Body piercing is a practice that spans centuries. Ötzi the Iceman has been the oldest example of ear piercings made over 5,000 years ago, until in 2020, researchers decided to re-examine the remains of a young man discovered in Tanzania's Olduvai Gorge. After examining his teeth and jawbone, they concluded that he most likely wore lip piercings. And it was 12,000 years ago. We can’t say that body piercing started as a display of art. It was a distinction of status and rank, a mark of belonging to a certain group or exclusion, or a manifestation of transition and transformation. Custom piercing jewelry is a means of exploring cultural heritage as well as a way to highlight personal style and make a statement.

Historical Perspectives and Cultural Contexts

Different cultures use special traditions to show who they are. Body modification practices is one way people do this; it’s one of the ways culture code is shaped. Piercing and custom body jewelry often showed that someone belonged to a certain group or wanted to stand out from the rest of society. A closer look at certain cultures shows just how meaningful these practices were.

A long time ago, Egyptians wore gold jewelry to show their social status and connection to their gods. Rich and powerful people had ear and belly piercings (that’s where custom navel rings came from) to show their high status and faith. Likewise, the Mayans and Aztecs pierced their tongues and ears as part of spiritual rituals. These piercings showed bravery, sacrifice, and a strong bond with their gods.

In many Asian cultures, piercings hold profound significance. Most likely, you’ve seen and have been fascinated by Hindu women's spiritual tattoos, bright and beautiful clothes, and nose piercings with stunning personalized body jewelry. It’s linked to marriage, children, and respect for the goddess Parvati. Moreover, Ayurvedic medicine says that piercing the left nostril is connected to the female reproductive organs, potentially easing menstrual discomfort and facilitating childbirth.

In Southeast Asia, namely in Thailand, people still follow extreme body piercing rituals during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival. Those who believe they have a direct connection with one of the gods can apply to have their cheeks pierced. However, this honor is not granted to anyone, as the jury considers the application of every volunteer.

In the past, Western societies were more conservative about piercings (although some sources indicate that custom nipple rings were already used during the Victorian era). But in the 1990s, piercings became a way for people to show they were different and didn’t want to follow the rules. It was a strong way to say, “This is who I am,” redefining cultural boundaries of identity and beauty. However, many media have tried to limit this body art to only fashion, ignoring other aspects. Today, piercing has become a popular and creative way to show personal style. Or even more, some tattoos or piercings reflect a person's life experience, spiritual journey, points of no return, or happy moments. A wonderful thing is that now we are lucky to use custom design services and craft any item, from ear pieces to custom belly rings.

Religious Influences: Belief as a Cultural Guide

Religion plays a vital role in shaping cultural norms, including how people view and treat their bodies. In many societies, religious teachings guide what is seen as respectful, sacred, or appropriate. Thus, for some, piercing holds deep spiritual meaning and is part of sacred rituals, while for others, it may be discouraged or even seen as a violation of the body’s purity.

For example, in many Indigenous religions, especially across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, piercings are used in rituals to mark important life stages, like entering adulthood, or to connect with spiritual forces.

On the other hand, some major religions take a more cautious view. In conservative branches of Christianity, everything beyond simple ear piercings is sometimes discouraged. This comes from the belief that the body is a temple and should not be altered without good reason. Similar ideas exist in traditional Judaism, where tattoos are forbidden, and piercing of any body part except ears is often avoided.

In today’s world, the freedom to choose how we express ourselves is a privilege. Whether you see the body as a work of art or as a creation of God, one thing is clear — every body is unique and beautiful. Olertis always supports the idea that jewelry should bring you joy and create lasting memories. We believe that you are the true creator, and we follow your vision.