What Is a Piercing?

A piercing is a form of body adornment in which the skin, the fat layer beneath it or cartilage is pierced and a piece of jewellery or a needle is placed in the opening. It can be done almost anywhere on the face, and piercings can also be worn on the navel, nipples and genital area.

In other words, a piercing means that almost any part of your body you like is pierced with a needle and fitted with jewellery suited to that area.

The history of piercing

Looking at the history of piercing, we can see it has been used from primitive societies through to modern ones. In primitive societies it was generally a sign of status; as societies modernised, it became an accessory that beautifies the body, and it has come down to us in that role.

With a meaning that reaches far back in history, piercing is today a decorative and cosmetic practice. Keeping pace with changing eras, it has served as an ornament for people in many parts of the world, and in its history it has stood for fertility, courage, aristocracy and nobility.

• Archaeological research finds traces of piercing as far back as 5,000 years ago.
• In Ancient Egypt, the wealthy, statesmen and pharaohs had their navels pierced.
• In Ancient Rome, piercing was a sign of courage, and soldiers had their chests pierced.
• In the Maya culture of South America, spiritual leaders had their tongues pierced.
• In Victorian England, nobles had their genitals and nipples pierced.

Today ear, tongue, navel and nose piercings remain widespread, and piercings are also done on the nipples, lip, eyebrow and genitals.

To see how it is done, read the piercing process; for choosing jewellery, see piercing materials.