Why did pirates wear earrings?

Pirates wore earrings because they believed that earrings helped to improve their eyesight. It was also a tradition for young pirates to wear earrings to celebrate their first crossing of the equator.

Pirates had many beliefs about wearing earrings. They believed that the metals in the earrings contained magical healing powers to heal eye-related problems. Another belief was that piercing the ears helped to prevent illness. Pirates believed that wearing a gold earring would save a person from drowning. Some pirates inscribed the name of their homes on the earrings, so if they died while on the ship, their bodies would get sent home for proper burial.