Archivist note: Master speaking parts and actions in blue; submissive speaking parts and actions in red.

COLLAR CEREMONY

What I'm writing today is merely a suggestion for those who wish to; you don't have to follow it to the letter if you don't want to. It's simply one way, among many others, to carry out this 'ceremony,' and everyone will do it as they see fit, but I thought perhaps some might find it useful.

Whether you do it publicly or privately, imposing the collar is a ritual and... well, it deserves a bit of 'theatre.' Those who live in BDSM 'seriously' believe that the offering of the collar is comparable to marriage vows. Giving and accepting the collar entails many responsibilities and should be taken as a serious commitment. There are a wide variety of collars that can be offered: the 'Consideration Collar' (given at the very beginning of the relationship), the 'Training Collar' (indicating that the submissive is under the guidance of a Master or Trainer), at the end of which the submissive may be given the 'Slave Collar' or 'Formal Collar', or the 'Play Collar' (worn only during sessions), the latter being used due to the inability of most people to wear a collar in public. Unless this option is precluded, the collar will be worn 24 hours a day.

For this Ceremony, I won't suggest which positions each person should take; D/S is like a religion, in which everyone has their own ideas about what it should be. I leave this to individual desires. As with most things in this world, there are no rules that specify how a Collaring Ceremony or anything else should be performed; it all depends on what has been agreed upon or written in the contract.

Here, then, is a suggestion of what the Ceremony might be like. Use these words if you wish, or change them as you wish...

THE CEREMONY

We have gathered here today to make a commitment that is not governed by the laws of any country. This commitment has no end, bottom, depth, or weight. It cannot be measured, seen, felt, or touched by anyone but ourselves. It is locked within our hearts, minds, spirits, and souls. It strengthens us and makes us one. I met this submissive by chance, a letter in cyberspace, a response, and it was the beginning of a journey together. Step by step, trust and love grew. You gave me the gift of your submission, and I received it with gratitude and appreciation. As my love, you are cherished beyond all things. I thank you for the gift you have given me and for completing me. You were the missing piece I was missing. The commitment we are making is just another step in our journey, and we pray for a long and enjoyable life together. We have made this commitment in our hearts from the first moment we looked into each other's eyes. The only requirements are love and trust.

GIVING THE COLLAR:

By placing this collar around your neck and being accepted by you, I promise to do everything I can to be worthy of you. I promise to support and cherish you, to challenge you and let you flourish, to respect the needs of our relationship above all else, to love you, honor you, support you in all things, and be sensitive to your needs and desires. I acknowledge the trust you have placed in me and the responsibility that comes with my acceptance of that trust. To never violate or even threaten to violate that trust, I will strive to keep my mind open enough to learn new things, open enough to grow. In times of trouble, to be a good friend and a good partner, I will never forget that this is a loving relationship. I acknowledge and accept with all my heart the gift of submission you have given me. The Collar is but a symbol of what we already knew... that you are mine.

READ THE INSCRIPTION ON THE COLLAR AND THEN:

Do you accept this Collar in the same spirit in which I give it to you?

SUBMISSIVE (you can answer negatively, of course, but if your answer is affirmative...)

Yes, and I will say it only once, It Will Be Yes Forever. I do this without pride or arrogance... without arrogance, but with reflection, with deference to you. With humility. The collar you offer me is a powerful reminder of the control I have given you. My love is for you, all of me.

PLACE THE COLLAR AROUND SUBMISSIVE'S NECK

Repeat after me:

I accept this Collar as an outward expression of surrender to my Master. I do so freely, completely, and without reservation. I agree to honor our relationship above all else, and to seek and fulfill all your needs and desires. I will wear this collar with pride, knowing that my Master will protect me, respect me, and support me. I promise to always communicate openly and honestly with my Master, holding nothing back. I now surrender control of my body and my submissive soul for whatever purpose my Master desires. I will strive to be the best partner for my Master and do nothing that would dishonor my Master. I will love Master in the silence of my heart. I promise to remain physically and mentally healthy. With a joyful heart and my free consent, I welcome my role as submissive from this day forward until such time as I reclaim my freedom or my Master wishes to return it to me.

HANDING OVER THE KEY

SUBMISSIVE

With this key, I express the end of my commitment to my Master and the surrender of my body and passion. It remains a solid symbol of trust in my Master without fear. Out of my desire to please Master, not out of fear of punishment. It guards me safely and excludes any other power over me.

Repeat after me:

With each turn of this key, I accept the depth of your passion, devotion, and trust to have me and direct me, and provide me with a haven where you can express all your desires.

CLOSE THE COLLAR... PLACE THE KEY AROUND THE MASTER'S NECK

HANDING OVER THE RINGS

MASTER (Placing the ring on the submissive's finger).

I command you to wear this as an outward symbol of my dominion over you, where all may see it, though only a few will truly know what it means. An endless circle of intertwined cords to make you feel the strength of my commitment at all times.

SUBMISSIVE (Placing the ring on the Master's finger)

I beg you to wear this as an outward symbol of your dominion over me, where all can see it, though only a few will truly know what it means. An endless circle of intertwined cords to make you feel the strength of my commitment at all times.

Now we will walk together, with the outward signs of our commitment. We will make this journey together, watching over each other, protecting each other, and growing.

I love you. I have no words to express the depth of emotion I feel today and the joy you have placed in my heart. You will never be alone again, love. I will always be by your side. Take me in your heart and bring out the best in me. I will take care of you and carry you in my heart and bring out the best in you.

From original site "BDSM Canarias" [BDSM Canary Islands] article “CEREMONIA DEL COLLAR" [Collar Ceremony] URL http://www.bdsmcanarias.es/textos/CEREMOMONIA_COLLAR.htm

End Note: Identification of a previous source or author was not found on the site’s pages; presumed original to the site author.