Pierced Through Time

The Fascinating History and Hidden Meanings of Body Piercings

- By J. Raksha Prasanya

Piercings may seem like a modern trend, but their story stretches far beyond current fashion runways and Tik Tok tutorials. In reality, body piercing is one of the oldest forms of body modification, rich with cultural, spiritual, and even political meaning. From ancient rituals to modern self-expression, piercings carry layers of surprising history and curious facts that often go unnoticed.

Historically, evidence of body piercing dates back thousands of years. The oldest known mummified body, Ötzi the Iceman, who lived around 3300 BCE, was found with ear piercings that had stretched lobes nearly 7 to 11 millimeters wide. This suggests that even over 5,000 years ago, humans were decorating their bodies not just for ornamentation, but perhaps as a symbol of identity, tribe, or status. In ancient Egypt, pharaohs were often buried with gold earrings, and it was customary for only royalty to have their navels pierced. In fact, in some interpretations of Egyptian history, navel piercings were so sacred that anyone not of royal blood who attempted to wear one could be punished.

Nose piercings also have deep roots, especially in South Asian cultures. In India, nose piercings are not only a beauty statement but often tied to tradition, particularly among women. Some believe it is connected to Ayurveda, where piercing the left nostril can help ease menstrual pain and childbirth.

These cultural meanings have endured over centuries, with nose rings still widely seen in weddings and festive ceremonies across many regions. In the Middle East, records show nose piercings were popular among nomadic tribes over 4,000 years ago, often indicating wealth and family status.