A walking stick is a device used by many people throughout history up to the Middle Ages and perhaps beyond. For the Celts, it was of primary importance. In ancient times, they were used as a weapon to defend against threat or on offense. Some were even made to conceal some type of blade, such as a sword or knife. Swords, once an important Celtic symbol, fell into disuse due to newly developed weapons that could reach greater distances, such as pistols and cannons. Swords, once a Celtic symbol of status and wealth, were used less and less and the next best thing to replace them was a Celtic staff. In fact, they became so popular that everyone went out of their way to buy one to add to their wardrobe accessories. In addition to its value as a decorative accessory, it fulfills part of the function of the sword as a weapon. Many types of wood were used to make them, but in older times the wood chosen was of great importance!
The wood, along with the Celtic symbol design, on the staff represented the person and who they were. For example, some have a compass on the handle for the astronomer or sailor, and others may be engaged in a country hobby, such as fishing, golf, animal husbandry, merchants, farmers, chieftains, or horseback riding. . Of course, the Chieftains, high-ranking warriors, would have elaborately decorated staffs. Most likely they were buried with them. Many are adorned with items that match a person’s personality or mood. They may also reflect the season or a person’s individual power animal or family crest or totem. Later they still reflected the profession, like the English Bobby.
Religious men, such as the Druids, also used walking sticks, or canes, to show their position originally. The type of wood the Celts used for the wand or staff showed how high the rank of the druid was: 6 years of school for Vate, 12 for a bard and 18 for the druid and about 20 years. Later the staff was adopted by the Christian faith and used by bishops, archimandrites and abbots. They even adopted some of the colors, although over the years this was dropped. The religious leaders carried a darker wood and the canes were straight, not curved like a candy cane. They used silver as a hilt at the top and a metal cap at the tip. The staff used by the leader like the Archdruid or the Christian leaders was made of plain wood and had absolutely no decoration. The staff was given only in Initiations of both Druidism and Bishop rites at the beginning of their service. No one else had the right to wear it until one of the same rank as you was going to give it to them. Any wands or items turned in for that particular sect and service were returned when you finished that service, or passed on to the new person who took over. As you can see, canes vary in both size and shape. The works of art, and sometimes even the beauty of wood alone, have led to the popular hobby of collecting them! The Celts are still elaborately carved with Celtic symbols, Celtic symbols burned in wood, painted or plain. Some would display the hereditary insignia or the totem of the tribe or clan!
Canes can be used to walk over rough terrain, to reach difficult places, or to clear desert foliage, make a path passable, and prevent injury. They are great to use or harness to gain momentum to go up steeper hills, or to avoid a fall, or go slower downhill. They are essential, in my opinion, to undertake any outdoor adventure, as they can save a life when crossing a body of water or avoid falling into a hole and testing the ground or ice.
When you buy one from an online store, it’s good to put on a hand strap when you take it home. Most cane makers will drill this hole and add a leather tie for you at no or minimal additional charge. You’ll want this if you’re going anywhere so it can go around your wrist and you won’t lose it in an accident. Also as a handle on the larger ones called Staves, some may have a special grip where you place your hand for comfort. As a general rule of thumb, buy a cane 3 inches shorter than you are. The bigger and stronger the man, the bigger and stronger the cane.
What are Nordic walking poles? This term is used to tell you that there are two poles, like ski poles. You’ll want at least two types of canes, one for cold climates, like winter in Canada, and one for warmer climates. A winter cane will have a metal ribbon attached to the bottom instead of the rubber tip. Some are made so that the bottom becomes two styles, so you don’t ruin interior floors. These come in a set! They are winter canes. The Norse lived in a rugged world, and sometimes the weather was unpleasant. These Nordic walking poles are all the rage in Europe nowadays! They are becoming more popular in the US and Canada as the world becomes more health conscious. Buying a cane and pedometer, and putting them by the door, will remind you that you need to finish your 10,000 steps a day. Walking with two poles of the correct length dramatically reduces stress on the knees, hips, and back.
Stick collecting is a great hobby for those looking for something to collect. Its value will never decrease and there are many types: vintage, modern and hidden compartments such as hidden swords, hidden pool cues, hidden liquids (these are called drinkers!) or compartments to hide gems, smoke or matches. for the survival campfire and the money. No matter what the reason, this is an investment that can’t go wrong. All canes are great conversation pieces, as well as some having absolutely stunning designs – carved, painted, or wood burned.