The name for this particular style of philtrum piercing, positioned in the center groove of the upper lip, draws inspiration from the mythological Gorgon, Medusa. This figure, infamous for her petrifying gaze and snake-adorned head, lends a sense of mystique and captivating allure to the piercing’s nomenclature. The piercing’s placement, directly beneath the septum and above the upper lip, serves as a focal point, drawing attention to the center of the face, much like Medusa’s compelling and unforgettable presence.
The adoption of the name reflects a trend in body modification to associate certain procedures with powerful or evocative symbols. In this instance, the moniker creates a memorable and somewhat dramatic identity for the piercing. While the piercing itself carries no direct historical link to the Gorgon myth, the association provides a readily understood and visually potent reference point within the body modification community. The aesthetic impact of the piercing, emphasizing symmetry and facial features, likely contributed to its linkage with a figure known for striking beauty, albeit one intertwined with danger and transformation.
