Exploring the Sequelae of Traditional Punishments: Tools Used for Spanking in Childhood

Spanking has been a common form of discipline in many households for generations. However, what objects or implements were used, where were they kept, and what messages or memories do they carry? This article delves into the tools used for spanking and their significance in childhood.

Tools of Discipline: The Wooden Ruler and Beyond

The practice of using specific tools for spanking is not uncommon. According to some families, the choice of implement can vary greatly and can even hold places of honor or significance. One such family uses different tools for different spankings.

For example, one family's father would keep his belt on a hook near the door. This was often a topic of discussion, leading to questions about the purpose of the belt. Other frequent tools included a wooden ruler, a wooden mule (a distinctive shoe), and a paddler that hung in the kitchen.

Reminders and Memorabilia: Keeping the Tools Within Reach

These tools were not only used for their intended purpose but also as reminders of the lessons they were meant to teach. For instance, one father would keep his paddle and belt in a specific drawer or on his belt, where they could be seen as a visual reminder of the discipline they represented. Similarly, a mother would keep her paddle on top of the refrigerator, a location that was easily accessible and served as a constant reminder.

Spanking and Its Traces in the Home

These tools were not limited to singular use or the spankings themselves but were often displayed prominently in the home. One family would keep their paddles, canes, and belts hung up in their bedroom as a reminder of the rules and consequences. This practice continued even after family members moved out.

For example, when a son moved in with his sister and her family, the new implements used by the sister's husband were kept on the kitchen door, ready to be used at any time. Similarly, the items used by the son in his previous home were kept on a specific spot, reinforcing the idea that discipline and respect for authority were taught through these items.

Visibility and Memory: Why These Tools Are Kept in Plain Sight

The reason for keeping these tools in plain sight is multifaceted. For one, it serves a psychological function, reminding individuals of the importance of following rules and the consequences of breaking them. Additionally, these tools become part of family lore, passing down from generation to generation, and reminding family members of the values and morals that were instilled during their childhood.

For some, these tools are even more than just reminders. They are tangible links to the past, laden with memories and emotions. A specific example is a mom who kept her wooden ruler on a shelf in the living room, leading her daughter to have to bare her bottom to pick it up and hand it over to her mother.

Conclusion: Legacy of the Tools of Discipline

The tools used for spanking, such as belts, paddles, rulers, and mules, are not mere implements of punishment but are instead legacy items that carry significant historical and cultural weight within families. They serve as reminders of discipline, respect, and the values that were passed down from generation to generation. Despite the ongoing debate about the efficacy and morality of spanking, these tools continue to hold a place of importance in the households where they are kept.

These items are not just physical objects but are imbued with a sense of tradition and identity. They are a part of the family's cultural fabric, reflecting the beliefs and practices of the past and the traditions that continue to shape family dynamics today.