Walking Cane and the Stages of Development

Walking canes can be brought to different usesThe period during which these canes evolved was
according to a person's necessity. It has often beenthe 15th and the 16th century of the European
used as a weapon, a tool, a power symbol or evencivilization. It was at this time hat the fashion of
as a lever. Although, we tend to associate thesecarrying swords in one s hands as how of manliness
walking canes as a tool of the old and white beardand physical prowess. In its place, these canes took it
generation, yet there are days in the earlier decadesposition in the hands of the gentlemen of the city.
when these same walking canes were used as aThese swords acted as a replacement for the earlier
mode of fashion in the hands of the youthful youngswords that served as a fashion accessory. Hence
as well. There has been an evolution as far as theuse of these swords made the men of the city feel
use of the walking canes is concerned. At one time,like their older sword carrying generation. One could
it was used as fashion statement whereas in othercarry it like a sword and could wield it like a sword as
times, especially now, there doesn't appear to be anywell without learning a new technique of using it.
necessity of using them, apart from absolutelyMoreover, it also made them feel more secure and
unavoidable purposes. Hence, it is remarkable even toconfident as the cane acted as a defense
chart out the history of these walking canes as theymechanism, serving as a weapon of protection.
were handed down the pages of generations.Unfortunately, the sad part of the story is that these
In the days gone by, the walking canes werecanes could not live up to the fashion statements
regarded as a symbol to measure ones status in theused in today's world. Use of walking canes is
society along with a reflection of ones occupation.associated with those with blind or sight impaired. For
People with different occupations bore differentsuch individuals, walking canes form a vital part of
canes on their hands. For example, a cane carried bytheir physical existence as these canes as devices of
a shepherd - one that is meant for the herding ofmobility for them. They will be unable to move
sheep will obviously be different from a cane carriedaround without the aid of these canes. Another
by an academician. This fashion of carrying a cane orinstance where these canes form a part of significant
a cane began in the Egypt where it was a custom toutility is when people go out for hiking purposes. For
carry canes on one hands in order to providethe hikers, use of canes form an essential element of
knowledge to the public regarding ones living andtheir trip as without them hiking will become an
position in the society at large.increasingly cumbersome affair.