Foot binding was a traditional Chinese practice that involved tightly wrapping the feet of young girls to alter their shape. This custom began during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and aimed to create small, delicate feet, which were considered a symbol of beauty and status. The process often caused severe pain and lifelong disabilities. The practice persisted for centuries, despite its harmful effects, and was associated with social and cultural expectations. It began to decline in the early 20th century as China modernized and women's rights movements gained momentum, ultimately leading to its ban in 1912.