In some parts of the world, an umbrella is practically a necessity. Whether it’s for rain or sun or singing in the rain.
Here are 23 facts about the Umbrella.
1. The word umbrella comes from the Latin word “umbros” which means shade or shadow.
2. The first use of simple sun protecting umbrellas (parasols) comes from 3-4 thousand year old Egypt and Assyria. The exact time when parasols from natural materials (palm leaves) were made is not known, although scientists speculate they were used since the dawn of human civilization.
3. During its first thousand years of life, parasols were viewed as a symbol of wealth and power. Many civilizations practiced the tradition of showcasing exotic and complex made parasols for their rulers.
4. The first waterproofed umbrellas were created in ancient China, over 3 thousand years ago. Many Asian rulers showcased their might with multi-tiered parasols that sometimes had up to 20 levels of protection.
5. From around 1000 BC to 400 AD, small and foldable parasols (in their design almost identical to modern umbrellas) represented one of the fashion accessories of females in Greece and Rome.
6. Modern day widespread acceptance of umbrellas started to spread across Europe in middle of 18th century. Up until that point, umbrellas were viewed as a female fashion accessory.
7. The first man who publicly carried an umbrella was Englishman Jonas Hanway. His influence finally introduced the umbrella to the male population of England, and soon after entire world.
8. Modern day umbrellas are strikingly similar in their design to the models that were used in ancient Greece and Rome.
9. Technological advancements of 20th century enabled the creation of mechanisms and materials that are integral part of modern umbrellas.
10. Currently there are many types of umbrellas on the market – traditional, automatic, compact, bubble, storm and crutch umbrellas (they can serve as a walking stick or cane).
11. Umbrellas represent an important part of modern fashion.
12. Umbrellas have featured in many Grand Masters works of art. They can also be seen in many modern day works of art and are even used in some memorable product promotions.
13. Umbrellas have found their way into many new areas of modern life, for example as a decoration for exotic cocktails and drinks.
14. Umbrellas have found a use in modern photography as a light reflector. Not to mention an important prop for many a nude model.
15. Modern day umbrellas are coated with Teflon, which makes their canopy waterproof.
The majority of modern umbrellas are made in China.
16. One city in China (Shangyu) has over a thousand umbrella factories.
17. Umbrellas can be used as offensive and defensive weapons. French President Nicolas Sarkozy was the first to start using a Kevlar coated umbrella as a part of his security measures.
18. Umbrellas can be used offensively as a weapon, or its shaft can effectively hide a secret blade. Modern security agencies are known to modify umbrellas for their secret purposes. For example, Bulgarian president Georgi Markov was assassinated in 1978 by KGB agent who carried deadly poison in his modified umbrella.
19. Many religions adopted umbrellas and parasols as a part of their ceremonies and processions.
20. During the 19th century, European fashion demanded that umbrellas must be held in the middle of their shaft, with the handle pointing toward the ground. English nobility preferred umbrellas made from blue or green silk.
21. Steel ribbed umbrellas were invented in 1852 by Samuel Fox.
22. The first working “folding umbrella” was introduced in 1969 by Bradford Philips.
23. Over 33 million umbrellas are sold in the United States each year.
23 Interesting Facts About the Umbrella
Sign up here with your email