History of walking canes
Friday, May 26, 2006
The history of walking canes and walking sticks is as long and eventful as the history of humans. In ancient times, the main role walking sticks played was in shepherding animals, and assisting pilgrims and travelers on journeys. Then, a good walking stick helped the user to walk correctly when traveling long distances, helped to defend them against thieves and in shepherding, to ensure that the animals they were guarding were all together.
Over time, walking canes became more than functional aids for movement; they became a symbol of supremacy and strength. In the Middle Ages, walking sticks transformed into the scepters and staffs of kings and emperors. The king’s scepter, when carried in the right hand symbolized royal power, whereas a staff held in the left hand represented justice. In churches, higher officials also started using staffs, which symbolized their higher status in society. It wasn’t until the 16th century when different woods like bamboo and other woods were used as shaft that the use of the word ‘cane’ became commonplace. Before that, walking stick was the commonly used term.
In the 16th century, sticks and canes were both used for common purposes. However sticks and canes both signified something different. And this difference can be distingue on the basis of the raw material used in the manufacturing. Woods like ivory, whalebone, ebony ere use in the construction of sticks, where as canes were prepared by the use of bamboo, Malacca and other strong reeds. In those days one person’s prosperity and social position can be easily known by the walking canes used by him. After the 1600s, canes became a symbol of fashion. The use of cane was considered as a privilege.
So from ancient times to the 16th century, walking canes went from the realm of shepherd and other functional uses in ancient times, to the realm of king, emperor and pope in the Middle Ages, to a socially stratified division of uses in the 16th century. The history of the cane only gets more interesting from here, make sure to check back for our next article about the history of walking canes tomorrow.
Tags: history, walking canes
Over time, walking canes became more than functional aids for movement; they became a symbol of supremacy and strength. In the Middle Ages, walking sticks transformed into the scepters and staffs of kings and emperors. The king’s scepter, when carried in the right hand symbolized royal power, whereas a staff held in the left hand represented justice. In churches, higher officials also started using staffs, which symbolized their higher status in society. It wasn’t until the 16th century when different woods like bamboo and other woods were used as shaft that the use of the word ‘cane’ became commonplace. Before that, walking stick was the commonly used term.
In the 16th century, sticks and canes were both used for common purposes. However sticks and canes both signified something different. And this difference can be distingue on the basis of the raw material used in the manufacturing. Woods like ivory, whalebone, ebony ere use in the construction of sticks, where as canes were prepared by the use of bamboo, Malacca and other strong reeds. In those days one person’s prosperity and social position can be easily known by the walking canes used by him. After the 1600s, canes became a symbol of fashion. The use of cane was considered as a privilege.
So from ancient times to the 16th century, walking canes went from the realm of shepherd and other functional uses in ancient times, to the realm of king, emperor and pope in the Middle Ages, to a socially stratified division of uses in the 16th century. The history of the cane only gets more interesting from here, make sure to check back for our next article about the history of walking canes tomorrow.
Tags: history, walking canes
posted by Swciii | 5/26/2006 12:20:00 PM
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