Another wonderful piece of info from Sir Critter and babydoll
The Collar and its Meaning
The collar is a symbol of a commitment between a Dominant and submissive. This can have several meanings and understanding a universal definition is impossible. For some people a collar is only worn durning play time and thus signifies the division between roles, nothing more. The importance of this collar varies from partnership to partnership but can be just a prop or an added toy wihtin the playspace.
The gravity of a collar in a relationship context is much more. For many people, a collar is like an engagement ring or wedding ring. When a submissive wears a collar in this context they are commited, possessed or owned by someone else. Collars of this sort should never be taken lightly. Just as an engagement isn't entered lightly, a collaring carries strong importance in a D/s lifestyle relationship. Collars in this form can be a collar, brand, tattoo, piercing or any other form of outward mark worn by the submissive person in the power exchange. Each collaring is a symbol of the love, honor and commitment of two people who deeply care for one another.
The internet has given way to another form of collar. The internet collar, usually symbolized as [DOM] or {DOM}, has two connotations. One is that two people are engaged in an online relationship, where life experiences are non-existent and all power exchange is done online. Many are of the opinion that this sort of relationship is fake and degrades the importance of a collar in the lifestyle as a whole. For some, this is the only way they can experience the power exchange that they are exploring or craving. I find no harm in online collars, as they have no bearing on everyday lifestyle events in the long run. The second meaning is that someone is in a real collar and wears an online collar as a symbol of that bond online. This, while it looks like an internet collar, can cause some confusion and the offense taken by others when it is assumed that an online relationship is taking place. Commitment is commitment, no matter how strong the bond, proximity or duration.
Degrees of Collars
Some relationships are of the volition that collaring is a phase of collars earned by the progression of training or learning of a submissive. The phases of collaring developed from the Old Guard Leather Community, where we also acquired the Safe, Sane and Consensual mantra. While this is not everyone's views, it does warrant some looking into.
Collar of Consideration
The Collar of Consideration is generally given at the onset of a potential relationship. While the method of receiving this collar varies, the collar is usually plain and unadorned with one or several rings on it. There are many variations on how a collar may be represented in actuality. It can be by a bracelet, waist chain, anklet or other choice. This is sometimes determined by the situation of the submissive such as job requirements etc. Sometimes it is dictated by the Dominant's personal taste. This collar is traditionally blue in color.
Other sites with information about the Collar of Consideration
Collar of Consideration by Mistress Steel
Training Collar
The Training Collar is worn by novice submissives the duration of their training. It does not symbolize a commitment other than that to learn and obey a training Dominant or mentorship. Typically this collar is undorned, simple and sturdy. It can have one or more rings on it. The purpose of this collar is to allow the submissive to feel some of the control that s/he will surrender and to experience a taste of the emotions evoked when a power exchange takes place. This collar is a tool for discipline and training only.
Other sites with information about the Training Collar:
The Training Collar by Mistress Steel
Formal collar (also called a slave collar)
The Formal collar is offered by the Dominant at the final stage of the process with the intent to formalize the bond and relationship of the Dominant and submissive. It is a recognition of commitment, deep emotional feelings, devotion, mutual respect and consideration. In some relationships this collar is given at the same time as a proposal for marriage. It's weight within the lifestyle is that of a wedding ring. This collar is created specifically FOR the individual submissive and is often an original design.
The presentation of such a collar is usually a formal celebratory occasion with friends or privately. Couples commonly prepare vows, a benediction, ceremony or ritual scene to place permanant body markings. The collaring ceremony has many variations as there are couples, and no one ceremony is incorrect.
