Portrait of Adèle Body piercing is a tradition that dates back thousands of years, spanning countless cultures and communities across the globe. Like any form of self-expression, the reasons for getting a body piercing are as unique as the people who have them. Over the centuries, reasons for body piercings have ranged from cultural and religious beliefs to creative expression and personal style. There’s no one “right” reason to get a piercing, especially because it’s a completely personal decision.