Gold Belly Rings
History Of Gold Belly Rings
Gold belly rings, or all navel rings in general have been around throughout much of the world’s history. They of course haven’t become very mainstream until recently, but in the past members of ancient civilizations used to wear them frequently. If you wear navel rings habitually, then be proud that you are helping to continue a very old tradition that has existed for thousands of years.
Navel rings are one of the most popular types of body jewelry worn throughout history. Modern history has documented that gold belly rings have been around since at least the time of the Aztec civilization, and since then they have been worn in many different societies. They were especially popular among the ancient Egyptians and Incas. But back then, gold belly rings weren’t worn just for looks. They often were a symbol of status or power. Sometimes they even meant that the wearer was a great warrior, or had a strong connection to god. Not only were belly rings a sign of power though, but they were also sometimes used in coming of age ceremonies in Africa, and still are. Obviously there is a fairly big history of navel rings’ importance in ancient societies.
Today, there really is no meaning involved with wearing gold belly rings. Not only have they lost their symbology, but modern society has transformed them simply into a fashion statement. Before the punk era, the only part of the body that was frequently pierced was the earlobe. When the punk scene began to form in the past 20-30 years, many members of it began to get piercings on all different places on their bodies. These unconventional piercings began as an attribute of a counter culture, but quickly became somewhat mainstream. The one main event that really caused gold belly rings to become noticed was when the model Christy Turlington walked down a runway while wearing one at a fashion show in London. After this event navel rings became a fairly prominent fashion statement. They became even more popular when Alicia Silverstone was shown wearing one in a 1993 Aerosmith music video. Ever since then belly piercings have been a part of popular culture.
Navel piercings have become part of the culture of today’s youth thanks mainly to prominent artists and models flaunting them and starting trends. But even before this, it is clear that they performed an important function in early societies, oftentimes without anything to do with the look of the belly rings. Anyone who wears gold belly rings today should not only be proud of the way they look, but also the rich history behind them.