Three hundred years later, the great philosopher Xun Zi was born in "the hometown of embroidered shoes". Xun attached much importance to the local embroidery trade. In his famous bookXun Zi, he recorded the emerging popularity of the iron needle in embroidery, glorifying the embroidering needle from the viewpoint of a philosopher. He noted that apart from embroidery the needle can also promote the economic development and stability of a society. Even in neoteric times, local silk fabrics and embroidery were still well reputed both home and abroad. The local women began their embroidering careers at an early age, spending over 10 years on their embroidered matrimonial shoes. They did this to demonstrate their loyalty for love and their aspiration to happiness. Societal reforms also rendered the craft of embroidery as an important standard for appraising a girl as "clever and deft".
Colorful silky threads are used to embroider elaborate patterns on the shoe from heel to toe, and from the sole to the shoe padding.
The themes for shoe embroidery originate from daily life -- such as folk culture and folk customs -- and nature, including flowers and grass, birds and beasts, and theatrical figures.
The seemingly traditional embroidered shoes fall into different types: trendy, indoor and traditional. The most attractive aspect of embroidered shoes is their soft texture and comfort. As a result, embroidered shoes are back in vogue, especially among young people. The perfect combination of the fashion and tradition produce a truly unique product.
Many young people believe embroidered shoes add a touch of elegance to the modern woman without looking too conservative. And more than 20 ethnic groups still wear embroidered shoes as part of their characteristic dress. Embroidered shoes have become more than footwear these days -- they are one of the nation's cultural treasures.
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