status of Female Behind the CustomThroughout the history of foot binding, it is not hard to see that under the historical background, women had to bind feet to gain a better social status. In pursuit of beauty, sex and a rich husband, the choice of binding feet means a particular life style. On one hand, they had to bear the heavy housework with a pair of impaired feet. On the other hand, since women were restricted from moving about, they had to be dependent on their husband which at last resulted in their secondary role. Meanwhile, many other unnecessary and overelaborate formalities along with foot binding greatly impeded the mental health of women. Most women had psychological closure and conservatism after long-term torture from the bound feet . Thus the common attitude was to be tolerant to the terrible practice.The primary influence of lotus feet is the hard life for women. The limited ability could not afford to do much heavy work. However, the backward productive force compelled women to do the same hard work like men. In such cases, women virtually suffered greater stresses than men. In the matter of productivity, female was obviously at an unfair disadvantage. Such disadvantage was reflected on the decay of her status. In other words, it made women live in the shadow of men who they must relied on in many aspects. Women needed to depend on their husbands due to their lack of income. The major duty left for most women was to carry on the family line and satisfy men in sexual needs.The whole family was supported merely by man. It was significant to women for once they were not capable to work independently, they would be deprived of much freedom and self-dignity. This went hand in hand with a hierarchical social order starting in the family with women being subservient to their husbands.Besides the financial disadvantage, the psychological inferiority cannot be ignored as well. As foot-binding was prevalent in the whole society. Especially a majority of men were fond of a pair of lotus feet. So women spared no efforts to cater for men’s demands. In a family, a wife usually thought what her husband thought, did what her husband liked to please him. So a lot of people including women took it for granted that women were and should be weak than men. Moreover, some women with extreme self-abasement even clung to the idea that weak and inferior image of a woman would be more charming rather than a super woman. There is no wrong forwomen to pursue beauty and grace. But no matter when, the cost should not be hurting themselves. There is a narration of a woman written in one of Hu Ye’s article:“Since men like lotus feet,we bind our feet as tightly as possible. The bindings were so tight that we could not walk as before.”[7]which reveals women’s miserable and tragic situation. If we think it over, the reason that women flattered and seduced men in such an irrational way is merely because they expected to improve their living conditions. They did not want to be trapped in poor lives anymore. The low status and unfair situation of female is apparently exposed.Ancient China was an autocratic and centralized feudal society. To enhance the highly advanced autocratic social system, any potential social and cultural factors that were in obedience to royal authority would be advocated. The absolute obedience under the autarchy requires not only the absolute royalty to the emperor, but also the unconditional conformance to the ruling class. The development of foot binding was deeply rooted in the Chinese feudal society. Furthermore, it is the inevitable consequence of patriarchal society. Owing to women’s physical limitation, the strange aesthetic standard in ancient times and lack of self-esteem, the women owned a declining status which was favorable to the developing tendency in patriarchal society. In fact, the long lasting foot-binding custom strengthened the foundation of patriarchal society. With the development of China and emancipation of mind, nowadays, women no longer suffer the disgusting custom and they live a free and independent life. It is important for female to strive for their deserved rights in the society and realize their values. Only when a woman breaks the barrier of discrimination and strengthen her ability can she have a higher social status and gain more respects from others. This is the ineffaceable significance of the foot binding left to us.Reference:[1]TQY The Bound Feet in Ancient China 2011-10-18[2]James A. Crites CHINESE FOOT BINDING 1995.10,25[3]Elizabeth DeHoff Foot Binding Traditions of Altering Feet in China About Style[4]Matt Schiavenza The Peculiar History of Foot Binding in China 2013.09.16[5]Wikipedia Foot binding updating 2014.01.02[6]裴亚红浅议“三寸金莲”陇东学院学报第15卷,第4 期2004.11[7]王美玲从缠足习俗看中国古代的女性角色2013年6月。