Nose Piercing, No Thanks!

Nose piercing is very popular in India. Traditionally, the left nostril is pierced. According to some online research, the left side is chosen because it is the spot associated in Ayuvedra (Indian medicine) with the female reproductive organs, and the piercing is supposed to make childbirth easier and lessen period pain.

Miriam already has her nose pierced, but she had it done in Jerusalem, and it is on the right nostril. Kate and Brenna were considering having their noses pierced, and bought some jewelry earlier in their stay, in case they found a place that was able to do it hygienically.

Ama (Dr. Rani Bang) got word that some of the girls were interested in getting their noses pierced and arranged for her friend, the local goldsmith, to come to SEARCH and do it for whoever wanted it done. On last Thursday (7/1) afternoon, when the goldsmith came, we all marched over to the hospital to provide moral support as Kate got her nose pierced. By then, only she was certain that she wanted to do it. It was going to be done with a needle, not a piercing gun, and we were very much interested in watching this act of bravery!

Ama is very motherly and protective, always looking out for us. That is why she is called Ama by everyone at SEARCH. (Dr. Abhay Bang goes by Nyna). She was very excited to have her American interns get their noses pierced. Kate was the very first to go. She was nervous, but excited, and we all cheered her on. It went pretty quickly, and the goldsmith was able to fashion a decorative silver hoop with the metal he used to pierce the nose. I didn't get any pictures of the event, but we have some on the other girl's cameras.

After Kate, Sona sat down in the hot spot. Although she has lived in India her whole life she has never had her nose pierced and now seemed like the perfect opportunity. Bhagyashree, who does have her nose pierced, held her hand through the process.

When Sona was done, Ama started encouraging Brenna to get her nose pierced. At this point, Brenna was expressing that she no longer wanted it done. But Ama said, "Of course you do, why else would you have already bought jewelry for it in Chandrapur." As Brenna tried to resist, Ama put her arm around her shoulder and said "I'm your Ama, and your Ama knows you really want to do it." Kate started to help Brenna's case and ask her if she didn't want to do it because she truly did not want it anymore, or if she was just scared to do it. Ama replied, "She is just scared, I have seen this many times before." It was only because Brenna had expressed prior interest, that I was ok with the semi-pressuring coming from Ama. In the end, Brenna got her nose pierced as well and had an identical silver hoop.

I thought this was the end, but then Ama moved on to Marie. At this point, Amy ran out of the room. She no longer wanted to be around what she said was a very peer-pressured situation. I was more curious at watching the event, so I continued to stay. Marie said she had never thought about getting it done. Well she must have guts! Because in a matter of minutes, and Ama's smooth talking, Marie was getting her nose pierced! Halfway through the process, Miriam said to me "Aliza, if you don't want your nose pierced, I would leave now." I looked around the room. I was the only one left (Jessica had been working in the hospital this entire time and was not there) and I would surely be next in line for Ama's attention. I scooted out of there real fast!

In addition to never having desired a nose piercing, I knew that it would not be accepted by Ben or my family. Further, although Judaism has changed to accept body piercings, and in some societies even tattoos, I still wanted to adhere to traditional Jewish beliefs against piercings and tattoos. Even though Ama told Brenna she could remove it if she didn't like it, and I knew she would use this same line on me, I did not see the point of getting something that I was 100% sure I would remove once I was home. Therefore, I am glad that I left the room.

However, the four ladies that got their noses pierced that day look very lovely and I think they truly appreciate having had it done. They will have a great story to tell. Not only did they get their noses pierced in India, where nose piercing is most popular, but they had it done while holding hands with Dr. Rani Bang, who is an amazing woman and true pioneer in public health and womens' health.