We have already discussed the cane, certainly a very common implement in the UK, europe and probably most of those parts of the world that were once or are still today part of the british commonwealth. What I am going to write about today is the switch. In many ways similiar to the cane, there are yet a few grave differences.
First, it must be said that there is no such thing as “the switch”. Switches come in a wide variety of sizes and material. What they have in common is that they are made out of (or simply are) a branch from a tree.
Willow, Hazel and birch branches seem to have been common in Europe, while I have heard of hickory being used in north america. As for the length and diameter, I’ve seen everything from small and thin switches to long and somewhat thicker branches which can genuinely be called sticks (As was done in my family, the hazel I received was called the Hazel Stick). However, in general switches are not as thick as a standard cane.
Switches are also even more flexible than a typical rattan cane, and the wood is more dense. This has several effects on its use: for example, a switch often is lacking the capacity to penetrate thicker layers of clothing (although one of those heavier switches could). As a switch of the same diameter would be heavier than a cane (rattan is less dense), it would bruise more. However, as most switches are thinner than canes, they are normally of comparable or lesser severity.
Part of the rituals that are associated with the switch is that sometimes the person about to receive it has to cut his or her own switch. Although the hazel stick I received was always already waiting on my fathers desk, i can easily see how this is an effective additional punishment.
The switch, not unlike the birch, was a predecessor of the rattan cane in many european schools. It has also been in use in families, especially in rural areas where trees were of course in abundance. It was (and is) an effective means of discipline.
a very good summary…..i have had to cut my own switch and it certainly focusses the mind!
One of the best implements for painful punishment, very memorable and effective.
My dad used the switch on the bare backs of legs, did not need to swing it very hard to get his point across. We dreaded it when he said, do you want me to take a switch to the backs of your legs..
Well, the cane is rarely used in Spain; just like the hairbrush, isn´t so common for us. Our most popular implements (hand appart, or course) are the slipper and the belt perhaps the wooden spoon and i know some homes where the moms used a little sateen togive spankings. In our schools, during the old times, mostly used a ruler.
The swish and crack I remember well, even after all these years, and it was indeed painful.
My mother grew up on a farm and hazel switches (called where i lived a rod )grew in every hedge.They were free and readily available. we lived in the town but went for sunday walks in the woods near by and from the age of 4 my mother cut a new one every month or so(they dried out and lost theit flexability).i never had to cut my own but was allowed to help in the choice.my mum always picked a medium weight one which would cut but not bruise and would leave welts that vanished after a day .as steph. said it was not much use over clothes so if my mum did not have time for me to bare my bottom she would use it very effectively on my bare legs. she stopped its use altogether when i started to wear long trousers at 14.
nothing better than the switch and the cane. each stroke leaves a beautiful welt to remind you of the pleasure.
Agree on the use of Switch. I am familiar with the substitute called birch. It is twigs from the birch tree and that is a effective instrument when a discipline is needed. When this was used on my bare bottom and the back of my leg I dont want to be rude for a long time.
Stefanie, I would love to cane you. I would bend you over a table, raise your dress up waist high, take down your knickers, and while you are just wearing garter-belt and stockings, cane your bare bottom.
I was caned at school many times with six hard strokes of the cane and need still those canings. The euphoria of being able to accept the punishment and seeing the welts afterwards is very satisfying. If there are any with the same feelings I would like to hear from you. Maybe you would like to practice your hand with the cane on me for punishment I deserve near London. Email iloilo@mail.com