Piercings have a complex and diverse cultural history. They date back to more than 5,000 years ago, and one of the earliest types of piercings were nose piercings back in 1500 BCE, which are also some of the most popular piercings worn in modern day.
Nowadays, cultures across the world including African, Chilean, and Aboriginal cultures all have their own versions of cultural piercings. The piercings are performed to show hierarchy in tribes, with people of all ages participating.
Throughout the years, the meaning of some of these piercings have changed such as developing a stigma. Many adolescents now see piercings as a fashion statement.
History of Cultural Piercings
One of the earliest cultures known to have piercings were Niue people, starting in 900 A.D. Ceremonial haircuts and ear piercings were common traditions in order to bless Niue children for a successful life.
Niue tribes also had a gift-giving ceremony called “huki teliga.” This was done for first-born daughters while they were young, and they used a lemon thorn while placing a small coconut behind the earlobe. This ceremony was completed for boys too, but usually once they got a little older.
Nostril piercings were first documented in the Middle East around 4,000 years ago. Piercings like these were used to signify socio-political status as well. This means that if a person had a piercing, they were recognized with a higher social status.
Comparing Different Meanings
Back in when Farohs existed and piercings were done to symbolize “godliness”, piercings were associated with religious or ceremonial rites. Belly piercings were done by Egyptians to signify royalty. Septum piercings were done to symbolize a gladiator’s strength.
In the early 2000s, belly piercings became popular again when Brittany Spears was seen as a fashion icon and was one of the people to start the trend. Facial piercings are usually done for self-representation purposes.
How have piercings changed over the years?
Over the years, the meaning of piercings have changed. In some countries, piercings are used as cultural rites of passage instead of fashion statements. In many Hispanic countries in Central and South America, girls often have their ears pierced while they are infants to symbolize femininity. Many Americans get piercings because of fashion trends or to make a statement, but depending on where you go in the world, fashion trends differ.
Some countries have laws that prohibit piercings. For example, in North Korea, facial piercings are banned and seen as a symbol of rebellion against the government.
Conclusion
As society advances, the acceptance and meaning behind piercings continue to change. For example, lip and tongue piercings are becoming common for some women of certain demographics in Saudi Arabia; this would not be accepted a few years ago. Some cultures like these frown upon certain piercings because it can be seen as disrespectful.
Today, some Native American tribes use piercings to represent new beginnings. They rip through their piercings as a symbol of breaking through a new barrier.
