Home > Asia > China > Related Images
INFANTICIDE PREVENTED
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
INFANTICIDE PREVENTED
Missionaries in China seek to end Chinese infanticide. For many Chinese, to bear female children is a thing to be ashamed of and many girls are buried alive Date: circa 1850
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23030986
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1850 Alive Ashamed Bear Buried Many Missionaries Prevented Seek Thing Infanticide
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Asia
> China
> Related Images
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> New Images August 2021
EDITORS COMMENTS
This poignant image captures a pivotal moment in the history of China's cultural evolution, as missionaries worked tirelessly to prevent the tragic practice of infanticide, particularly against female newborns. Circa 1850, in a time when bearing female children was considered a source of shame for many Chinese families, girls were often buried alive or abandoned. The photograph, sourced from Mary Evans Prints Online, depicts a missionary in China, likely from a Western country, holding a baby girl, her tiny form swaddled in clothes, as she looks up at her savior with hope and wonder. The missionary's compassionate gaze is filled with determination, as she vows to protect and care for this vulnerable life. Infanticide, a deeply rooted tradition in Chinese society, was driven by a preference for male heirs and the belief that girls were a financial burden. The practice was widespread, with estimates suggesting that as many as 10 million girls were killed during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The arrival of Western missionaries, who brought with them the values of Christianity and human rights, marked a turning point in the fight against this inhumane practice. Through their tireless efforts, these brave individuals not only saved countless lives but also began to shift the cultural narrative around the value of girls and women. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the transformative power of compassion, empathy, and the unwavering commitment to human dignity. It stands as a testament to the enduring impact of the missionaries' work in China and the progress that has been made in the fight for gender equality.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
