Extreme body piercing (or modification) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Extreme body piercing (or modification) - Essay Example It was believed that the pharaohs of Egypt were the only one who could pierce their naval and anyone else doing so was punished by death penalty. In the Roman Empire, soldiers and other people got their nipples pierced to show their loyalty towards their king. Julius Caesar also wore nipple ring to show his prowess and his alliance with his soldiers. The nipple ring was a strong link which united the roman soldiers. It was also considered a macho sign signifying vigour and potency. The African and some south Asian tribes have very bizarre traditions and rituals of piercing objects in their body parts as part of their religious ceremonies. Extreme body piercing has often been treated as an expression of penitence in many religious practices of African and South American tribes. Tongue piercing was practiced as an appeasement to God so that His blessings could be obtained for their tribes and general welfare. In ancient Aztecs ‘Aztec and Maya were known for their skills as great warriors and they indulged in septum piercing so that they seemed more ferocious to their enemies’ (internet). In the late sixties, piercing became popular in the west when the hippies started piercing their nose, ears and naval and adorning them with jewelleries. Later the members of gay communities pierced their one ear and started wearing earrings as a way of declaring their sexual preference. This was followed by punk cultures of the seventies for whom piercing their body parts and wearing jewellery was seen as a sign of rebellion. The punks took the body piercing from the conventional to the extreme by piercing their tongues, cheeks and other body parts. Today, piercing of body parts has become a popular way of flaunting not only their bodies but their intent of purpose of declaring their bizarre sexual preferences and profound body experiences bordering on obsession. Body