Why Did Pirates Wear Earrings?
It's a question that has intrigued historians and treasure hunters alike for centuries, but why did these seafaring raiders adorn themselves with such jewelry? Was it simply to look intimidating or was there something more behind their choice of body ornamentation? The answer may surprise you.
Earrings have been worn by sailors, warriors, adventurers and rogues throughout history - from ancient Vikings to the most notorious buccaneers of the Caribbean. So what types of pirate-inspired earrings can we find today-- and where is the best place to buy them if we want an authentic looking piece of jewelry with some real swashbuckling style? Let's explore this intriguing topic further as we delve into why did pirates wear earrings in search for answers.
Why Pirates Wore Earrings
Pirates have long been associated with earrings, and for good reason. During the Golden Age of Piracy, which lasted from the late 17th century to the early 18th century, many pirates were known to wear earrings. This was not just a myth, as it is widely documented in historical accounts and artwork, including Howard Pyle's famous illustrations of pirates.
While some pirates may have worn earrings for personal style or to display their wealth through jewelry, there were also superstitious reasons for this practice. Many sailors believed that wearing an earring, particularly a gold one, would improve their eyesight and would not drowned at sea, which was important for them navigating the high seas.
Additionally, it was believed that wearing an earring would ensure that the wearer received a proper burial on foreign soil, as it was thought that gold earrings could be sold to pay for a sailor's funeral expenses. This was particularly important for pirates, who were often viewed as criminals by the ruling class and may not have been given a proper burial in their home port.
While the myth of pirates wearing eye patches is also popularized in modern popular culture, the historical record is less clear on this point. However, it is clear that earrings, along with other jewelry, were a common accessory for many pirates during the Golden Age of Piracy.
Historical Context
In the days of piracy, it was common practice to pierce one's ears as a sign of wealth or status. This is because gold and silver jewelry was expensive at the time, so having an earring indicated that you had money to spare on such luxuries. Pirates also used earrings as a form of currency; if they needed supplies while out at sea, they could trade their jewelry for goods or services from merchants in port towns.
Pirates in the 17th and 18th centuries wore earrings for both practical and symbolic purposes. Practically, they served as a sign of wealth or status and could be used as currency to purchase supplies while out at sea. Symbolically, it also offered superstitious protection, too.
Symbolism of the Earring
For some pirates, wearing an earring symbolized their commitment to living life on their own terms—free from society’s rules and regulations — and showed that they weren't afraid to flaunt conventionality when it suited them.
Additionally, many believed that wearing an earring would bring them luck or protection against evil spirits while sailing across treacherous waters; this superstition likely originated from ancient sailors who wore charms around their necks for similar reasons.
Types of Pirate-Inspired Earrings
Gold and silver earrings were prized possessions that pirates often acquired through plundering merchant ships or trading with other pirates. Earrings were typically worn in the earlobes, but some pirates also pierced other parts of their ears to accommodate larger gold hoop earrings or other elaborate designs.
Hoop Earrings
The hoop earrings are a classic pirate-inspired look that has been around for centuries. They come in many shapes and sizes, from small statement pieces to big hoop earrings. Hoops can be made of many materials and they often feature decorative elements such as beads or charms. These earrings are great for everyday wear and can easily transition from day to night looks.
Dangle Earrings
The hoop earrings with dangles are a fun way to show off your love of pirates without going overboard (pun intended). For those with stretched ears, dangle plugs also serve as a nice alternative. These styles typically feature multiple charms hanging from one post, which adds dimension to any outfit. Popular choices include skulls, anchors, swords, coins and more - all symbols associated with piracy.
Gold Hoop Nose Rings
As an alternative body jewelry option, hoop nose rings made from precious metals also became a way for self expression for those young sailors not wanting to opt for an eye patch. Still even today, the style lives on and is commonplace though at one point of time it was an oddity when seeing it for the first time as the pirates arrived on foreign soil.
Gold hoop earrings were particularly popular among pirates, who often wore a single gold earring as a symbol of their wealth and status. This tradition of wearing pirate earrings continued well into the 19th century and was not limited to the Caribbean or the Atlantic.
Even sailors rounding Cape Horn in South America were known to sport gold hoops in their ears as a sign of their bravery and seamanship. Overall, pirate earrings were not just a fashion statement, but a practical accessory that served multiple purposes for pirates during the Golden Age of Piracy.
Where to Find Pirate-Inspired Jewelry?
From superstition to fashion, if you’re looking for pirate-inspired jewelry that is modern and stylish, look no further than PlugYourHoles.com. Offering an array of stretched ear jewelry and septum jewelry inspired by various styles from all over the world, you can find the perfect piece of jewelry because you'll discover it all online.
Pirates wearing earrings has been known for centuries, and the gold hoop earring continues to be a popular fashion statement today. Whether you're looking for classic hoop earrings or something more unique like an anchor-shaped design, PlugYourHoles.com has the perfect selection of pirate-inspired jewelry to complete your look.