Body piercing is a form of self-expression, identity and decoration that has been utilized for many centuries by diverse cultures throughout the world. While body piercing today has become a form of fashionable adornment, the different piercings carry a range of meanings and purposes that go beyond the aesthetic. Here is an exploration of the meanings of different body piercings and how they were used in early historical times.
What Is Body Piercing?
Primarily defined, body piercing effectively refers to the penetrating of soft body tissue as to insert jewelry. Piercings vary in size and placement, although they are generally done on the face, ears, nose, tongue, lips and nipples. Aside from the aesthetic, the purpose of body piercings is not just for decoration; it has a range of meanings that vary based on factors such as tradition, culture, origin and personal identity.
History of Body Piercing
Body piercing has been around for centuries, with evidence appearing in a variety of ancient civilizations including Egyptian, Mayan, Roman, Greek, African and Indian cultures. The piercing of body parts dates back to over 5,000 years ago, with the nose, ears and lip piercings thought to be the earliest forms.
The rituals and meanings that were tied to piercings in ancient times varied across cultures, with it often symbolizing positive qualities such as courage, strength, bravery and even warding off evil spirits. These piercings ranged from the extreme to the subtle, although there is evidence to show that piercings have long been used as a form of identification or for defining religious beliefs. For example, in ancient Greek culture, the Helix piercing was used as a sign of wealth, while in Hindu culture, the vertical labret is a symbol of the third eye.
Today, body piercings are still used as a form of identity but rarely in a spiritual or religious context. Instead, many piercings have adhered to a fashion trend and have a different set of meanings.
Different Types of Body Piercings
Modified ears, lips, noses and other body parts are now commonplace, with the following piercings the most popular:
Earlobe Piercing
The earlobe piercing is one of the oldest, most popular and least risky piercings, and has been around since ancient Egyptian times. Nowadays, it is done on both the upper and lower portion of the earlobe, with a basic lobe piercing taking approximately two to four months to heal.
Ear Cartilage Piercing
This type of ear piercing has been popular since the 1990s and refers to any piercing that is done on the higher cartilage of the ear, such as the Helix area. Typically, it takes four to six months for this piercing type to heal completely.
Nipple Piercing
Nipple piercings have been around for centuries, with evidence showing that tribal warriors often used them as a form of masculinity and protection. However, today nipple piercings have come to represent sensuality, with it taking four to six months for this piercing type to heal.
Nostril Piercing
Dating back to Bible times and popular in Indian culture, nostril piercings are one of the most widely recognized piercings. They often signify devotion or belonging to a certain culture, with this piercing type healing within two to four months.
Uvula Piercing
This type of piercing is perhaps the most extreme and uncommon, with the uvula referring to the projection of tissue that hangs at the back of the mouth. It is an intense practice and extreme commitment, as this piercing can take six to nine months to heal.
Naval Piercing
This piercing type has become popular in more recent years, with the naval being pierced as a symbol of transformation and rebirth. An outward sign of post-puberty change, naval piercing can take three to four months to heal.
Lip Piercing
Lip piercings can come in the form of Monroe, Labret, Angel Bites, Snake Bites and Medusa piercings. Each type represents a unique appearance and mouth expression, with the healing process for lip piercings taking four to six weeks.
Tongue Piercing
Tongue piercing has its roots in Native American and African culture, with it also known as couvrette, or ‘tooth of the throat’, referring to its spiritual purpose of protecting the soul from evil. Nowadays, it is a form of self-expression and can take up to six weeks to heal.
As demonstrated, body piercings come in a range of shapes and sizes with origins that are bound to culture, ritual and personal identity. Many piercings carry specific meanings, while others have taken on a fashionable tone and purpose. Ultimately, there is more to body piercing than the masking of beauty; it provides a tie to tradition, culture and purpose.
