Being barefoot in public is generally tolerated. Another sport where bare feet for kids are compulsory is 'tou trek' or tug of war, sometimes school play and sports days barefeet are compulsory. Some South African schools have sport uniforms where bare feet are compulsory, such as primary school rugby. In many schools, the dress codes either encourage children to attend school barefoot or prefer children to attend school barefoot, especially in the summer months. The National Guidelines on School Uniform list shoes as an optional item while the Draft Guidelines state 'Pupils, especially in lower grades, should also be permitted to attend without shoes in hot weather'. In South Africa barefoot walking in public is part of the predominantly white Afrikaans-speaking culture, although English speaking people also often walk barefoot in public, especially in the summer months and in cities such as Cape Town. In 2014, Air New Zealand was subject of critical attention after allegedly forcing a customer to wear shoes. In 2012, a travel writer for The New York Times wrote the number of New Zealanders barefoot in public, including shops was 'striking'. Indians also traditionally sit on the floor when eating meals as opposed to at a dining table, which would normally entail taking off footwear. For example, it is customary to remove footwear when entering a home or a temple so as shoes are considered impure. In Indian culture, in many an instance, being barefoot has a cultural significance. In many branches of Romani culture across the world, it is traditional for women to dance barefoot. Ĭhristian congregations of men and women that go entirely barefoot or wear sandals include the Discalced, like the Discalced Carmelites (1568), the Feuillants ( Cistercians, 1575), the Trinitarians (1594), the Mercedarians (1604), and the Passionists. During the Imperial Japanese period, removing one's shoes in the presence of a person of higher status was a sign of showing one's own humility, subordination, and respect towards their status. Bush and Pope John Paul II paid him this honor. It is customary to show one's respect by walking barefoot around Raj Ghat, the monument to Mahatma Gandhi. In a similar manner, Hindus show love and respect to a guru by touching his bare feet (called pranam). Roman Catholics show their respect and humility for the Pope by kissing his feet. Christians who practice foot washing today do so to bring them closer to Jesus and to fill them with a sense of humility and service. įoot washing, or ceremonial washing of others' feet, is associated with humility in Christianity, and Jesus Christ is recorded in the New Testament as washing the feet of his disciples to serve them during the Last Supper. Put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest holy ground ( Exodus 3:5).Īnyone entering a mosque or a Hindu temple, including a visitor, is expected to remove his or her shoes racks for the storage of shoes are usually provided at the entrance. For example, in the Book of Exodus, Moses was instructed to remove his shoes before approaching the burning bush: In many religions, it is common to remove shoes when entering a place considered holy. Some Christian churches practice barefoot pilgrimage traditions, such as the ascent of Croagh Patrick in Ireland at night while barefoot. It is customary in Judaism and some Christian denominations to go barefoot while mourning.

Going barefoot generally symbolizes poverty. Some religious practitioners have taken a vow of Gospel poverty, while there are certain convents where going barefoot is obligatory ( Convent of Las Descalzas Reales, Poor Clares, Colettine Poor Clares). In most religions, the exposure of bare feet is regarded as a sign of humility and subjection. It was first used in the early 20th century Religious aspects The phrase barefoot and pregnant is now used to illustrate a woman's traditional role as a homemaker and thus her lack of opportunities to socialize or to have a career outside of the home.

ĭuring the Middle Ages, going barefoot was seen as a mark of poverty and the lowest social class, as well as being the mark of a prisoner. Roman clothing explicitly including footwear was seen as a sign of power and as a necessity of living in a civilized world accordingly slaves usually were to remain barefoot. The Romans, who eventually conquered the Greeks and adopted many aspects of their culture, did not adopt the Greek perception of footwear and clothing. Monks line up barefoot to accept their late morning meal offered by donors.Īthletes in the Ancient Olympic Games participated barefoot and generally unclothed.

Buddhist monks in Mahagandhayon Monastery ( Amarapura, Myanmar).

Barefoot writer