Birching

A few notes on the history of the birch.

 

One of its historic roots is that the birch wasn't an instrument on its own, but basically a primitive broom, used for cleaning the floor. That was what made birching not only painful, but an extra humiliation. Actually most classic discipline instruments have such simple roots: the cane was the walking cane (or just the first available branch), the paddle originally was a large wooden kitchen spoon and the belt of course was and still is exactly that: a belt.

What is essential as far as classic domestic discipline is concerned is that people never actually hardly ever specific punishment instruments, but just grabbed the first available and suitable thing - as far as birching is concerned the broom and usually the short and thick one that was used to clean out the fire place and the stove (which was readily available in the kitchen and the living quarters).

 

Sleepless night

What makes the birch a special instrument for punishment is first of all of course the pain and the humiliation of the punishment itself, but secondly its very specific after effects.

While the pain of the punishment itself will die down relatively quickly, what stays is the terrible itch, which is the result of the many, tiny, superficial wounds a birch leaves behind.

That will usually lead to a long, sleepless night with a lot of tossing and turning and the young lady contemplating her fate.

Which is why experienced disciplinarians will frequently confine their trainee to specific quarters for the night (such as the guest room or the couch), simply because the educator himself won't get much sleep with a restless, itchy, recently disciplined punishee sharing his bed.

And punishments, of course, are not to have negative effects on the disciplinarian.

Dripping some vinegar over the fresh markings may increase the after effect and create an extra, stingy feel. Use this to increase her difficulties and the severity of the punishment.