Navel Piercing

A navel (or belly button) piercing is fairly common in today’s society, but back in ancient times, it took being royalty to be worthy of having one. It is believed that ancient Egypt was the birthplace of navel piercing when Pharaohs pierced their navels as a rite of passage. Piercing and extravagant jewelry were signs of wealth, and in the case of the Pharaoh, power. The navel piercing was reserved solely for the Pharaoh, and any one found to be in violation of this reservation could be punished by execution. A mummy dating back approximately 5,000 years ago yields evidence that other forms of body piercing, such as piercing the ears, was practiced.

As the influences of popular culture expanded and belly button piercing were shown, the popularity of them catapulted. The growth of interest in the belly button piercing is said to be linked to popular culture icons such as Britney Spears, Alicia Silverstone, Madonna, and Beyonce, among a lengthy list of other female celebrities. The ease at which the piercing can be hidden or exposed appeal to people of varying ages. Clearly the belly button piercing has come a long way since the time of the Pharaohs, which may or may not be a good thing depending on whose parents you ask.

information: Wilkerson, L. < http://www.eslteachersboard.com/cgi-bin/stories/index.pl?read=119>

picture: http://historylink101.net/egypt_1/a-jewelry.htm