PIERCING HISTORY
Piercings have a rich history that dates back thousands of years and can be traced to various ancient cultures around the world. From ancient Egypt to modern-day counterculture movements, piercings have evolved to become a popular and widely accepted form of self-expression.
In ancient Egypt, piercings were worn by both men and women, and certain piercings were believed to have healing and protective properties. Nose rings, lip piercings, and earrings were common.
Piercings were a symbol of wealth and status in ancient Rome, where women commonly wore earrings and other jewelry. Roman soldiers would pierce their nipples as a sign of bravery.
In India, piercings have significant cultural and religious significance, especially for women. Nose piercings, known as "nath" or "mukhut," have been a tradition for centuries, believed to enhance beauty and represent marital status.
Native American tribes practiced piercings for aesthetic and spiritual reasons. Certain piercings were believed to connect individuals with their ancestors or channel spiritual energy.
During the Middle Ages, piercings were associated with religious and superstitious beliefs. Sailors often got ear piercings, believing that they would improve their eyesight and protect them from drowning.
In the modern era, piercings became popular among counterculture movements and subcultures as a form of self-expression. The punk and alternative scenes embraced body modifications, and piercings became more mainstream.
Today, piercings are widely accepted in many cultures and are viewed as a way to express personal style and individuality. From simple earlobe piercings to more complex body piercings, people continue to embrace this ancient tradition in new and creative ways.
Check out this article from EL PAIS: The cultural history of piercing: From stigma to high fashion...