National Piercing Day

National Piercing Day is an annual American holiday dedicated to the art of piercing. Piercing is a form of body art that involves creating holes in the body to which various types of jewelry, such as rings or studs, are attached. The holiday is celebrated on May 16 each year.

History

National Piercing Day was established in 2007, believed to be initiated by a group of piercing enthusiasts. Their collective passion for body art gave birth to this holiday.

However, the art of piercing dates back much further than many people might think. Historically, piercings have not always been a fashion statement or style choice. In various cultures, piercings hold symbolic meanings. For example, among some African peoples, piercings were used to signify belonging to a certain culture or belief. For shamans and spiritual leaders, piercings often had sacred significance, symbolizing their connection to spiritual realms.

Native Americans also practiced unique forms of piercings, often using jewelry made from animal bones.

Interesting Facts

• In modern tribes, piercings still often carry religious or cultural significance.
• Ear tunnels are only aesthetically pleasing when jewelry is in place. Without it, the ears have large holes. The largest ear tunnel measured 14 cm, and its owner later spent about $3,000 to restore his ears to their original state.
• The most common type of piercing, after ear piercings, is nose piercings.

How to Celebrate

Learn more about the different types of piercings available. If you’ve been considering body piercings, today is a great day to get one. Be sure to choose a reputable salon and ensure that all hygiene protocols are followed.

Share this holiday on social media. Ask others if they have piercings and encourage them to share photos of their body art.

When is National Piercing Day in 2025?

National Piercing Day is observed on May 16 each year.

Observations