International Body Piercing Day

International Body Piercing Day, celebrated annually on June 28, honors both the artistry of body piercing and the legacy of pioneer Jim Ward, born on this date.

History of International Body Piercing Day

Body piercing has been a form of personal expression and ritual for thousands of years—dating back to ancient Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, and indigenous cultures—serving symbolic, decorative, and status-related functions. In modern times, Jim Ward, born June 28, 1941, revolutionized the practice in the West by founding The Gauntlet in California and innovating techniques like the internally threaded barbell and captive bead rings.

The official International Body Piercing Day appears to have emerged in the early 2010s—celebrated by piercers and enthusiasts worldwide. A friend of Ward’s apparently established the day as a tribute to his influence, emphasizing education, safety, and community among piercing professionals.

Why is International Body Piercing Day important?

What strikes me about this day is how it highlights body piercing not as mere decoration, but as a living tradition rich with history, culture, and individuality. It’s a moment to honor ancient roots while appreciating modern innovation—recognizing piercing as an art form that speaks through the body and tells stories unique to each person.

It also serves as a call to action for safe, informed practices. Celebrations often include workshops, demonstrations, and promotions at reputable studios—encouraging newcomers to consider both expression and responsibility. That balance between self-expression and well-being feels really important.

• People everywhere get the chance to explore a new piercing with confidence.
• Artists use it to teach proper aftercare and hygiene.
• The day connects modern body art to centuries of cultural tradition.
• It boosts appreciation for pioneers like Jim Ward.
• It helps legitimize piercing as both personal expression and professional craft.

Psychological symbolism of piercing and why people choose it

From a psychological perspective, body piercing often symbolizes a desire for control, identity, or self-expression. For many, the act of piercing is more than aesthetic—it’s an intentional gesture that says, “I choose what happens to my body.”

Especially for individuals who have felt powerless or restricted in other areas of life, piercing can serve as a reclaiming of agency.

There’s also a ritualistic element. Much like rites of passage, piercings can mark emotional transitions—grief, recovery, freedom, or reinvention. Some people get pierced after major life events not for fashion, but because they want to make that invisible experience visible. The physical sensation involved also plays a role: pain followed by healing mirrors emotional processes, making the experience both symbolic and cathartic.

Lastly, piercing often serves as a quiet rebellion or a badge of belonging. Whether someone is signaling individuality or aligning with a subculture, the act helps solidify personal identity in a tangible way. It’s a message to self and others—about where someone has been, and who they’re becoming.

Health risks and contraindications of body piercing

While body piercing is widely practiced and often safe when done professionally, it does carry certain health risks and is not suitable for everyone. The most common immediate risks include infection, especially if aftercare is neglected or if non-sterile equipment is used. Signs like redness, swelling, pus, or prolonged pain may indicate an infection that needs medical attention.

Allergic reactions—particularly to nickel in cheaper jewelry—can cause significant irritation or skin problems. It’s important to choose high-quality, hypoallergenic materials like titanium or surgical steel. Bleeding and nerve damage are also possible, especially with poorly placed piercings in areas with dense blood vessels or nerves.

For some people, piercings can lead to keloid scarring, where raised scar tissue forms around the pierced area. Individuals prone to keloids, especially those with a family history, should approach piercing with caution.

Certain medical conditions also pose a risk. People with diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or bleeding disorders should consult a doctor before getting pierced, as healing may be impaired or complications more likely. Similarly, anyone taking blood-thinning medications or with a weakened immune system should consider alternatives.

Lastly, piercings in areas like the mouth, tongue, or genitals come with unique risks: dental damage, speech or eating difficulties, and a higher chance of infection due to constant exposure to bacteria.

In short, while piercing can be meaningful and expressive, it’s important to understand the risks, choose a reputable professional, and be honest about your health history before making the decision.

How to Celebrate International Body Piercing Day

Whether you’re contemplating your first piercing or you’re a seasoned collector, June 28 is a great day to celebrate with intention. Visit a respected shop—especially those certified by the Association of Professional Piercers—to learn about tools, materials, and care practices. If you already have piercings, share your story online with the hashtag #InternationalBodyPiercingDay, and tag your artist to give them a shout-out.

Another way to join in is to support the culture: pick jewelry with meaning, read up on piercing history, or gift a friend a tasteful piece or earring-cleaning kit. These small gestures keep the craft thriving and safe.

• Book a consultation at a trusted piercing studio and ask about aftercare.
• Share a photo and mention your piercer on social media.
• Read up on Jim Ward’s legacy and modern body-mod ethics.
• Gift a piece of safe, quality jewelry to someone new to piercing.
• Attend or host an informal Q&A or care workshop at your shop.

International Body Piercing Day Dates Table