Why did pirates wear earrings in their ears? Why did pirates wear earrings in their ears? Which ear do pirates wear earrings in?

While pirates have a reputation for being bloodthirsty criminals, they are also known for being flamboyant fashionistas. This is exactly the image one can imagine from popular culture. Traditionally, these are middle-aged people wearing bandanas and wide-brimmed hats. And there is one essential accessory that Jack Sparrow and Captain Morgan sported: a gold earring.

Whether it is a myth based on some truth, or truth surrounded by myth, swashbuckling seafarers and their earrings are now inextricably linked. Even hundreds of years later, it is not possible to separate the pirates from their treasures as well.

Feature films and authoritative historical sources provide evidence of pirates wearing earrings. This custom was borrowed from the peoples of the Mediterranean. Researchers are considering various versions of following this tradition.

Safety insurance

The activity of a pirate is full of dangers encountered during voyage. Naval battles and diseases significantly shortened life expectancy. Everything that was mined was spent on land in taverns and in gambling. Burying the treasure also did not serve as a guarantee of safety, since the pirate might not return for it.

Guided by these circumstances, the pirates carried their property on themselves. To do this, a hole was made in a gold coin, which was worn around the neck. Their fingers were decorated with massive rings and their ears with earrings. This method guaranteed that they would be buried with dignity, regardless of where they lost their lives. The precious metal was a solid insurance policy. Gold and silver can be used to pay everywhere in the world. There is also an assumption that the product allowed one to show one’s wealth.

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Why do sailors have two ribbons on their caps?

Historians' version

Researchers who study the topic of why corsairs had jewelry in their ears have their own opinion on this matter. They believe that this right is reserved for experienced sailors. One of the merits was considered to be crossing the equator. This right was also given to those who circumnavigated Cape Horn. There is an opinion that the product symbolizes the taken ship.

Interesting fact: The history of this jewelry, which was initially for men and not for women, began 7 thousand years ago. At various times it was worn by representatives of the nobility and corsairs. An earring in the ear is a sign of an experienced sailor. Gold items were worn by the highest ranks. The rest of the corsairs wore earrings made of copper, bronze and silver.

Earring as a talisman

When considering this issue, researchers put forward a version that the earring served as a talisman. If we adhere to this point of view, then the hole in the earlobe excluded seasickness. Gold served as magical protection. There is also an opinion that the earring was used as ear plugs, protecting the eardrum from loud noise. They did not allow sailors to become deaf from gunfire.

An interesting fact: examining in detail the versions followed by scientists, it becomes clear that the earring did not act as an attribute of an individual corsair. Some wore it, others didn't. This is explained by the fact that the pirate adhered to his preferences in clothing.

Historians also emphasize that until the 18th century, certain regulations regarding clothing were followed on the shore. Ordinary people had the right to wear only clothes that were prescribed by law. This fact is confirmed by a law passed in England that prohibited the stronger sex from wearing jewelry. In case of non-compliance with the norms prescribed in the legislation, sanctions were applied to citizens. Therefore, the assumption is considered that the corsairs who wore bright clothes acted against generally accepted rules.

by Mikhail Ikhonsky | Jun 23, 2018

It would seem that there is no such person who would not know about pirates, could not describe their appearance and talk about their way of life.

After all, so many books have been written, so many films have been made about daring young men who boldly board ships of various sea powers. And then, having divided the spoils, they reliably hid their share on uninhabited islands. But... how true are the generally accepted ideas about pirates and what were these sea robbers really like?

We offer 10 of the most interesting but little-known facts about those who at different times and in different countries were called gentlemen of fortune, corsairs, filibusters, etc.

From time immemorial

Pirate roots go deep into ancient times. Then they made a living by plundering villages located on the coasts; They caught lonely travelers, kidnapped them and sold them into slavery.

Such robbers were then called “Leisters”, and the term “pirate” appeared later in the 4th-3rd centuries BC.

The “golden age” of piracy is considered to be the period from the 16th to the 18th centuries, when maritime trade flourished, and it was still impossible to provide adequate protection for merchant ships.

It is noteworthy that for many centuries the line between a merchant seafarer and a pirate was very thin, since where they could not make money from trade, sailors resorted to robbery and violence.

Drunkenness ban

Contrary to the prevailing stereotype, pirates were not complete drunkards. And if on the shore they could still afford to “relax,” then on most ships there was a strict prohibition law.

And how could it be otherwise?! How could drunk people steer a ship and navigate the vast open waters correctly?

As for the fame of inveterate drunkards, the pirates owe it to R. L. Stevenson and his “Treasure Island.”

Eye patch

Often pirates are depicted with an eyepatch over one eye. According to legend, they used this bandage to cover an empty eye socket or simply an eye damaged in battle.

However, as it turns out, everything is much more pragmatic. According to one version, pirates used an eye patch when firing cannons - in order to preserve at least one healthy eye in case of a flash and possible injury.

According to another version, the bandage was needed so that when descending into a dimly lit hold, the pirate could quickly adapt to poor lighting conditions.

Jolly Roger

Among the most popular attributes of sea robbers is a black flag with a skull and crossbones, called the Jolly Roger.

However, in fact, such a flag initially had nothing to do with pirates - it was used to warn oncoming ships about the epidemic on the ship.

As for the pirate flag, initially gentlemen of fortune could raise any flag on their ship - depending on the situation, on the ships of which country they were going to attack.

Later, at the end of the 17th century, a law was passed in England according to which all private (pirate) ships were required to have a red flag. The new flag was almost immediately dubbed "Red Jack".

Following the “official” pirates, the so-called free robbers - those who were not subordinate to any state - began to hang colored flags on their ships. Moreover, flags and pennants could be not only red, but also yellow, green, blue, and black.

Each color had its own meaning; black, for example, conveyed the order to surrender weapons.

As for the name of the flag, the Jolly Roger appeared as a result of the peculiarities of the translation of “Red Jack” from one European language to another.

Legalized piracy

Strange as it may sound, there was a period when piracy existed quite legally. Many maritime powers not only legalized the status of sea robbers, but also received a share of their criminal proceeds.

Such legal pirates were, for example, privateers who had the legal right to seize and destroy ships of enemy states, as well as neutral countries.

Subsequently, such legal pirates were called corsairs and privateers. The latter term was most often used in relation to robbers - subjects of the Queen of England.

Division of spoils

The pirates had their own system for distributing stolen goods. It was strictly observed by all team members.

According to the rules developed, initially a certain fund was allocated from the total production, from which money was subsequently used to purchase provisions, medicines, repair work, etc.

A tenth of the remaining goods was due to the captain of the ship. The rest was divided among all team members. The smallest share went to the ship's carpenter, since he did not participate in battles and robberies.

It is noteworthy that pirates wounded in battle received mandatory compensation (these amounts were paid from the general fund).

The spoils were distributed by a quartermaster chosen from among the crew.

Pirate - discoverer

There were many famous figures among the pirates. Some became famous for their cruelty, others for their luck. But perhaps the most famous corsair in history was Francis Drake, the first Englishman to sail around the world and make many interesting discoveries.

Drake began his career as a slave trader. And after the Spaniards attacked his ship and almost killed him, the English privateer was overcome by hatred and a thirst for revenge.

A talented commander and navigator, he single-handedly attacked Spanish ships for a long time. Having robbed the ship, Drake let it sink. His ferocity and cruelty during this period earned him his nickname, the Dragon.

Having appreciated the merits of her subject, the English queen knighted the pirate and entrusted him with a responsible task, sending him to the American shores on a special mission.

Strict discipline

Another stereotype associated with pirates is their disorganization and lack of discipline.

In fact, on any pirate ship there was nothing wrong with discipline - it was even stricter than in the army. After all, without complete obedience and submission, the months-long voyage could end in tears.

For violating order on the ship, the offender was severely punished - he could be beaten, tied to a mast, or... left on a desert island.

Earrings and talking parrots

Another “calling card” of a real pirate is an earring.

In fact, there was an earring, but not everyone had it - it was allowed to be worn by those who crossed the equator or crossed the path through Cape Horn. There was an opinion among pirates that this decoration could protect its owner from seasickness and drowning.

In addition to being a sign of status and a talisman, a pirate earring also served more practical purposes. So, in the event of the death of a pirate, the earring could be used to pay for the fact that his body would be taken home and buried with dignity.

In addition, some pirates wore earplugs on their earrings, which were used when firing cannons to protect their hearing.

As for parrots, it is unlikely that the pirates had the time and desire to feed an additional mouth, and even deal with the bird - teach it to talk.

Pirate treasures

Probably everyone has dreamed of finding a pirate treasure at least once in their life. But even if such an opportunity had arisen, most likely it would have led nowhere. Contrary to what most people believe, pirate booty was not very significant. And the sea robbers squandered the proceeds with a clear conscience as soon as they got ashore after the voyage.

And even when there was something left from the loot, the pirates had no point in burying the treasures - their lives were too short to waste it on such nonsense.

Traditionally, sailors were allowed to wear an earring after they first crossed the equator or after they rounded Cape Horn. Many of them believed that the earring was a talisman that protected against seasickness or prevented its owner from drowning.

However, many pirates also wore this jewelry for practical use - in the event of their death, the earring became payment for transportation to their relatives so that they could be buried properly. And the pirates, who were responsible for firing the cannons, found an even more banal use for them - the earrings served as ear plugs for them during a loud shot.

Why did pirates wear earrings: new facts in the legendary history

The image of a typical pirate

While pirates have a reputation for being bloodthirsty criminals, they are also known for being flamboyant fashionistas. This is exactly the image one can imagine from popular culture. Traditionally, these are middle-aged people wearing bandanas and wide-brimmed hats. And there is one essential accessory that Jack Sparrow and Captain Morgan sported: a gold earring.

Filibuster aiming a swivel cannon

Exactly when sailors started putting rings in their ears is anyone's guess, but there are several legends to explain this fashion. The most popular version is that sailors wore gold and silver earrings so that they would be buried with dignity no matter where they died. Gold and silver were the accepted form of payment almost everywhere in the world. Keeping a little precious metal in your ear, where it wouldn't wash out to sea, was a pretty solid insurance policy.

A pirate marooned on a desert island. Written by Howard Pyle

There is some truth in this myth, historians say. However, the filibusters had little chance of dying a natural death. This means that pirates wore earrings to show off their wealth. And not just earrings. During the Golden Age of Piracy, corsairs often drilled holes into coins and wore them as necklaces or bracelets. Such jewelry on the wrist or neck was more preserved than a wallet. Archaeologists have found a lot of jewelry made from money - so this is not just a myth.

Hugh Jackman as the famous pirate Blackbeard

In addition to the down payment for burial, earrings and jewelry were objects of rebellion. In the 17th and 18th centuries, much of Europe, and especially England, had a number of laws that regulated what ordinary people could dress and wear. In this way the ruling class separated itself from the commoners.

English privateer Captain William Kidd rests on the deck of his ship. Written by Howard Pyle

These laws stipulated the list of permitted things and their color. Men were prohibited from wearing any jewelry. Violations were punishable by imprisonment and monetary fines. It is not surprising that these restrictions were ignored and ridiculed by people on the other side of the law. The bright dresses and earrings associated with pirates were a direct challenge.

Corsairs going to board

However, there is no specific historical evidence of what the pirates actually wore, nor are the specifics of their fashion known. And so there is no certainty that their earrings meant anything.

It is believed that corsairs did not actually wear earrings and bandanas. And they were the invention of the 19th century American artist Howard Pyle. When he was asked to portray pirates for children's books, he used Spanish bandits and peasants as his model. So, Pyle’s filibusters wore sashes around the waist, scarves... and earrings. Pyle is often credited with popularizing the stereotypical pirate costume. And the image of pirates wearing earrings most likely caught on thanks to his artwork.

Whether it is a myth based on some truth, or truth surrounded by myth, swashbuckling seafarers and their earrings are now inextricably linked.

I recently installed an application on my smartphone that publishes interesting notes. It's funny that the latest news in the feed turned out to be pirate-themed. I happily started reading, but, unfortunately, I was a little disappointed with the information content and level of reliability of the material. And that's why: " Traditionally, sailors were allowed to wear the earring after first crossing the equator or after rounding Cape Horn. Many of them believed that the earring was a talisman that protected against seasickness or prevented drowning. However, many pirates also wore this jewelry for practical use - in the event of their death, the earring became payment for transportation to their relatives so that they could be buried properly. And the pirates, who were responsible for firing the cannons, found an even more banal use for them - the earrings served as ear plugs for them during a loud salvo.”

This is not the first source in which I have come across similar statements about pirate earrings. I am not a historian, and I have not written any dissertations on the topic of everyday life of piracy, but having a small background of knowledge on the history of maritime robbery and the life of pirates, I dare to express my opinion regarding the issue raised: “Why did pirates wear earrings?”.

As for the first sentence, there are no claims regarding this data, since the pirates really wore the earring after crossing the equator or rounding Cape Horn. The earring was an attribute that symbolized the sea experience of the robber, since the same Cape Horn was very dangerous waters due to frequent storms.

As for a “dignified funeral”. Here, don’t even go to Wikipedia, everything is very clear, good old logic will help us. The cemetery for a pirate killed in battle has always been the seabed. The robbers stayed in the raid for weeks or even months. Based on this, we highlight three points:

1. Can you imagine what the smell would be on the ship if all those killed were given a decent Christian funeral, transporting them to their relatives? This time.
2. Was every member of the team familiar with the family tree of each of his brothers in the craft? Where should I send the body? That's two.
3. As for the transportation itself, I don’t think that anyone, having received a gold earring as payment, will undertake to deliver the body of a murdered, and already slightly smelling, pirate to an unknown location. That's three.

Through simple reasoning, we come to the conclusion that the earring in the pirate’s ear is clearly Not was used for the purpose described above, namely, to deliver the body to relatives for the purpose of its further burial.

The earring is like an earplug!?

Earrings as earplugs (ear plugs). Has the author of the note presented above ever seen earrings? Usually they are either oval in shape, which does not allow them to fit into the ear, or sharp - if you try to insert such an earring directly into your ear canal, you can easily damage your eardrums. I think it’s better to endure the unpleasant loud sound of a cannon salvo than to have damaged ears and an object stuck in them.

Yes, the artistic image of a pirate has many inconsistencies with its historical prototype, but these inconsistencies should not be shoved into history and at the same time ascribe an absurd purpose to them. Pirates wore earrings, but not many, and not for the two reasons we just discussed.