History of Body Piercing

Body piercing is ancient tradition and it has been practiced by almost all cultures through the history. Nowadays body piercing is very popular in America, Western Europe and other countries. Do you know interesting historical facts about piercing? Here you'll find some that may be new for you.

Pierced mummified body was first found in the place of ancient Egypt. The body has large gauge plugs in the ears that date back more than 5000 years. It's known that even the members of royal family couldn't do definite types of body piercing which were restricted. And belly button piercing was allowed to the Pharaoh only. Ear jewelry was worn by Egyptians from higher class to display their wealth. If somebody broke the rules concerning piercing, he was executed. The Bible is also the source of information about piercing and this type of body modification was said to be a sign of status and attractiveness.

Pierced navels signified strength, virility and dedication to the Empire in ancient Rome. Julius Caesar also had his navels pierced. Make genital piercing was done for practical purpose- gladiators use the ring in the penis to tie its back to the testicles to prevent injuries in the combats.

Ancient tribes of American Indians, Maya and Aztecs used to do tongue piercing as a part of religious rituals and septum piercing was supposed to frighten the enemies. Lip labrets in jade or gold were believed to enhance the sexuality and show the attractiveness of the wearer. Women of South and Central Africa wore extremely large tusks and bones in their lips- it was considered attractive.

Piercing was restricted during Dark Ages by the church but it came back into fashion during the Renaissance. Sailors pierced one of the ears to show long-distant adventures. During Elizabethan era noble men used to have at least one ear pierced. Royal women had their nipples pierced and wore jewelry with chains connection two piercings. Delight, pleasure and beauty were main reasons for genital and nipple piercings in the upper crust of society in the Europe of that time. Prince Albert piercing became popular in the Victorian era because of the popularity of very tight pants. Victorian doctors even recommended nipple piercing to ease breast feeding and to increase the size of nipples.

During the first half of the 20th century there seemed to be no piercing at all and in the 1960s it was back mainly die to hippies and punks. Nowadays most types of body piercing jewelry are accepted by society and teens as well as adults go for various piercings.

We see that body piercing has a long history and the desire to make one's appearance more attractive by piercing is normal.