Piercings have been around since before Biblical times and even earlier. Piercings have a very interesting and extensive history. Piercing methods have been used for a long time. There are many different types of piercings that a person can get. The purpose of this article is to inform the reader about the history of piercings, the most popular types of piercings, modern piercings, and facts about piercings. Piercings originated in the Middle East about 4,000 years ago. The first known form of piercing was the nose piercing. The Mughal emperors brought body piercing to India in the 16th century. Ayurveda, which is a traditional medicinal practice originating from India, believed that piercing a woman's left nostril acts like acupuncture to relieve the pain of childbirth (Painful Pleasures Inc.). The art of body piercing was also practiced in some parts of Africa. The size of the nose ring in African tribes indicated the wealth of the family. After marriage, the husband gave his wife a nose ring, which served as a guarantee in case of divorce. In ancient times, piercings also denoted socio-political status. Piercings mainly represented a kind of social status. Septum and nipple piercings were a sign of the strength and power of a Roman gladiator. Figures like the Pharaoh were the only ones who were allowed to have their navels pierced, to show their divine status. The Bible also mentions piercings. Body jewelry was a symbol of wealth and beauty in the Old Testament. Back then anyone with low social status and a piercing was punished or even executed (WATConsult). There are many different types of piercings. The most common types are ear piercing, nose piercing and lip piercing. The n... middle of paper... n...n piercing a person can get. This article has informed the reader about the history of piercings, popular types of piercings, modern piercings, and facts about piercings. Works Cited Guiness World Records Limited. Guiness World Records 2014. London: Guiness World Records, 2013. Print.Martell, Arlene. How body piercing works: the details of this cutting-edge process. August 25, 2008. Web. February 9, 2014. National Conference of State Legislatures. Tattoos and piercings for minors. 2012. Network. February 10, 2014.Northwestern University. Piercing statistics. January 1, 2014. Web. February 10, 2014. Painful Pleasures Inc. History of Piercings. 2013. Web. 9 February 2014. Piercing types. A list of the different types of piercings. 2012. Network. 9 February 2014. WATConsulto. How did piercings evolve? 2014. Web. 9 February 2014.