Cane, rietje or thin stick

“Cane, rietje or thin stick“ was written for BDSMforyou.nl by Mistress Moriah.

The cane (the English word for 'long thin stick'), formerly known in Dutch as the 'rietje', is a flexible stick or rod. It can vary in material (rattan, bamboo, fibreglass, stainless steel, plastic, leather) but also in length and thickness. In BDSM it is generally used on the buttocks and delivers some seriously sharp strikes! Originally the cane was made of rattan. By heating it over steam, a kind of curl was formed at the end (like a walking stick).

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Marks left by the cane

A cane definitely leaves its marks on the skin, from sharp red stripes on the skin to hard bruises beneath it. The mark is characteristic. It consists of two small lines on either side of the spot where the skin was hit. The sensation of a firm stroke is also twofold: first the impact of the stroke itself and a fraction of a second later a kind of rebound.

Rietje

In the past, 'the rietje', as the cane is also called in Dutch, was used at (English boarding) schools to punish pupils. It was not only about the pain but also about the humiliation, because the punishment was usually given in public. Nowadays, as part of BDSM, it is a serious torment. A few strokes can be savoured for a long time. An indispensable instrument in your collection. Your sub will look at it with fear but full of longing. Hitting with a cane is called 'caning'.

The origin of the cane

The origin of the cane as an instrument of punishment is difficult to pinpoint exactly, but traces of it can already be found in ancient civilisations. In ancient Egypt, for example, canes were often used as a symbol of authority and power. Pharaohs and high officials carried ornate sticks made of reed, which were both functional and symbolic. The use of reed as a form of corporal punishment was, however, only documented later, notably in ancient Rome.

In Roman times the cane, or rather the “ferula,” was a popular instrument for corporal punishment. Roman schoolmasters were known for their harsh approach and often used cane sticks to keep their pupils in line. This practice spread throughout Europe and persisted into the Middle Ages.

From the Middle Ages to the Victorian era

During the Middle Ages, corporal punishment became a standard part of education and upbringing. Canes, whips and rods were used in many cultures to enforce obedience. In monasteries and schools, this kind of punishment was an everyday occurrence. Using the cane was seen as an effective way to maintain discipline and instil moral values.

The real rise of the cane as we know it today, however, came during the Victorian era in England. The strict morals of this period, combined with a strongly hierarchical education system, made the cane an indispensable instrument in many schools. Teachers had almost absolute authority over their pupils and used it to maintain order quickly and effectively. If you have ever experienced the impact of this little cane, you understand how effective it is...

Material and technique

The traditional cane was made of rattan, a type of climbing plant that grows mainly in tropical regions. Rattan is particularly suitable because of its flexibility and durability. The cane was usually between 60 and 90 centimetres long and had a thin, curved shape. This meant it could be used with precision, where a single swing was enough to leave a painful, but usually not harmful, welt.

The technique of striking with a cane required some skill. The aim was not to cause lasting damage, but to get a clear message across. It was a delicate balance between strictness and control. A good caning left a burning, but temporary, pain, often intensified by the shame and fear that came with it.

Within BDSM

The image of the cane at boarding schools has faded by now, but within BDSM the cane is still a favourite instrument to use and many a sub holds it in awe, because for many the cane is "a vicious little beast". It delivers a fierce pain over a narrow area. That makes the cane well suited as an instrument of punishment.

The perfect place to hit with a cane is the buttocks, or (more painful) just below the buttocks. Stay at least three cm below the top of the buttock crease; hitting higher is dangerous.
The upper thighs are also an excellent spot.

Keep the cane away from the spine; the backs of the knees are also a dangerous place to hit with the cane. An important nerve runs there that you use for walking. You obviously don't want to damage that.

When hitting, use only your forearm, and not your whole arm. Just before the cane hits the buttocks, bend your wrist with a quick movement. This way you make full use of the cane's flexibility. It is important here that the sub stays neatly in position, so that you can aim well where the cane stroke lands.

Mistress Moriah

Source

Text & photography: Mistress Moriah