Cultural views on the midriff and navel vary significantly. In some cultures the navel is seen as sexually and culturally significant, and its exposure has been subject to a variety of cultural norms and taboos, … See more

Literature and philosophy
In the Hebrew Bible the Song of Songs emphasizes the navel as an important element of a woman's beauty. It contains imagery similar to … See more

Early times
Japan has long had a special regard for the navel. During the early Jōmon period in northern Japan, three small balls indicating the breasts … See more

In 2004, the President of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono spoke out against exposed navels, saying, "Indonesian women, who are … See more

The public exposure of the male and female midriff and bare navel has been taboo at times in Western cultures, being considered See more

Ancient times
While the West was relatively resistant to midriff-baring clothing until the 1980s, it has long been a fashion with Indian women. These women, especially those from Southern India, have traditionally worn See more

Ancient times
Sigiriya frescoes depict royal ladies wearing cloth draped as a dhoti, tied in a knot at the front and … See more