National Pierce Your Ears Day
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Overview
National Pierce Your Ears Day, observed annually on September 2nd, is a lighthearted occasion dedicated to the enduring practice and fashion statement of ear piercing. It encourages individuals to celebrate their existing piercings, consider getting new ones, or simply appreciate the diverse cultural and personal significance of ear jewelry. The day highlights ear piercing's long history as a form of adornment and self-expression across various societies worldwide.
Origin and story
The oldest evidence of ear piercing comes from Ötzi the Iceman, a mummy dating back over 5,300 years, who had a stretched earlobe piercing of 7-11 mm in diameter.
Historically, ear piercings in various cultures were sometimes believed to ward off evil spirits, improve eyesight, or signify social status.
Quick facts
- DateSeptember 2
- TypeCultural / community observance
- Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams
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Ways to celebrate
Ear piercing's oldest physical proof comes from a body found frozen in the Alps — and it wasn't a subtle look.
Meet the oldest known pierced ears
Ötzi the Iceman, discovered frozen in the Ötztal Alps in 1991 and dated to around 3300 BCE, had earlobes stretched to a diameter of 7-11 millimeters — the oldest confirmed physical evidence of ear piercing anywhere in the world.
Know it wasn't just one culture's idea
Gold earrings dating to around 2600 BCE have been found in the Royal Tombs of Ur in ancient Mesopotamia, worn by both men and women of Sumerian high society, while ancient Egyptians associated earrings with royalty and status starting in the New Kingdom period — suggesting the practice developed independently across multiple civilizations rather than spreading from one source.
Read the fuller history
Helpful resources:
Did you know?
Earrings were even found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun, confirming that ear piercing was practiced among Egyptian royalty more than 3,000 years ago.
Fun facts
- The oldest evidence of ear piercing comes from Ötzi the Iceman, a mummy dating back over 5,300 years, who had a stretched earlobe piercing of 7-11 mm in diameter.
- Historically, ear piercings in various cultures were sometimes believed to ward off evil spirits, improve eyesight, or signify social status.
- Ear piercing is one of the most widely accepted and common forms of body modification practiced across the globe today.
Sources and attribution
The History of Piercing (All That's Interesting)
External links may lead to third-party websites.
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FAQ
- When is National Pierce Your Ears Day?
- It is observed on September 2 each year.
- What is National Pierce Your Ears Day?
- National Pierce Your Ears Day, observed annually on September 2nd, is a lighthearted occasion dedicated to the enduring practice and fashion statement of ear piercing. It encourages individuals to celebrate their existing piercings, consider getting new ones, or simply appreciate the diverse cultural and personal significance of ear jewelry. The day highlights ear piercing's long history as a form of adornment and self-expression across various societies worldwide.
- How do people celebrate National Pierce Your Ears Day?
- Get your ears pierced or show off existing piercings, and consider Ötzi the Iceman — his stretched earlobes from around 3300 BCE are the oldest confirmed physical evidence of ear piercing in the world.
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