Why did the Chinese emperor's concubines have maids supporting them every step of the way?

In the Chinese people's concept, the king's concubines all have noble status. Therefore, they are served attentively by servants, from meals, sleep, to makeup, and walking. When watching ancient Chinese films, the audience often sees the image of each concubine walking, with a palace maid beside her to support her. This image is familiar to the audience, but not everyone knows the reason behind it.

Concubines must have someone support them when walking to show their authority.

The first reason was because having a concubine with a servant beside her supporting her arm would show her authority and prestige. Gradually, this action became a way for concubines to show off their power.

In addition to expressing class and nobility, the aesthetics of ancient people also created this special walking habit. This originated from the foot binding custom of “Kim lien tam cuon” (meaning three-inch lotus heel) which was considered the standard for the beauty of Han women. To possess the desired feet, young girls had to accept the pain of foot binding with the concept that the smaller the foot, the more beautiful.

The scene of the concubine being supported by a palace maid while walking in the movie "Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace".

To please the emperor, many concubines accepted deformed feet. But because their feet were too small, they could not walk steadily like normal people. Therefore, concubines always needed a servant to be by their side to guide them every step.

During the Qing Dynasty, this foot binding custom was abolished, but the concubines' desire to be beautiful and perfect in the eyes of the emperor still existed, so they always liked to have servants follow and support them to show their elegance and grace.

Qing Dynasty concubines often wore Huabon shoes so they needed maids and eunuchs to support them to move easily.

In addition, it is necessary to mention that Qing Dynasty concubines often wore Flower Pot Shoes, also known as Ky Hai . This type of shoe has a wooden sole that resembles a flower pot, called Hoa Bon De . Noble women in the palace often wore shoes 13 cm high or higher, even young girls often wore shoes around 20 - 23 cm. The height of the shoe heel is proportional to social status.

These shoes were both high and difficult to walk in. If one moved too fast or encountered an obstacle, the wearer could easily trip and fall. Therefore, to maintain their image as a lady, concubines often needed maids and eunuchs to support them so they could move easily.

Concubines were always supported by maids when walking.

To maintain balance while wearing the strange shoes, concubines had to keep their backs straight and walk slowly and leisurely. If they were in a hurry, they could only take short steps. In addition, they often waved their arms back and forth to help their bodies maintain balance. To add a touch of elegance and femininity, concubines often carried a pretty handkerchief.

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Source: https://vtc.vn/vi-sao-phi-tan-cua-hoang-de-trung-quoc-moi-buoc-di-deu-co-cung-nu-do-tay-ar766386.html