So for Christmas, Xochitl received her first filagree earrings made of solid 14k gold. This is a special pair of earrings because they are basically family heirlooms...for young Mexican girls these earrings were a show of value and wealth and although they are not that for us...they certainly show Xochitl that she is a special girl who has special jewelry, just like her mama. In the past few years I have been very vocal about the fact that I comfortably pierce the ears of babies, many piercers are not comfortable with this , as they feel it is non-consensual. I, however, come from a long line of women ( mexican women) that have had their ears pierces as early as 2 weeks old, so needless to say it is a tradition. I believe in tradition. I believe in culture and as my good friend Blake says Culture equals consent. and I add Tradition equals permission. I even have a technique to get these little ones done in a quick and simple way. It is my opinion that if you are going to want to get your daughter or sons ears pierced, it is ultimately safer and better to pierce them while they are infants. There is nothing worse than a 5 year old who thinks she understands what is going on and then realizes that she hates you and leaves with one ear pierced. But alas, I will pierce kids of all ages as I am the best option for them and the mall is not.
I had my ears pierced when I was five...I remember it well, sitting on a stool in my aunts kitchen, needle poised with a cold Apple behind. I don't remember it being particularly painful, I was happy.
ReplyDelete