National Piercing Day

National Piercing Day: A Celebration of Art and Expression

National Piercing Day, observed annually on May 16, is a day dedicated to celebrating the art, history, and cultural significance of body piercings. This unofficial holiday encourages self-expression through piercings and promotes awareness of their historical and cultural importance across the globe.

Quick Facts

When is it? May 16
Tagged as: Art, Culture, Self-Expression
What’s the hashtag? #NationalPiercingDay
When was it founded? 2007
Who founded it? A group of piercing enthusiasts

History of National Piercing Day

The practice of body piercing dates back thousands of years, with evidence found in ancient Egyptian, Native American, and African cultures. Historically, piercings were used for spiritual purposes, rites of passage, or symbols of status. National Piercing Day was established in 2007 to celebrate this ancient tradition and its evolution into a modern form of self-expression. Today, it highlights the diversity of piercing styles and their cultural significance.

Timeline

5,000 years ago: Ear piercings found on mummified remains.
1500 BCE: Nose piercings appear in ancient cultures.
1980s: Piercings gain popularity in Western counterculture movements.
2007: National Piercing Day officially declared.
2012: The day gains traction online as a celebration of body art.

Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	May 16	Friday
2026	May 16	Saturday
2027	May 16	Sunday
2028	May 16	Tuesday
2029	May 16	Wednesday
2030	May 16	Thursday

Observed

National Piercing Day is celebrated by visiting piercing studios, sharing personal stories about piercings, and enjoying discounts offered by piercing shops. Enthusiasts also use social media to showcase their unique piercings and connect with others who share their passion.

Fun Facts About Piercing

Elaine Davidson holds the Guinness World Record with over 9,000 piercings.
The Maasai tribe in Kenya traditionally wears large lip piercings.
Approximately 80% of American women have pierced ears.
Piercings can have Ayurvedic healing benefits in some cultures.

Quiz

When is National Piercing Day celebrated?
(Answer: May 16)
Who holds the world record for the most piercings?
(Answer: Elaine Davidson)
In which year was National Piercing Day founded?
(Answer: 2007)

FAQs

Q: Is National Piercing Day an official holiday?
A: No, it is an unofficial holiday celebrated by piercing enthusiasts worldwide.

Q: Are there discounts available on this day?
A: Yes, many piercing shops offer special deals or discounts to customers on May 16.

Q: What is the significance of body piercings in history?
A: Body piercings have served as spiritual symbols, status markers, and forms of self-expression throughout history.

Importance of National Piercing Day

This day emphasizes the importance of individuality and self-expression while honoring the cultural roots of body piercing. It also encourages safe piercing practices and fosters a sense of community among enthusiasts.