Mia Zacatenco – Staff Writer

When a new generation of high school graduates approaches, so does the journey of self expression as they venture into their adult lives. Amongst this, one thing that attract, young adults who want to feel fashionable, have a sense of belonging, or express their identity is the art of body modification. Tattoos and piercings, in the last few decades, have become increasingly popular in the West, where different forms of body art are regarded as an accessory. However, there are several other cultures where body modification holds a significant origin that goes beyond adornment. One of the oldest and most similar to modern day practices of body art can be traced back to Ancient Egypt, where women were tattooed in order to represent fertility and protection during the childbirth. They often associated tattooing with Egyptian goddess Hathor, who represents love, beauty, music, dancing, and pleasure. Some piercings rituals were adopted in methods believed to be beneficial to survival, while some were done as a right-of-passage, symbolizing puberty or achievement. Several primitive tribes ranging from locations in Asia, Africa, and the Amazon also believed that the metal in piercings would serve as a form of protection, warding off demons or evil spirits. When we fast forward to today, in a contemporary age of body art, such origins have often lost their meaning, and in our own efforts to alter our appearance, we forget about the history that has paved the way for us to enjoy this form of individuality. Now, tattoos and piercings are not just an indicator of rebellion and otherness; they represent personal narratives, ideologies, associations, and passions. Body art exists for more than just aesthetics, it fuses tradition and modernity, creating a new understanding of beauty and identity. Whenever, if you decide, to go under the needle, think about the humans who did so before you, and what their journey was like.