Genesis 24 tells how the adventures of our foremother Rebekah began with a nose ring. One evening, when Rebekah went to draw water from the well outside of Aram-Naharaim, she saw a stranger standing with ten thirsty-looking camels.
The nose ring was worn mainly by village women. As the Jews migrated to the cities and were exposed to British culture, the nose ring disappeared.
Within the Christian community, there are debates around interpreting passages of the Bible to either allow or forbid body piercing. Some Christians who are against body piercing use the “Book of Leviticus” to support the view that body piercing is a sin, arguing that you “should never mark your body”.
Having a pierced nose has been a sacred ceremony in the Hindu religion. The tradition of wearing nose rings has been based on certain principles present in the Indian culture. Significance: Piercing on the nose results in reducing the distressing energy that has negative influence on our system.
The nose piercing was first documented in a Middle Eastern record 4,000 years ago. Since then, the practice has been documented in many cultures around the world, including Africa and Indigenous groups in South and Central America. The exact origin of piercing one's nose in South Asia is debated.
The Nez Perce call themselves Nimiipuu which means “The People.” The name nez percé (“pierced nose”) came from French Canadian fur traders in the 18th century, an erroneous identification as nose piercing was never practiced by the tribe.
In traditional Chinese medicine, emotional intelligence, intuition, and tenderness are all thought to be heightened by a left nostril piercing.
Catholic Teaching
In terms of moral guidance, the Church's teaching authority doesn't say anything explicitly about tattoos or body piercings. Neither practice is strictly prohibited, nor considered intrinsically evil.
This representation is certainly related to the symbolic force of the nasal appendage, not only a vector of diverse and variable odours but also a passage for the spirit and to the heart. The nose is therefore a significative element of relation, of contact and of expression.
In Hindu culture, the septum piercing is known as the "Nath" and is traditionally worn by yogis and ascetics. It is believed to represent detachment from material desires and a focus on spiritual growth. The piercing is also associated with the Hindu god Lord Shiva, who is often depicted wearing a septum piercing.
Abraham's servant gave Rebekah a nose ring to claim her as Isaac's bride (Genesis 24:22). Joseph received a signet ring from Pharoah as a symbol of authority (Genesis 41:42). Historians generally agree that Egyptians started the custom of using wedding bands for the purpose of marriage.
Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. “A gold ring” was a valuable piece of jewelry. “A pig's snout” was an extremely dirty part of a very unclean animal – according to Jewish Law. Such a valuable item stuck in an unclean pig's snout was a terrible waste of good jewelry.
Some Christians take issue with tattooing, upholding the Hebrew prohibition. The Hebrew prohibition is based on interpreting Leviticus 19:28—"Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you"—so as to prohibit tattoos. Interpretations of the passage vary, however.
“Nose piercing is acceptable for those of Indian origin such as Indian Muslims. However, for those whose cultures do not practice nose piercing, it is haram,” it read.
Many girls chose to wear the nose ring to symbolize their rebellion against society's traditional values. The piercing was a symbol of boldness, rebellion, and freedom of choice.
The skills of Mayans in jewelry making
Both men and women were known to wear much of the same jewelry with the exception of lip and nose plugs. Especially nose plugs and nose ornaments were reserved for men with a high social status.
breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul" (Genesis 2:7; compare Genesis 7:22); "My life is yet whole in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils" (Job 27:3).
In traditional Chinese medicine, the left side was believed to be the female side, and right the masculine side. Some people use this as a reason to choose their facial piercings on the left side for females or right side for males. However, in modern culture, there really isn't a male or female side.
Peace in Christ! The Church has never prohibited ear piercing and, in the Bible, there is no prohibition against the wearing of earrings and nose rings (cf. Ez 16:12).
There is nothing inherently immoral about a Catholic having a tattoo or a piercing.
Pope Francis: Tattoos could help connect priests with 'culture of the young' The pontiff says inkings can be used by young priests to spark conversations and provide information about a person. The Pope says people should not fear tattoos as they can help build communities.
Many people come in with a particular idea of how they would like their nose piercing to look and which side they want pierced. There is no right or wrong side of the nose to get a piercing, it is up to you. A good idea is to pick your best 'selfie side' of your face whether that be the left or right side!
However, the Vedas say that women should wear nose pin on the left side as it is connected to the reproductive system. There are lots of nerves close to the opening of the nostrils. Ayurveda states that these nerves are stimulated when the left side of the nose is pierced.
While some say that men should only have their noses pierced on the right and women on the left (and sometimes the other way round depending on who's telling you), there is in fact no real reason to choose one side over the other – it's all down to preference.