Expert: Master Shadow - 11/22/2008

Question
I am doing a report on bdsm adornment, specifically jewelry type objects that communicate through symbols unique to the bdsm community.  Can you tell me about collars, rings and other wearable objects that have hidden meanings?

Thanks!

Answer
There are a great many symbols available to the BDSM community that signify a Lifestyler, be they Dominant, or submissive. The Collar is the most well known, especially with programs like CSI Miami, and others.

The Collar has, in my opinion, the most significance in the Lifestyle, and the meaning goes very deep, indeed. The Collar is a visible representation of a relationship that, in many cases goes deeper than even marriage. It symbolizes ownership, acceptance, approval, and most of all, love.

There is also a symbol, similar to a peace sign, but with the dividing lines curved. It is a BDSM symbol adopted by Lifestylers a while back. There are also small flags that signify involvement in the BDSM Lifestyle.

Handcuff jewelry is also used frequently to denote Lifestyle involvement, although the Goth group seems to use it as well, but more as jewelry than a statement of being Goth.

There is also something known as the "hankie code", whereby handkerchiefs are used, with certain color and design combinations to indicate whether or not a person is a toppy, or bottom switch, Top, or Bottom, Daddy's boy, etc. This code was originally borrowed from the gay, bi, and transsexual/transgendered Lifestyle, but has applications in the BDSM Lifestyle as well.

I hope this is some help to you. Feel free to contact me further for clarification, or if you have need of further assistance.


            

                                              SINcerely in Leather,
                                              Master Shadow.