A New Fashionable Trend at UFS Community- Nose Piercing

A sample of nose piercing 

She is standing  alone in an open sunlight, right in front of EXR hall with her hands stretched up to absorb the warmth of the sun-rays; a signal that it is still very cold though the winter has long passed. The reason was, she had just left the cold building following a test she wrote. Her colleagues were also busy on the other side complaining about how tough the test was. Nonetheless, she seemed not concentrating- this could be proved by the movement of her head, looking around as if she was lost. But she finally reconnected with her friends and she then started yelling out a few words at them. Suddenly a shiny golden ring glittered on her nose - a new trend at the University was observed.

Ananda Rajesh * an Indian girl at her mid 22 is amongst hundreds if not thousands of University of the Free State students who pierced her body more than twice on the nose. Something unusual but while walking around the campus, one would realize this as a new trend. Not only the upper part of the nose would be pierced and a small and extra beaming “earring” would be put in. Surprisingly, nowadays the middle front part that divides the nostrils can also be pierced; of what makes one shrink and shiver when imagining the amount of pain on that area of the nose.

However, this was not an exception with Rajesh who claimed her fear before she decided to get involved in the nose piercing act. In an interview with Rajesh, she explained that she first thought of inquiring from a cardiologist due to the mixture of love of the bodily piecing act and the fear of pain after.

As she was wondering about the post piecing repercussions that might occur after the piecing. Rajesh like many other students who firstly saw this trend from other people felt some edge to do it. All that happened was that, she got attracted to the splendid beauty that the majority of the girls who pieced were. “I definitely felt in love with it not knowing where it comes from and what it means,” said Rajesh.

As time goes by, “since I liked this trend, I started following it all over. I heard some students arguing about this subject matter (nose piercing) at Thakaneng Bridge and I felt so much compelled to listen carefully than judging any of those boys,” said Rajesh. It was in this debate where I first got the basic information such as its ancient history and the possible health hazards that could be posted by this practice. For instance “I heard from their conversation that nose piercing started way back in 1500 BC,” explained Rajesh.

Nevertheless, considering the beauty and how shiny girls with glittering rings on their noses were, all disadvantages that were highlighted were nothing. Rajesh continued to show that instead of fearing for good, “I felt more determined to make my research on the subject matter, to get the first-hand information about this practice,” said Rajesh. That is where the real spark of a need to acquire a deeper and better understanding of bodily piecing practice in general started. “Then, I never thought that at some stage in life nose piercing would be obligatory for me,” said Rajesh.

 As the University life rolled, “I had an Indian boyfriend who came from the family that has a background of body piercing,” said Rajesh. Furthermore, as she was probing further, she made a discovery that she also comes from an Indian tribe that believed in bodily piercing ritual. “We therefore both liked this practice and followed it up together to the point where I can simply and lightly share you that bodily piecing involves covenant and love rituals demonstrating true love at its worst,” she explained.  

         

“I went for nose piercing in February this year as it is a tradition in my culture- it serves as an identification,” she described. Rajesh is an Indian, and some studies points out that for centuries, people from many different cultures and countries have been piercing their bodies such as Egyptians, Indians Greeks, and Romans for decoration and cultural purposes, (Magazine -young women health: 2013:30).

Unlike many learners especially young females who have their bodies pierced, either on the nostril, tongue, lip and nipple, Rajesh further noted that her piercing is a sign of showing great importance in her group. “Even though I cannot elaborate more on the secret behind my nose piercing (due to the sensitivity of her culture), all I can tell is that it is very important to me, this nose ring is not just a mere ring but has a huge significance,” she described.

Asked on whether she can distinguish between many students she comes across on campus who have their noses pierced, Rajesh said lately body piercing seems to be a growing trend amongst young adults. “At University level, because of too much peer pressure and freedom enjoyed by learners, this is likely to trend much unlike to me who had no choice but to undergo it as part of my culture.” She said.

However, there are possible risks that one takes for body piercing, and they include infections that may be caused by bacteria, allergic reactions, bleeding and damage to the nerves or teeth. Another cause of problems from piercings is using the wrong kind of jewelry for the area pierced. If the jewelry is too large, it can actually cut off the blood supply to the tissue, causing swelling and pain.

Asked if she is aware of the influence and the amount of admiration she gets on campus. Boldly Rajesh did not hesitate to confess that she is very much aware. Adding that “ In a day I know very well that when I walk on campus, I must be commended by at least more than seven (7) women who admire me or be approached by five (5) men in love.

Besides, that Rajesh showed that even the local media is also following her, some want to feature her in their radio Programmes, while journalists wrote articles about her.