What is the History of Piercing of Sense Organs?

Posted on May 15, 2008 in Latest News

One of the most popular trends of fashion is piercing. People love to flaunt their piercings as individual style and statement. In today’s context it not only adds to ones attitude but is considered chic too. But do you know the history of piercings goes hundreds and thousands of years back.

History of Nose Piercing-
Nose is considered to highlight the face, as it looks very attractive on any body. It is indeed one of the most prominent features of anybody’s face. It has a history of almost 4000 yrs. First nose piercing was recorded in the Middle East and is talked about in the Bible in Genesis 24:22. Here it is mentioned that Abraham had requested to search for a suitable bride for his son Isaac to his oldest faithful servant.
Thus Rebekah was found and she was gifted the “Golden Earring”. In Hebrew it is called as Shanf meaning” nose ring”. The practice is still followed among the tribes of Africa and the Middle East. The size of the ring symbolizes the wealth of the family. The groom to his bride, in their marriage, gifts this ring.

In India it came along with the Moghul in the 16th century. It is known as “phool”(stud) and “nath”(ring) is worn in the left nostril. But in the southern India the right nostril is pierced and sometimes even both. It is joined with the chain to enhance the look.

The left side spot is associated with the ancient Ayurveda and has to do with the female reproductive organs. It was considered that getting piercing done at the right nostril will
Will ease the pain at childbirth. Soon this trend caught the attention in the west and the hippies are the first one to sport them in the 1960’s. In the 1970’s it became a symbol of rebel against old-fashioned and traditional values and the Punk Movement adopted it.
The current scenario is different as it has more become socially acceptable and has more to do with style and statement. Many celebrities have got their nose pierced.

History of Tongue Piercing-
The tongue piercing was more of a ritual that was practiced by the prehistoric Aztecs, tribes of Northwest America and the Mayas of Central America. The tongue used to be pierced to propitiate gods by drawing blood. In the trance like state the priest used to communicate with the gods.
It is true that it is one of the most popular kinds of piercings. Even today it is considered outrageous and stimulating and is considered incredible for oral sex.

History of Ear lobe piercing-
These are the easiest parts of the body that can be pierced without much difficulty. The oldest records of earlobe piercings have been traced from a mummy, which is considered to be over 5000 years ago. It had its ears pierced with hole as big as 7-11mm in diameter.
It is even considered that ears were pierced for supernatural purposes.

The primeval tribes believed that wearing a metal could prevent the demons from entering the body through the ear. Hence they used to get their ears pierced and did wear a metallic ring in them. Sailors and pirates have believed to be having an ear pierced in order to improve their eyesight. In some societies it is done as ritual in puberty.

Ear piercings are common among men and women. History has records that in Elizabethan era the famous personalities used to sport golden earrings. Even in the roman times the ear piercings grew with the expansion of wealth and luxury.
 

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