What do stretched ears symbolize?

History has shown us that ear stretching was initially used to show that an individual belonged to a group or a tribe. It was accepted by the group and they were marked as being "one of us". When someone did not have stretched ears they were considered to be an outsider or someone who did not belong to the tribe.

What does the stretched ears mean?

Ear stretching is the process of expanding an earlobe piercing hole over several months. This is a type of aesthetic body modification. Some people stretch the hole just a little bit to accommodate larger earring posts. Other people stretch their ears until it's possible to see through the hole. ‌

Is ear stretching spiritual?

Stretching wasn't for aesthetic purposes for them, but one of spirituality. They held the belief that stretched earlobes helped invite spirits into the body. At the same time, the material of ear spools and flares indicated their status in society.

Why did Aztecs stretch their ears?

The Mayan and Aztec tribes of Central America revered ears, believing them to be conduits of spiritual energy. While stretching goes back as far as human remains do, the style of plugs and flesh tunnels as we know them today can be traced straight back to them.

Why do people like stretched ear lobes?

"It is a slightly more committed body art than temporary practices or ear piercing. The more you stretch the skin, the more commitment you are expressing to a counter cultural look."

WHAT THEY DON'T TELL YOU ABOUT STRETCHED EARS | stretched ears after 7 years

What cultures have stretched ears?

Aztec and Mayan men are traditionally known to have had stretched ears. The Aztecs crafted plugs from gold and silver for the higher-class men whereas the lower class wore materials such as shells, wood, and copper.

Are stretched ears unprofessional?

6 answers. Yes. They just ask nothing offensive or scary be worn or scarred into your body. Gages up to one inch are acceptable.

Where did stretched ears originate?

The Maasai tribes of Kenya have used ear stretching to alter their appearance for centuries. Ear stretching may have been performed in various ways within the tribe: sometimes weight was used to elongate ear lobes; other times it was the size of the piercing that brought about the stretching, much like it is today.

Can you undo gauges?

People with gauges who choose to undergo earlobe repair surgery are looking to reverse course and restore their ears to their original shape. However, as a result of having stretched their earlobes so dramatically, the skin cannot retract to its former shape without help from a surgeon.

When did ear stretching become popular?

Body modification grew in the '00s

As a part of this trend, ear stretching was increasing in popularity, driven in part by the emo culture in the '00s. More places were offering ear stretching as an alternative to piercing. DIY kits also became available on the open market.

Why did Buddha have stretched ears?

Gautama Buddha (563 BC)

Buddhists believe that long ears are a sign of an enlightened being. Thus Buddha, being the most enlightened being, would have long ears to symbolize this.

What is the purpose of earlobes?

Earlobes do not serve a known biological function. The large blood supply in the earlobes may contribute to keeping the ear warm. Studies have found that earlobes continue to grow as people age.

Are stretched ears still popular 2020?

In the Western culture they were mostly seen in groups like punks or goths. Nowadays it continues to be on the rise. Ear stretching is growing in popularity with both men and women and it does not seem to be confined to any one type of group.

Can you join the military with gauges?

Soldiers are prohibited from willfully mutilating the body or any body parts in any manner, including tongue bifurcation (splitting of the tongue), or ear gauging (enlarging holes in the ear lobes greater than 1.6 mm). Also, stricter guidelines regulate hair cuts for both male and female Soldiers.

Are gauges permanent?

Once you reach a certain point, ear gauging leaves permanent results. So, if you ever want to remove the gauges from your ears, you will be left with a big hole that can only be reversed with surgery. By working with a professional, your chances for closing gauged ears without surgery is greater.

What are gauges actually called?

The word “gauge,” when referring to the jewelry itself, is actually a made-up slang term for “stretched earlobes.” People who aren't too familiar with the proper terms used in body modification refer to gauges as the jewelry. The gauge is the size of piercings before they turn into an inch.

What are the dangers of ear stretching?

What precautions or side effects should you be aware of? A “blow out” happens when you stretch your ear too fast and scar tissue builds up in the hole. This can result in permanent scarring. Stretching too quickly can tear your ear tissue in half or cause earlobe skin to detach and hang from your head.

Do stretched ears go back to normal?

While this is an effective method in many cases, the ear will never completely return to normal. Many individuals will find, while the hole does shrink, it never completely closes. Also, one will most certainly be left with a dimple mark where the piercing once was.

Can you have stretched ears as a cop?

Body art, tattoo(s), brand(s), intentional scarring, and/or mutilation that is not able to be covered or concealed is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, foreign objects inserted under the skin, pierced, split or forked tongue; and/or stretched out holes in the ears.

Can you get a job with gauged ears?

The size of ear gauge you can get greatly depends on your earlobe tissue and whether you have enough to accommodate such large holes. However, studies show that employers frown upon ear gauges and may even require them to be removed if they offer you a job.

Does gauging ears hurt?

A blowout is one of the most common complications of ear gauging. It's a ring of scar tissue that forms behind the jewelry and gives the piercing the appearance of turning inside out. Blowouts usually occur from trying to stretch the hole too quickly. They often cause sharp pain and inflammation.

What celebrities have gauged ears?

Does Lil Wayne have gauges?

#9 Lil' Wayne

He's sported ear stretches in one of his ears for a long time, but because his left ear has been snipped or damaged it means he's unable to fully stretch it. That's likely why he keeps the gauge small in his right ear but he still manages to style it out!

What are holes in earlobes called?

Preauricular pits appear at birth as tiny, skin-lined holes or indents on the outer part of the ear near the face. While it's possible to have them on both ears, they usually only affect one. In addition, there may be just one or several small holes on or near the ear.

What do earlobes say about a person?

Small ears indicate respect, good behaviour as well as affection. On the other hand, if the earlobes are thick, the person most probably has an emotional personality. Meanwhile, if the earlobe is round in shape, it may indicate that the person values relationships.