Body Piercings Past and Present: Body Piercings Throughout Culture

Piercings have existed for ages, evolving significantly from ancient traditions to the edgy '80s. They've always held various meanings across cultures and generations. Today, piercings in Orlando are less about rebellion and more about expressing personal style and identity. Learn more about the history of body piercings and how they have influenced culture below.

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Cultural Piercings from the Past

Piercings have been an integral part of world culture, dating back to 5,000 years ago, when the first known body piercing was found on Ötzi the Iceman. Many cultures around the world, from Africa to India and the Polynesian Islands, used body modification and piercings for spiritual and societal reasons.

In ancient Egypt, body piercings symbolized wealth. Pharaohs and their families, who were treated like gods, often wore gold earrings and nose rings as symbols of their divine nature. Others in Egyptian society wore piercings for protective and medicinal purposes. Ancient Sumerians and Babylonians in Mesopotamia (the birthplace of civilization) circa 3,000 BCE honored their deities with body piercings. In ancient Rome, nipple, navel, and genital piercings signified wealth, military power, and social status.

Cultural Identity And Symbolism

Today, many cultures maintain ancient piercing traditions, such as the African Maasai tribe and Native Americans in the US. In the Indian tradition of Ayurveda, piercings are used for healing and protection, aiding in childbirth and reproduction. In the West, ear piercings showcased wealth and luxury with large diamonds and precious gems.

Rebellion and Self-Expression

People of all backgrounds embrace body piercings to enhance their personal style. They've long been associated with alternative lifestyles and subcultures. The rock and roll culture of the '70s and '80s made body piercings mainstream in the US and the West. Punk and rock movements allowed young adults to find community in body modification. In goth culture, nostril piercings and chains added a dark aesthetic. Body piercings gave people an outlet to stand out from societal norms and showcase their unique personalities.

Piercings Go Pop

In the 1990s and early 2000s, pop stars like Britney Spears, Beyoncé, and Rihanna popularized navel, nose, and upper lobe piercings. Bands like the Backstreet Boys and N*SYNC also popularized ear piercings for men, which had been predominantly worn by women. These pop icons made piercings officially part of conventional culture for all genders.

Piercings in the Future

Today, stars like Cynthia Erivo of Wicked sport numerous piercings. Body piercings are now more accepted in culture and the workplace, increasing the number of Millennials and Gen Zers with multiple piercings. Piercing trends like ear curation, constellation piercings, and dermal body art will continue to grow in popularity as people strive to be unique. Social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok allow more people than ever before to showcase their various piercings and inspire others. Sharing photos and videos of piercings creates a sense of community, making body modification an everyday occurrence.

Fine Ink Studios: Body Piercing in Orlando

Elevate your body art with a new piercing in Orlando at Fine Ink Studios. We have 20 locations throughout Central Florida and Tampa, from Four Corners to Altamonte Springs, so you're always near a Fine Ink Studio! Book your consultation today to be matched with an experienced body artist who will provide a safe and comfortable piercing experience in Orlando. While at our studio, you can shop from a wide range of Invictus piercing jewelry, an industry leader in creating hypoallergenic and surgical-grade jewelry.