We see lanyards every day. Probably we all own one our self. A lanyard is a rope or cord or a string or strap or ribbon or anything like that used to carry something. Usually it is worn around the neck or wrist to avoid losing the object and to ensure it is visible all the time. Common examples of lanyard are cord worn around the neck to hold a whistle, cord worn around the neck or shoulder to hold a knife, cord or wire with a hook at one end to fire cannon and so lanyard on.
The word lanyard is derived from the French word “laniere” which means strap or thong. The history of lanyards dates back to the seventeenth century where it was initially used as a nautical term for a rope or line that could hold something to the boat or ship. They were also used by the naval personnel to carry their valuable items while on board. In the late nineteenth century lanyards were used to describe a cord that could secure a knife or sword during war. At those times, lanyards were worn on the left shoulder but later it has been shifted to the right due to the difficulty in taking out the knife. In the military it is now used to hold a pistol and also to denote the rank of the officer.
Today, lanyards are worn by everyone around their neck, wrist or attached to belt or purse to hold one’s valuable things. It is the most simple and effective means of securing things and displaying our personal interest and loyalties. Lanyards vary in function. They are used in holding small electronic devices such as MP3 players, cell phones, cameras and USB flash drives, used in displaying badges, tickets and ID cards for identification in public places like hospitals and schools or in public gatherings like concerts, conventions and trade affairs.
Lanyards are attached to dead man’s switches or “killer switches” on dangerous machinery. So if the operator falls, that will pull the lanyard which will then pull the switch to stop the machine immediately. Lanyards are used in camping to hold a knife, compass or any camping gear. It is also used to hang washed vessels from tree branches to air dry them. It is a highly useful thing in our kitchen to hang a lot of items like can opener and bottle opener which are most likely to vanish when you need them the most.
The art of making lanyards is called scoubidou. It is a very popular art among children during summer camps and scouting associations. There are various types of lanyards of which the main ones are:
Cord lanyards which are inexpensive and best for ID badges. They are made from cotton, nylon or polyester. They usually have a slide size adjuster on the top of the lanyard behind the neck.