June 28 Holiday: The World Celebrates Piercing Day
June 28 is International Piercing Day. This date is dedicated not only to body jewelry enthusiasts, but also to the professionals who have made piercing safer and more professional. The holiday also serves as a reminder of the long history of body modification and the importance of following hygiene guidelines.
Every year on June 28, countries around the world celebrate International Body Piercing Day. This unofficial holiday brings together piercers, studio owners, jewelry manufacturers, and everyone who is passionate about body modification.
The date was not chosen at random. June 28 is the birthday of Jim Ward—a man considered one of the founders of modern professional piercing culture. It is thanks to his work that this field began to develop rapidly, and procedures became much safer than they had been before.
How This Holiday Came to Be
The history of International Piercing Day dates back to 2011. The holiday was initiated by Jim Ward’s friends, colleagues, and students to honor his contribution to the development of modern piercing and to highlight the importance of professional standards.
Jim Ward was born on June 28, 1941. In 1978, he opened The Gauntlet studio in West Hollywood, which is considered the first professional piercing studio in the United States. It served as a model for hundreds of studios that later opened around the world.
In addition, Ward designed specialized piercing jewelry, developed new piercing techniques, and actively trained other artists. His primary goal was to make the procedure as safe as possible for clients.
Piercing is much older than it seems
Although the modern piercing industry began to develop actively only a few decades ago, the tradition of body adornment itself has existed for thousands of years. Archaeologists have found evidence of ear piercing even in ancient mummies. Piercing was widespread in Ancient Egypt, Rome, and among the peoples of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
For some, it was a symbol of power; for others, a rite of passage, a sign of tribal affiliation, or a religious tradition. In various cultures, people pierced not only their ears but also their noses, lips, tongues, and other body parts. Today, however, for most people, piercing is a form of self-expression, a style statement, or a fashion accessory.
How International Piercing Day Is Celebrated
In many countries, professional studios host themed events, gatherings, and workshops. Often, on June 28 specifically, customers are offered discounts on procedures or jewelry, lectures are held on proper aftercare, and visitors are introduced to modern materials.
Many piercers use this day to reiterate the most important rule: piercings should only be done at professional studios that adhere to all sanitary standards. On social media, people share photos of their jewelry, stories about their first piercing, and support the celebration with themed hashtags.
Safety Is Paramount
Despite the popularity of piercing, artists emphasize that it is still a procedure that requires a responsible approach. It’s important to use sterile instruments, high-quality jewelry, and properly care for the piercing site.
Experts recommend not skimping on the procedure and going only to licensed piercers. Promoting safe piercing was one of Jim Ward’s main goals, and this tradition continues to this day.
Interesting Facts About Piercing
- Piercing is considered one of the oldest forms of body modification—its history spans several thousand years.
- The first professional piercing studio, The Gauntlet, opened in the U.S. on November 17, 1978.
- Jim Ward helped popularize the jewelry used in most studios today: internally threaded bars and fixed-ball rings.
- Every year on June 28, studios in various countries hold themed events, offer free consultations, and organize educational activities for clients.
- The main idea behind International Piercing Day is not only to promote this art form but also to remind people of the importance of safety, a professional approach, and a responsible attitude toward health.
