The History of Body Piercing - how it relates to Body Piercing Today

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.