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Comparing Eastern Cultures I just finished reading the book “Snow Flower & the Secret Fan” by Lisa See. This book is set in 19th century China and depicts the stories of two women who were bound together at age 7 as “loatong” or “old sames” (in my words, bound together as sisters who were not related by blood). The story describes their custom, cultures and lives from age 7 until Lily (Snow Flower’s old same) passes away in her 90′s. This book provides a unique look into the custom and cultures of China and specifically Hunan county.This book illustrates how the Chinese women would have their feet bound usually at the age of six or seven so their feet would remain small and grow no bigger than three inches. It was also not unusual for many of them to be promised in an arrange marriage at that age as well. Many times their lives were spent around the other women of the family and the community. They would be available to serve and accomodate their men whether it was for feeding, making clothes, keeping house, having marital relations. Their position and status in life increased by the number of sons they had. These women also communicated with one another through a special secret language, “nu shu” which they created. They would pass their secret nu shu messages back and forth many times written inside the folds of their fans.Footbinding would typically start between ages 6 and 7. Mothers would prepare special foods which were believed to soften the bones in the foot and in the toes and feed these to their daughters prior to beginning the foot binding so the bones would break and crush more easily. Footbinding would start with the toes being pushed behind and under the sole of the foot. Then the feet would be tightly wrapped in bandages to prevent further growth. This was an excruitiating painful process which could take up to a year with a young girl being made to wear smaller and smaller shoes, bandages changed routinely and bound more tightly as well as the girl having to walk greater distances to heal her feet quickly. Many young girls would die during this process or develop serious infections or become crippled. But for those who successfully survived the foot binding and came out of it with 3 inch feet were considered more beautiful and thereby more marriagable.By comparison, the Saudi women continue to have arranged marriages. In some cases it can be that the marriages are arranged between families when a girl is still as young as 6 or 7 but typically the girl is now at least 17 or usually older.While thankfully the Saudi women have never experienced foot binding, they have their own unique experience mandated by the traditional custom of Saudi Arabia. They will wear the abaya and hijjab, choosing to cover and conceal their body and face. But by comparison, this is a much kinder act and tradition where one does not need to fear death such as with foot binding.It is also very much the man’s world in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi women while they do not have nu shu, they will gather in a majlis (ladies room or ladies lounge) and here they have their discussions never meant for a man’s ears. They also have their special bonds of friendship with other women which is typical of living in a society with much segregation.Sons are also raised with deference but I wish to note that having a daughter is not viewed with the same disdain as it has been in China. The Saudi culture and society is very generous and loving towards children, boys and girls alike. Although as the boys and girls become men and women there are very defined roles and expectations for each.I very much enjoyed reading Lisa See’s book, especially while I am living in another Eastern Culture with its own unique traditions. See’s book made me reflect on the cultures and traditions of Saudi and while there may be aspects of the Saudi culture which I may respect but not agree with, it also made me appreciate that the Saudi culture is more kind and tolerant of women than other Eastern cultures have been.If interested in learning more about See as an author and her books, visit www.lisasee.com 7:14 AM - 1 Comments – 0 Kudos – Add Comment – Edit - Remove |
Filed under: Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture
