If you have done any kind of research into getting a nose ring, you may have heard some stories or rumors about it being a sign of sexuality. In this case, you may be wondering if there is any truth to this.
Here, you can take a closer look at the meaning behind a nose ring and whether or not this adornment is the right option for you!
Is There a Sexual Meaning Behind a Nose Ring?
The original interpretation of a nose ring was that it indicated a married woman – however, in the West, the nose ring has been adopted as a sign of queer identity and can be a marker of sexual identity – it can have no meaning beyond a fashion statement as well.
Understanding the Original Meaning of Nose Piercings
The nose ring has long and rich history – it is believed that the tradition began in Africa and the Middle East before moving onto India. It is now largely associated with the subcontinent.
In India, the nose ring can be associated with sexuality, but only in the way to indicate that a young woman has achieved sexual maturity. It can also be used to signify virginity. This piercing is typically only given to women who are about to be married.
The piercing takes place in the presence of other female members of the family. On a woman’s wedding day, she wears a large nose ring that is linked by a chain to other jewelry. This is a sign of devotion to Parvati, the goddess of marriage.
For this purpose, the nose ring is typically placed in the right nostril. Some people do believe that having the piercing in the left nostril can help to cure or alleviate menstrual ailments. This is typically done in older women, however.
The Co-opting of the Nose Ring by the LGBTQIA+ Community
Over the years, the nose ring began appearing in Western cultures. Here, it was seen as a bohemian accessory – a symbol of living freely and against societal norms.
This is probably one of the reasons that the nose ring was coopted by the LGBTQIA+ community. Both queer women and men as well as non-binary individuals began increasingly wearing nose rings. Thus, some people assumed that it was a signal for somebody’s sexual identity.
In particular, some people assumed that wearing a nose ring in one nostril over the other indicated their sexuality.
Now, at one point in history, this may have been true. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community had to be careful of who they revealed themselves to as the punishment could be imprisonment or even worse. In very strict countries today, this code may still be upheld.
For the most part, though, this isn’t true any longer as most people will not identify their sexuality in such a manner. Of course, there are many people who may associate their piercings or even body art with their queer identity.
Is a Man Wearing a Nose Ring a Sign of Queer Identity?
Traditionally, a nose ring has been a female adornment. Thus, a man wearing a nose ring was seen as an indicator of femininity and, as such, they were presumed to be queer.
Of course, such notions are now a thing of the past and you are just as likely to find a man wearing a nose ring as a women. Due to this, it can be difficult to judge a man’s sexuality solely based on
What Would It Mean If I Got a Nose Ring?
It doesn’t matter if you want to advertise your sexuality or not, getting a nose ring – in either nostril won’t mean something. This is especially true as this piercing is becoming increasingly popular around the world.
Most people will either see it as an accessory. You are far more likely to be mistaken for an artist or a similarly creative individual rather than people assuming that you are a member on f the LGBTQIA+ community.
At the same time, if you do want to wear a nose ring as a sign of sexuality, you absolutely can. You should automatically imagine that people are going to consider it a symbol of your sexuality, however.
Does a Nose Ring Indicate Sexuality?
No, a nose ring doesn’t indicate sexuality – it is typically worn by South Asian women as a sign of marriage but it can be considered a fashion statement or even be used as an identifier of sexuality, depending on the individual.
