Body piercings have been the object of much controversy — besides being an artistic expression and a celebration of one’s physical endowments. The belly ring is such a piece of jewelry.
In times of old, body piercings were treated differently, depending on the culture. As most body piercings had ritual or ceremonial value, many cultures prohibited specific types of body piercing that were purely for the sake of adornment. The warriors of old Central and South American civilizations sported body piercings, specifically in the nose area, in order to appear more intimidating to their enemies. On the other hand, lip piercings and decorations were meant to enhance attractiveness, especially among women of the day and age.
And while body piercings were more or less common in ancient Egypt, the ancient Egyptian pharaohs actually appropriated specific types of piercings. For example, no one BUT members of the royal family should wear a belly ring, on pain of death! Talk about the price of vanity.
Nowadays there is still some stigma associated with body piercings, especially among young women. It may be true that piercing is not always a safe practice,...