The BDSM emblem has no "obvious" symbolism because it
was created to be enigmatic. To the vanilla observer who would be put off by BDSM, it is
merely an attractive piece of jewelry. Thus, we can wear it freely as a friendly salute,
nod, and wink to other BDSMers we should happen to pass on the sidewalks and in the
hallways of our daily lives.
To the insider, however, the emblem is full of meaning. The three divisions represent the
various threesomes of BDSM.
- First of all, the three divisions of BDSM itself: B&D,
D&S, and S&M.
- Secondly, the three-way creed of BDSM behavior: Safe, Sane, and
Consensual.
- Thirdly, the three divisions of our community: Tops, Bottoms, and
Switches.
It is this third symbolism that gives meaning to the holes in
each unit. Since BDSM is, at the very least, a play style and, at its greatest, a love
style, the holes represent the incompleteness of any individual within the BDSM context.
However "together" and "whole" individuals may be, there remains a
void within them that can only be filled by a complimentary other. BDSM cannot be done
alone.
The resemblance to a three-way variation on the Yin-Yang symbol is not
accidental. As the curved outline of Yin and Yang represent the hazy border between where
one ends and the other begins, so do the curved borders here represent the indistinct
divisions between B&D, D&S, and S&M. The curved lines themselves can be seen
as a stylized depiction of a lash as it swings, or even an arm in motion to deliver an
erotic spanking. The all-embracing circle, of course, represents the overlying unity of it
all and the oneness of a community that protects its own.
Looking for BDSM symbol jewelry?
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Notes on Display of the BDSM Emblem
The BDSM emblem has really caught on--at least as far as online
display is concerned--since it was first conceived in a chat area by one group of BDSMers
and designed by Yours Truly.
It's since been pointed out me that my description of its symbolism is not complete enough
to make for clear guidelines for online display. For that I apologize. And thus these
brief notes.
Please note that I am not trying to impose my design sense on anyone. I see no reason why
folks shouldn't play with the form in various ways to best serve the design of their web
pages. I do wish to assure, however, that when
people choose to diverge from the "standard" representation it is by conscious
choice and with specific design intent, and not by error.
Keeping that in mind, here are the three aspects that are most often overlooked in
representing the emblem.
1. The rim and three curved "spokes" of the design are
meant to be presented in some metallic color. On the original pins and pendants this area
is raised. This color (it may look like iron, gold, silver, copper, bronze, anything
metallic) is indicative of the "chains" or "irons" of BDSM
servitude/ownership.
2. The three inner fields are black, representing a celebration of the controlled
"dark side" of BDSM sexuality.
3. The three "dots" are not dots but holes. The background of the page should be
visible though them. These holes, as described in the original explanation of the symbol,
denote the incompleteness of any individual practioner in that
BDSM is at the least a playstyle and at most a lovestyle, and cannot be practiced alone.
There is always the need for a complimentary other.
No doubt other questions will pop up now that I've spelled these
points out. I'll answer those as they arise.
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