Meaning of an Earring on a Man
If you are a man who wishes to get his ears pierced, it is understandable that you may not know which ear to pierce. Discussions about piercings on certain ears, which indicate a person's sexuality and so on, can be confusing. But don't worry, this article is here to help. Before and after getting your left ear pierced, we will provide you with all the information you need. It is important to note that wearing jewelry is often considered a women's affair, but there is nothing wrong with men choosing to accessorize their appearance.
What Does an Earring on a Man's Left Ear Mean?
Men wearing earrings has an interesting historical significance. In the past, these jewelry pieces were considered antiques worn only by a certain social class. In Egypt, men wore earrings to show their high status in society, while in Rome, it was the poor and lower classes who wore them to show their status. Later, soldiers and centurions would pierce their nipples and wear rings to symbolize courage.
However, in the 13th century, the Church banned any type of piercing, considering that humans should keep their bodies as God intended. Despite this, men continued to wear earrings, but this practice was often associated with a negative image and deemed inappropriate for men. Today, however, many men wear earrings simply as a fashion accessory, without any particular meaning. The choice of which ear to pierce is often based on personal preferences rather than cultural or historical norms.
In the past, piercings were considered acts of disobedience to God's will and were seen as a deformity. Despite this, certain castes like thieves allowed piercing as a sign of rebellion against the Church's charters. Pirates wore earrings to show their conquest of a ship. It was also customary to wear earrings during religious ceremonies. It was believed that wearing an earring could improve vision or prevent seasickness. If a sailor died at sea, earrings would help cover the cost of transporting his body back home. After their death, a single gold earring was often used to pay for their funeral. Jewelry and earrings were also popular targets of rebellion during the golden age of piracy. Many European countries, especially the United Kingdom, enacted sumptuary laws that dictated what one could wear and how one should live. Anyone refusing to obey these rules faced imprisonment or heavy fines.
Other groups believed that piercing the left ear had medicinal virtues and improved vision at sea. Gypsies considered a boy's earring on the left ear as a talisman that would protect the second child from the dire fates the eldest might face. Contemporary doctors still hold on to this belief. Earrings on the left ear were also seen as a sign that the man was a sailor.
Wearing an earring on the left ear had different meanings in various cultures. For Gypsies, this earring was considered a protective talisman for men. Conversely, Cossack men wore it as a decoration to indicate that they were the last living child of their parents or their only son, thus receiving special treatment.
Other societies and nations have also preserved this tradition, attributing different meanings or benefits to this practice.
What Does an Earring on a Man's Left Ear Mean Today?
The reasons why men wear earrings on the left ear are diverse. Some want to express their belonging to a specific religion or spiritual group, while others seek to reveal their sexuality. However, most men choose the left ear to assert their uniqueness. It is important to note that the interpretation of earrings on the left ear can vary across cultures. For example, the Chinese believe it brings bad luck and may even signify imminent death.
Some men simply find it a stylish option, and they wear earrings on the left ear to show their individuality or association with groups like bikers, for example. Or even to subcultures like Emo or Goths.