The term ‘Body Modification’ is itself pretty scary and has negative implications for the ones who have no idea about what it is really about. Just like tattoos, people with any sort of body modification can be easily judged and put down by the ‘normal people out there. However, the truth is that body modification has been a part of our civilization since time being and rather than seeing it in the negative light, it was something to be proud of. In every human race, class, gender, and no matter what part of the world they belonged to, humans have experiences body modifications in one way or another. But, the reason for each set was always different. It could be anything from social status, wealth, and group distinction. Some also take part in it because of deeper significances related to spiritual or religious matters. For example, in ancient African cultures, when a rite was completed, it was denoted by putting scars all over the body by the elders of the group and endured by the young ones. The marks were rather a thing to be proud of than something which could be hidden from. On the other hand, some communities use modifications for beautification purposes. It is done by both genders according to different beauty standards that their community follows.

Now that we have briefed you about what and how body modifications work in our society, it is time to discuss how did it came to being and to what extent do people go for such changes.

Piercing

It is rather naive to say that piercing is something that came into existence more recently. As a fashion trend, yes, it might have but piercings have been a part of our culture for a long time. It also has had various significances, or meanings for different communities that came to light with legends, myths, and fables. Even the placements of the piercings were important. Nose piercing is one of the most common forms of body piercing and has existed for 4,000 years now. It started in the Middle East but continued in countries like India and the trend grew up in the 16th century and has spread all over the world today. You would be surprised to know that both nose and ear piercings have been discussed in the Bible (Genesis 24:22, Isaiah 3:21). Piercings on different parts of the body are now more common than it has ever been and is practiced rather unconventionally. Lip piercings in the form of enlarged piercings or huge disk-like objects are practices in countries like Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America as a form of beauty standard. The piercings are all rage these days even in the west too but the primary focus is beauty and aesthetics or following some kind of movement rather than any other religious, or cultural purposes.