I have my ears pierced.  One whole on each ear.  I have zero tattoos. My husband has zero tattoos and piercings.  

My husbands Nieces have tattoos and piercings while in Catholic school.  

We don't care for them.   It is pagan.

How about consulting a good pre-V2 Moral Theology manual?

It's my understanding that the prohibition against tattoos is more to do with its association to heathen practices concerning the dead than with doing oneself bodily harm.  In that context, since the piercing of a woman's ears has nothing to do with heathen cultures, I can't think of any reason not to allow it.  Body piercings on the other hand, specifically the navel or anywhere else below the neck, have a predominantly sɛҳuąƖ connotation and are used to inflame passions by drawing eyes to immodest places.  Those sorts of piercings I consider indefensible.

It's my understanding that the prohibition against tattoos is more to do with its association to heathen practices concerning the dead than with doing oneself bodily harm.  In that context, since the piercing of a woman's ears has nothing to do with heathen cultures, I can't think of any reason not to allow it.  Body piercings on the other hand, specifically the navel or anywhere else below the neck, have a predominantly sɛҳuąƖ connotation and are used to inflame passions by drawing eyes to immodest places.  Those sorts of piercings I consider indefensible.

I guess I am not familiar with "the prohibition against tattoos , associated with the dead" thing I fail to see how any permanent marking of the body is or can be part of Catholic teaching.  This as one has said would have to  be considered "Pagan"

As far as the earrings , I also would have to believe that the Church ever approved such a ritual for what ever reason.  I am sure Our Blessed Mother never had pierced ears.  Not sure about any of the early women Saints.

I think it all started as a European and Spanish Culture, and was followed down thru the centuries.

The heart of the Problem is that the Church teaches the body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, and as such never to be defiled in anyway.

I often wondered why women would not go with those clip on jobs, rather then going thru the pain and possible infections , of putting holes in your ear.

So where are we, back to square one.   The question again becomes, What is the teaching of Holy Mother Church.  I have at this point no access to any Moral Theology Books , or would be able to interpet their correct teachings

That's why I am asking those of you out there if you have the knowledge or access to these readings if you could or would take up the project for all our benefit.

Also , Those who feel they can ask their Priest or get an answer from their Bishop and report back would help loads.

Tks  
D.  

I have 4 tattoos acquired before my conversion.  My purpose:  pure vanity.  I wanted everyone to see how beautiful I was.  They are an embarrassment now, but also a source of reparation for me.  

I pray that I make it to heaven one day, as I hope the Lord accepts my sincere contrition for my horrible vanity.  

Since I wear much more modest clothing today than I did before, no one can see my tattoos, save one that I can only cover when I wear boots.  It is a butterfly.  I tell people it is my symbol of my conversion from an ugly, prickly soul into a soul filled with hope in Our Lord and His promises.

As to what the Church teaches, I don't know, but our priest gave a sermon about it a few weeks ago.  He said mentioned something in the Scripture reminding us that we are not to be marked or branded.  Our bodies and our souls belong to the Lord and we are called to be pure and spotless.  Doing something to intentionally mar our bodies is sinful.  Sometimes it's venial and other times it might be mortal.  But I don't think it's something a Catholic should really desire or acquire.

As far as the earrings go, I don't know.  Scripture is full of references to earrings that both men and women wore.  Sometimes wearing earrings was a symbol of one's wealth or status.  Some women also wore nose rings.  I can see how some might say that women wear them for vanity reasons, but I am not certain that is true.

I was a Pentecostal once and Jєωelry of any kind was strictly frowned upon and forbidden.  That seems a little Puritan to me.  Some people are wealthy and have fine things.  I don't believe there is anything wrong with that.  Are we to all dress in black and gray without makeup and all sad faced?  I don't think so.

So, I don't see where earrings and tattoos are really the same.

Just my opinion, though.

I think tattoos are sinful, but I don't have a source to quote that says that, so I may be wrong. I do agree with Tele that the tattoo is the mark of a loose woman.

I remember reading an anecdote about Bishop Pivarunas and a young man who wanted to get a tattoo. From what I remember, the Bishop allowed the young man to get a tattoo, as long as it was no larger than a quarter. This is from memory, so forgive me if I am mistaken.

I've had pierced ears (one hole) since age 4.  I wear small earrings, studs or small hoops.  All the girls on Mom's side got them before starting school.  I guess it's a family tradition, but I am unsure who started it.  Possibly, it was my great aunt.  Neighbors from India wear a small stud gem on one nostril.  I don't consider myself "mutilated"!  Several male relatives have nautical/military tattoos on their arms from their days in the service.  I don't think that to be sinful, although I've never found it attractive.  Women tattooing themselves is just gross, very unfeminine.  The same goes for obscene tattoos or anyone who goes overboard with "body art" of any sort.  Guys should NOT wear earrings at all.  Maybe I'm too old-fashioned, but to me a guy with an earring means he's a fruit and proud of it.  It used to be that guys with earrings were denied Communion, but I've noticed two young men with a diamond in one ear lobe at an SSPX Mass, and there was no apparent problem.  I wouldn't know if they are "regulars" as I've not been home on Sundays of late.