History of Walking Sticks / Canes

Let's look at BC, no not British Columbia, but before Christ.

Some believe the name cane arose from the Bible, were Cain slew his brother with his staff.

The Egyptians have placed the cane in hieroglyphics and we always recognize the King with this token of sovereignty. Also in many pictures and statues with their staffs and walking sticks. For Example, just one glimpse into this history is the tomb of the youthful King Tutankhamen. Dating Back more than 3300 years ago The Year 1358 B.C.

And just for fun, one of my favorite riddles of Greek mythology,

"What animal walks on four legs in the morning, two at noon, and three in the evening?"

Give up? The sphinx did, and took its own life. But Oedipus solved the riddle.

It is a man that creeps on all fours as a child, walks erect in adulthood, and supports his infirmities in the sunset of his life on a staff or cane.

Can you guess who is this person?

It is the person that created the

Riddle… Give up? Diodorus

In the periods before our time, The Cane or Walking Stick had much meaning. It was handed down through out the family's heritage, and became part of the family tree.

Thus the Talking stick was born in other cultures as well. In today's culture we see a small revival back to some of the customs of the Bible. Handing down the walking stick as a sign of Coming of age.

So, as we can see the history of walking canes or sticks, as we know it today started when humans walked the earth. In the beginning, poles, weapons, supports and walking-aids were the same thing. During the course of time the walking stick also became a status symbol for men; you only have to think of the bishop's staff and the scepters of kings and emperors that symbolized power. From the 17th / 18th century the walking stick became a fashion accessory, not a man in town would go with out one! The splendid pieces confirm the high social status of their previous owners.

Before the walking cane / stick became a fashion item around the 18th century the cane was carried at the same time as the essential sword. Gradually, however our society began to replace the swords with the walking cane / stick as the main symbol of gentility.

Kind of a good thing, however it seams that the cane can be just as useful as a sword when needed!

I believe this is why in 1702 in London England a gentleman had to procure licenses for the privilege of carrying canes, and to abide by certain rules or risk loss of the privilege. HOWEVER believe this or not ….. It was really because of the etiquette police! It was considered an extreme violation of manners to carry a walking stick under one's arm, or for that manner to brandish it in the air, or to drag it on the ground or to lean on it while standing…

Boy, if that was true today, not only would it be taken away from me … I would be in prison!!!

However, just as the walking stick had replaced the sword as an accessory to dress in the 19th century, the umbrella gradually replaced the walking stick in the beginning of the 20th century. The Dress Cane now appears on very formal occasions.

But, if we all can see that owning a cane is just not for medical purposes, we can bring it back as a fashion accessory expressly for those of us have to live with one every day.

Now Remember, Walk with a Smile and Walk with Style® with CanesCanada.com Just like The youthful king Tutankhamen. You ARE from royal decree. Do not think of your self as disabled, Your Style'n

Llano Gorman

The Cane Man ®

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