BOXERS, SOCIETY OF THE. — To the numerous secret societies of China there was added after 1898 the so-called “Society of Good and Sincere Friends,” in Chinese “I huo t’oen,” which arose in reaction against the concessions of national territories to foreign powers. Since its members practiced gymnastics and boxing, the name I huo t’oen was translated as “Boxers” or pugilists. In 1900 they also took the name “Society of the Great Knife.”
Aspirants were initiated into the sect through a series of rites by which they claimed to achieve invulnerability. Once a member had given his name to the sect, it was impossible to withdraw without risking vengeance from the other affiliates. After the rebellion of 1900 (v. CHINA), the dispersed elements of the Boxers gave rise to the three sects of the Red Spears, the Yellow Spears, and the Hard Spears, among others.