We all know that every modern trend has its origins, and body piercing is no exception. It's a cultural practice with roots deep in our history. In this blog post, join me on a journey through the history of body piercing, from its ancient beginnings to its place in today's fashion and culture.
Historical and Cultural Origins of Piercing
Body piercing is as ancient as civilization itself and has been a big part of human culture across the world. Its origins go back to several ancient societies, where it served many purposes.
In ancient Egypt, body piercing went beyond aesthetic - it was a symbol of status and nobility. Ear and nose piercings were popular among the pharaohs and their families, signifying their high social standing. To emphasise their wealth and power, jewellery pieces made of precious metals and stones were often used.
In the Arctic regions of North America, among indigenous cultures (such as the Inuit) body piercing had a different meaning - here, it was often a rite of passage into adulthood (reminds me of my freshly 18 year old clients coming to get their nipples pierced). The piercing rituals were ceremonies that marked the transition from childhood to adulthood. They were full of spiritual significance and are a big part of their cultural heritage.
In Africa, piercing has been a widespread practice in many tribes and cultures. Unlike the status-driven piercings of ancient Egypt or the ritualistic piercings of the Arctic, African piercings had many meanings. They could symbolize a new stage of life, mark important life events, or simply serve as decoration. I think that this is the closest to the reasons we get pierced today.
In India, nose piercing has been a tradition dating back centuries and holds significant cultural and religious importance. We can often see Indian brides with a nose ring, often elaborately connected to the hair with a chain (for example in the stunning bridal look of Indian actress Priyanka Chopra). This practice, deeply rooted in Indian culture, highlights the role of body piercing in symbolizing marital status and enhancing beauty.
While these practices were started in their respective cultures, the fascination with body piercing gradually spread to the Western world, like most things did. Here it evolved to become a symbol of rebellion and individuality, contrasting with its historical roles in other cultures.
Today, as we look at body piercing it's important to note its origins. These practices were not just about aesthetics - they were, and in many cultures still are, powerful expressions of identity, status, spirituality, and transition. The modern popularity of body piercing owes much to these rich traditions, even as it has taken on new meanings and forms in our society.
The Evolution of Piercing in Western Culture
The story of body piercing as we know it today began in the 1960s and 1970s. During these decades, piercing started as a form of self-expression among various subcultures. The hippies of the 60s with their freedom and non-conformity, embraced body piercing as a symbol of rebellion against the conservative norms of the time. In this period the groundwork was laid for piercing to become a form of personal and political expression.
As we grooved into the 1970s, the punk movement emerged and they played a crucial role in popularizing body piercing. Punks adopted piercing as a visual representation of their defiance against societal norms. To them it wasn't just a fashion statement; it was a form of resistance, a physical manifestation of the punk anti-establishmentarianism. The extreme styles and placements of piercings among punks were intentionally provocative and challenged the conventional ideas of beauty.
A very important moment in the history of body piercing that I want to talk about is the opening of the first professional piercing studio. In 1978, Jim Ward founded The Gauntlet in West Hollywood, California. This was not just a shop - it was a way to bring body piercing from the underground to a more public and accessible realm. Jim Ward is often celebrated as the father of modern piercing, and his studio became a sanctuary for those seeking to express themselves through body art. (If you’re ever at my studio Pink Parlor you are welcome to flip through his book “Running The Gauntlet”)
In the 1980s and 1990s, body piercing moved away from it’s not-so-humble beginnings in specific subcultures and started appealing to a broader audience. The growing popularity of punk and metal music,
with band members and fans often sporting various piercings, played a major role in this shift.By the late 1990s and early 2000s, body piercing had successfully transitioned into the mainstream fashion world. In this period we saw an EXPLOSION of piercing in popular culture, with celebrities, models, and musicians showing off their pierced bodies. The fashion industry began integrating body piercings into its aesthetic, further normalizing and glamorizing it.
Celebrity Influence and Fashion Trends in Piercing
The influence of celebrities on fashion trends is undeniable, and when it comes to body piercing, their impact has been obvious. From music stars to actors, public figures have played a significant role in popularizing various types of piercings, making them more and more desirable.
Madonna and Marilyn Monroe, two of the most iconic figures in entertainment, have inspired popular facial piercings. The Madonna and Monroe piercings, named after them, mimic their famous beauty marks. Although what always bothered me is the historical inaccuracy - Monroe’s beauty mark was on her cheek, not her lip.
I also have to mention one of my favourite bands Aerosmith. Alicia Silverstone’s portrayal in the “Cryin’” music video, where she was shown getting a belly button ring, significantly contributed to the popularity of navel piercings. I read that after that video came out, everyone started looking for a place to get it done. That's why a lot of tattoo shops sta
rted offering piercings too!Scarlett Johansson has been into piercings for a while now. From her early days with eyebrow and septum piercings to her current sophisticated and curated ear projects. Her style has changed over the years, and her piercings have gone from bold to more classy and unique.
Films and TV shows have also played a role in popularizing piercings. The movie "Thirteen" featured tongue and navel piercings while "Freaky Friday" depicted a cartilage piercing scene (sadly, done with a gun, but it was 2003 so I will let it slide). These portrayals not
only reflect the piercing trends of their times but also influence the audience to “join the piercing cult”.As we wrap up our journey through the history of body piercing I hope that what you take away is that it’s more than just a trend. It's a timeless expression of culture and identity. From ancient rituals to the latest fashion statements, body piercing connects us with our past and lets us express our individuality in the present. Remember, every piercing you see or choose to get is a little piece of history, continuing to evolve and tell its story.