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Throughout history as cultures took on certain beliefs, the status of canes and staffs changed. In the early 1700’s the first settlers in America used the canes as a status of wealth and refinement. Over time, the Puritans passed laws which wouldn’t allow extravagant dress or displays of wealth. This, in turn, altered the perception and appearance of the canes used.
In London England (1700’s) a gentleman had to procure licenses for the privilege of carrying canes. It was expected that they would 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!!!
In reality, no matter where you look in history, you will find a staff or walking cane of some kind. Those that were to represent wealth and power would be made to show status. Those used for support or for recreation would be created with more simplicity. A gentleman stopped by our shop once and showed us why in the “Old Country” crook canes where used to get around. They swing in a rhythmic way as you walk helping the user to keep a very stable pace. He would walk with no other style of cane for this reason.
During the course of time, the walking stick became a status symbol for men and woman all over the world. You only have to think of the bishop's staff and the scepters of kings and emperors that symbolized power. It is no wonder it became a fashion accessory for the wealthy and influential of so many cultures. As we think on the fact that the walking stick replaced the sword as an accessory to dress in the 19th century, then the umbrella gradually replaced the walking stick in the beginning of the 20th century. Finally, walking unsupported was considered to be the way of fashion, ending the era for the cane as an accessory for everyday use. This completely changed the way we view canes today. It is disappointing to know that canes began to be viewed only as a medical devise which is why so little attention was placed on the appearance of the canes available to buy.
Over the last decade, we have been working to remind our clients that a cane is more than a medical walking aide. A cane is not meant to suggest age or weakness but rather it is meant as an accessory to enhance our wardrobe at the sametime support us to keep us safe and mobile for a long time to come. For this reason, CanesCanada.com was started. Finding a cane that suits both our personality and physical need no longer has to be difficult. Just take a look through our website and you will see that there are so many to choose from that it may take a little debate to decide on the right one(s) to buy.
Now, remember, just like the youthful King Tutankhamen, you are from royal decree. Do not think of yourself as disabled, think of yourself as Styl’n. Walk with a Smile and Walk with Style® with CanesCanada.com.
Llano Gorman
The Cane Man ®
Copyright 2004 Trade Marks 2000 and on ..
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.
We are seeing a small revival of the custom where a walking stick is given as a sign of “coming of age”.
Here is a picture showing the youthful King Tutankhamen with his staff. (dates back more than 3300 years ago into the Year 1358 B.C.) Staffs were a sign of power and Egyptian rulers would have a carved lotus on the top to symbolize long life.
Just for fun, here is one of our favorite riddles of Greek mythology.
"What animal walks on four legs in the morning, two at noon, and three in the evening?"
Give up? … 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.
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