Facts About Piercing

Piercing has been around for thousands of years. The practice of piercing was an important part of many different cultures, from ancient eastern civilizations across to the west. Even the Bible mentions body piercings and describes their symbolic meaning of wealth, status, and power. Throughout history, body jewelry and piercings have been looked up to because of their unique position as representations of beauty and fortune.

In ancient Egyptian societies, ear and body piercings were signs of wealth. In some cases, only royalty was permitted to have certain body piercings and only the almighty Pharoah was allowed to pierce his navel. Beauty and fortune was emphasized by piercings and the many types of elaborate body jewelry.

The Romans also practiced various piercing acts in ancient times. However, in contrast to the Egyptians, Romans would pierce themselves only with a purpose. Many men pierced their nipples to symbolize power and strength. This nipple piercing was their emblem of honor and loyalty to the Roman Empire. Roman gladiators also practiced other types of body piercing for various reasons. They would pierce the head of their penis and insert a ring so that the penis could be tied back to their testicles during combat. They felt that this practical piercing prevented serious injuries.

The Aztecs, Mayans, and American Indians also practiced body piercings in ancient times. Tongue piercing, for example, was a most important religious ritual with the purpose of bringing them closer together with their gods. Among the Indian warrior tribes, septum piercing was also a common practice in an attempt to appear stronger and more frightening to their opposition.

Throughout Central and South America lip labrets were a common piercing used to appear more attractive and sexually stimulating. Various gems, stones, and figures would be used to enhance the level of beauty offered.

As time passed into the dark ages, certain religions began to declare piercings as evil and full of sin. And suddenly, the piercing phenomena ceased to exist in the western part of the world. This abolition of piercings lasted for several hundred years.

With the initiation of the Renaissance era, piercings once again began as a trend. Sailors began getting one ear pierced because they believed that this improved their vision. High society began with body piercings to advertise their nobility and wealth once again. By the late 1800’s, every Victorian woman who had any money would have their nipples pierced, as it was the fashionable, trendy thing to do.

Today, society has gotten extremely creative in the parts of the body that are popularly pierced. Fashion, trend, and personal statement are the main reasons people get pierced today. Celebrities often start the trends and teenagers, beach bums, typical moms, and just about anybody follows to make body piercing a successful industry in today’s modern society.