Piercing is a practice that has been present in various cultures and times for thousands of years. Throughout history, piercing has been used as a symbol of status, fashion, rebellion, and personal expression. In this article, we are going to explore the history of ear piercing and how it has evolved over the centuries. From Ancient Greece to the present day, piercing has been a popular form of personal expression and fashion. Below are different eras and historical moments where piercing has played a significant role.
Piercing in the Time of the Pharaohs
- The first written record of a piercing dates back to over 5000 years ago in ancient Egypt. During this time, pharaohs and queens wore earrings in the earlobes and nose as a symbol of wealth and power. The earrings were generally crafted from gold and precious stones, and represented social status.
- In ancient Greece, athletes used to pierce their ears to hang gold earrings while competing in the Olympic Games. The athletes believed that the earrings would bring them good luck and help them win.
Piercing in the Middle Ages
3.During the Middle Ages, only members of royalty and the nobility could afford the luxury of wearing earrings. Earrings were considered a symbol of status and wealth, and only the wealthiest people could afford to wear them.
Piercing in the Avant-Garde Era
4.In the 1890s, piercing became popular among avant-garde artists and writers, such as Oscar Wilde and Lord Byron. These artists and writers saw piercing as a form of rebellion against social norms and a way of personal expression
Piercing in the 1920s
5.During the 1920s, piercing became popular among young women and turned into a fashion trend. Young women started to pierce their earlobes and to wear larger and more striking earrings.
1920 photo, over 100 years ago, showing a beautiful woman with piercings.
Piercing in the 1950s
6.During the 1950s, piercing became popular among members of the rock 'n' roll and rockabilly subcultures. Musicians and rock fans began piercing their ears and wearing striking earrings as a form of personal expression and rebellion.
Piercing in the 1970s
7.In the 1970s, piercing became popular among members of the punk culture and became a symbol of rebellion. Punks began piercing their ears and wearing striking and provocative earrings as a form of rebellion against society and established norms.
Piercing in the 1990s
8.In the 1990s, piercing became popular among the youth and became a common fashion trend. Many people, regardless of their subculture, began piercing their ears and wearing earrings as a form of personal expression and fashion.
Piercing Today
9.Today, piercing has become even more popular and has become a common form of personal expression and fashion. Increasingly more people are choosing to pierce different parts of their bodies, not just the ears, and it has become a global and diverse trend.
10.Besides ears, there are different types of piercings in the nose, lip, tongue, eyebrows, etc., and each has its own history and meaning, with the reasons for getting one becoming increasingly diverse and varied.
Composition of ear piercings nowadays
In conclusion, piercing has been a practice present in different cultures and times for thousands of years. Throughout history, piercing has been used as a symbol of status, fashion, rebellion, and personal expression. From Ancient Greece to the present day, piercing has evolved and has become increasingly popular. It is now a common form of personal expression and fashion. Piercing has become a global and diverse trend, with a variety of options and reasons to get one. Piercing is a form of self-expression and customization, and it will continue to be a popular practice in the future.