While pirates have a reputation for bloodthirsty criminals, they are also known as bright fashionistas. It is this image can be represented in popular culture. Traditionally, this middle-aged men in wide-brimmed hats and bandannas. And there is one essential accessory, which sported Jack Sparrow and Captain Morgan: gold earring in his ear.
Exactly when the sailors began to insert the ring in the ears, you can only guess, but there are several legends to explain this fashion. The most popular version is that the sailors wore gold and silver earrings to be buried with dignity, regardless of where they die. Gold and silver were commonly accepted form of payment is almost everywhere in the world. Keep a bit of the precious metal in the ear, where it did not wash away in the sea, it was quite a solid insurance policy.
In this myth has some truth - historians say. However, filibusters had little chance to die a natural death. This means that the pirates wore earrings to show off their wealth. Not only earrings. During the Golden Age of piracy buccaneers often drilled holes in coins and wore them as necklaces or bracelets. Such ornaments on the wrist or around the neck was more preserved than the purse. Archaeologists have found many jewels of money - so it's not just a myth.
However, no specific historical evidence that the pirates are actually dressed, unknown features of their fashion. And therefore there is no certainty that their earrings mean something.
Howard Pyle. When he was asked to portray the pirates for children's books, he took a sample of Spanish bandits and peasants. So, filibusters Pyle 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, is likely to stick by his artwork.
