Origins and history of ear piercing
Teh practice of piercing the ear is found all over the world since ancient times, particularly in tribe culture. It is thought that ancient tribes, who believed that metal keeps evil spirits away, would pierce their ears so that demons could not possess them. Mummies with pierced ears have been found as well, including the oldest mummified body discovered to this day, the one of Ötzi the Iceman, which was found in an Austrian glacier. This mummy had ear piercing of a 7 to 11mm sized diameter. Until today, in many tribal cultures, men continue to wear ear piercing jewellery. In Borneo for example, ear piercing is practised on young boys during a ritual of puberty; Father and mother each pierce one ear, symbolising the new independence of the boy towards his parents.
The Holy Bible mentions earrings, concerning women as well as men. In Exodus-32, Aaron melts gold earrings in order to build a golden calf. However, ear piercing is also ordered for the slave who wishes not to be freed (Deuteronomy 15: 12-17).
During Roman Empire, it was more common for a man than for a woman to wear earrings, this behaviour having been introduced by Julius Caesar himself. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth in England, earrings were the symbol of a certain status of masculinity, with men like Shakespeare, Sir Wlater Raleigh and Francis Drake wearing them. It is also well know that sailors wore ear piercing jewellery, to be able to pay for a Christian funeral in case they would die at sea.
Ear piercing is without a doubt the most popular piercing, be it historically or geographically.