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The History of Body Piercing - how it relates to Body Piercing
Today
For centuries different civilizations of mankind have sought out
ways to adorn their bodies. Body piercing has evolved as an art
form throughout the world. In many cultures various types of
body piercing is actually a rite of passage.
The tongue ring, which has become very popular over the last ten
years, is thought to have originated in the Mayan and Aztec
cultures. The Shamans would pierce the tongue of an individual
to enable them to speak with the gods. There a ritual involved
in this process, an altered state of consciousness occurred
because of the pain, but usually the Shaman provided some herbal
potions or drinks that would ease the pain and stimulate the
altered consciousness.
Nose rings and nose piercing is believed to have originated in
the Middle East several thousand years ago. Nose piercing is
even mentioned in the Bible. In some versions of the Bible the
original Hebrew word "Nezem" was used and translates as "nose
rings"
Nose Rings and earrings are again mentioned in Exodus 35:22 "And
they come in -- the men with the women -- every willing-hearted
one -- they have brought in nose-ring, and ear-ring, and
seal-ring, and necklace, all golden goods, even every one who
hath waved a wave-offering of gold to Jehovah." (Young's Literal
Translation))
Ear piercing has by far been the most popular and well accepted
form of body piercing. Scientists, who have studied the
mummified remains from Egyptian pyramids, have discovered ear
piercing. Having many ear piercings was often a symbol of status
or wealth. Sometimes the ear piercings were given as a coming of
age ritual and yet other piercings were an adornment to ward off
evil or to bring luck.
Some tribes in Africa pierce the lip and place a small disk in
the hole - this disk is gradually increased in size to stretch
the skin. The larger the disk, the higher the status of the
individual. If a young woman refuses to have her lip pierced,
she would not have been considered worthy to be married.
Today, many young people have various parts of their body
pierced, sometimes out of rebellion to their parents - but often
to express their individualism. They want to break the mold and
have people acknowledge them as a unique person. The most common
piercing is still the ear, but the popularity of having a nose
piercing or tongue piercing is becoming more popular. There are
also those individuals who choose to express themselves by have
more private parts of their anatomy pierced, or have nipple
piercings.
Body piercing is a great way of expressing yourself. Whether you
choose a more conservative approach and only get one piercing -
or choose to have multiple piercings be sure to give
consideration on the long term impact. Some people have some
predetermined ideas about what type of person gets piercings.
Some companies have regulations in place as to whether they will
allow their employees to have piercings or wheat type of
piercing is allowed. Before getting any piercing - give careful
contemplation to the long term effect on your life.
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