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Roots -

We can trace the roots of walking sticks/canes to primitive times. Sticks were used to assist with walking, hunting, and for protection in general.

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Ancient Egypt -

In ancient Egypt, elaborate staffs were carried by high-ranking officials and pharaohs as symbols of their authority and power.

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Ancient Greece -

Walking sticks were commonly used by travelers, shepherds, and soldiers in ancient Greece. Pictured holding a stick is Greek mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras.

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Ancient Rome -

Similarly, walking sticks were popular in ancient Rome.

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The Bible -

There are numerous biblical references that indicate the use of sticks, including its use by figures like Moses (pictured).

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Middle Ages -

Medieval pilgrims were known to use walking sticks, which assisted them in their travels.

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Religious use -

Staffs of office, which are derived from walking sticks, have been used by many religious leaders, mostly in Christianity and Islam. Pictured is an Orthodox protodeacon holding one.

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Fashion statement -

It was not until the 17th and 18th centuries that the walking stick established itself as an essential fashion accessory. Louis XIV of France popularized the trend.

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Fashion statement -

While men rocked the walking cane in style, women were also fans. The walking stick was a unisex fashion accessory.

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Victorian times -

The popularity of the walking stick established itself further in the 19th century. It became a quintessential accessory to a gentleman’s attire. Pictured is Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde holding a walking stick.

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Victorian times -

The use of canes was such a big deal in the UK that the Cane Act was passed in 1822. The act stated that men under the age of 50 had to pay a tax if they carried a cane or umbrella. The exception being if the individual had walking difficulties.

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20th-century America -

Across the pond, walking canes gained popularity during the 1920s. Pictured is a woman pouring alcohol into her drink from a walking stick during Prohibition.

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Popular among royals and celebrities -

The walking stick became very popular among royals, particularly the British royal family. Pictured is the then-Prince of Wales and future King Edward VII circa 1898. Now, let’s take a look at other famous people rocking walking canes.

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Winston Churchill -

The former British Prime Minister was known for his signature walking stick, which he started carrying everywhere following a stroke.

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Fred Astaire -

The famous dancer and actor used a walking cane (or shall we say dancing cane?) as a prop in many of his choreographies.

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Salvador Dalí -

The Spanish artist had a rather unique style. Here is Dalí back in 1964 with one of his favorite fashion accessories.

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Elton John -

The famous music artist is pictured arriving at Heathrow Airport in London in October 1973, after his US tour had finished.

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Orson Welles -

The famous American actor and director's walking stick resembled a pool cue. Here's Welles carrying it at the Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles in 1979.

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Charles III -

From shepherd's crooks to stylish canes, King Charles III is a big fan of walking sticks, and has been for a while!

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Helen Mirren -

The English actress poses for a photo circa 1995 with a walking stick in her hand.

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Rihanna -

RiRi is probably best known for her umbrella, but the singer can also rock the walking stick look.

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Brad Pitt -

The actor turned heads when he arrived at the 2012 Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards in LA with an elegant walking cane. The actor was sporting the accessory due to a knee injury.

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Taylor Swift -

The singer holds a walking stick during her performance at the 2013 Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles.

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Nick Cannon -

Here, Nick Cannon poses for a photo with his walking stick at the 2013 NBC Summer Press Day.

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Madonna -

The Queen of Pop is no stranger to walking sticks. Madonna has used them as both props in her shows and as part of her looks on numerous occasions.

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Kelly Osbourne -

You can't go wrong with a monochrome number with a touch of gold in your walking stick.

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Selma Blair -

The actress was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and carries a walking stick to assist her walking. Of course, these are no ordinary walking sticks. Blair is one stylish woman, after all.

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Cara Delevingne -

The model and actress poses for a photo with a cane at the 2022 Met Gala in New York City.

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Christina Applegate -

Like her fellow actress and friend Selma Blair, Christina Applegate also suffers from MS, and she too uses stylish walking sticks to assist her walking.

Sources: (Art Walking Sticks) (WalkingCanes.com) (Ability Superstore) 

See also: Learn about multiple sclerosis and the stars who suffer from it

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