Most people think that the piercing body parts, outside of the ears, is simply a new trend perpetuated by celebrities seeking new ways of flaunting their wealth and thumbing their noses at the mainstream population. However, they couldn’t be more wrong. Body piercing dates back thousands of years and has a rather rich tradition in various cultures throughout the world. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular piercing trends and explore the history behind each one of them.
Ear Piercing
According to history, the oldest recorded mummy had pierced ears with large studs, which were likely in direct proportion to the gentleman’s wealth. That was a common practice within Egyptian nobility where both men and women pierced their ears. They generally wore elaborate, heavily enameled and bejeweled earrings that were decorated with carvings representing nature or telling stories of family history.
Ear piercing is even mentioned in the Bible where body jewelry was considered a mark of beauty as well as wealth and status. It was common for such jewelry to be given as a bridal gift or even as part of the bride’s dowry. The Romans considered ear piercing a sign of nobility, wealth, and stature. Oddly enough, however, more Roman men took part in the practice then did women.
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