The History of the Umbrella
The umbrella comes from the Parasol which was created as protection against the sun. Para meaning shield and sol meaning sun. Umbrella developed from the Latin word "umbella", where "umbel" means a flat spherical flower and umbra meaning "shaded." The English name comes from the Italian word, "Ombrella." The use of the parasol dates back to the very early ages of time, with some mentioning in the Bible. These outdoor umbrellas later became useful rain umbrellas over the centuries.
The exact origins of the parasol or umbrella are not concrete but nonetheless substantive. Experts believe the first umbrella may have been leaves tied to the extremities of a bough or developed from the idea of the tent. In some sculptures like those of the Ninevite, the parasol is shown many times. In these art works, the parasol is used to protect the head of the King. These umbrellas are lavished with tassels and designed beautifully, usually with fine materials like linen or silk. There were many shapes of umbrellas in Egypt. People used palm-leaf umbrellas and models without handles which were attached in Chariots. This notion of the umbrella being utilized by royalty extends to Assyria and many other Eastern countries as well. The Chinese were said to use umbrellas in ceremonies, quoted in their ritual book, The Rites of Tcheou.
Back in early Greece, women saw the parasol as a necessary component of a ladies fashion sense. There it also had a strong religious connotation. Parasols were drawn with Gods and Goddesses frequently. The umbrella spread to Rome, most likely from Greece and was primarily used by women to ward off the sun. There are specific instances of quoted Roman literature that finds maids and servants honorably holding a parasol over their mistresses. Ironically, at least for the Romans, there is not a lot of evidence showing they used umbrellas to keep them dry from the rain but instead for shade and honorary distinctions. The Arabs also utilized parasols and umbrellas for marks of prestige and independence. In Morocco, only the Emperor and his family were allowed to use these devices. The Sultan's umbrella commanded the kneeling respect of those who saw it in person.
However, in China the uses of the umbrella were extended to both class designation and also for rain protection. Emperors were supposedly guarded by four umbrellas whenever he went hunting where as the lesser classes were confined to using rain resistant clothing instead of umbrellas.
Skipping ahead in time to the west, the history of the umbrella continues. Fashion umbrellas began to proliferate in south Europe at first in the religious ceremonies of the Byzantine Church. During procession the bishop and cross-bearer were accompanied by a servant who was equipped with an umbrella. While the exact history of the umbrella in the Middle Ages is as speculative as its ancient history, many references show at least they were in common use with the population. There are numerous drawings of gentlemen equipped with rain umbrellas, albeit a tad fancier than the ones today with more of a curved handle. These drawings also show the parasol and umbrella were common within both France and England, most likely influenced by travelers or immigrants from China in the 17th century. By now there are a lot of allusions in literature that point to the prominence of the umbrella within plays, poems and dictionary listings.
As the parasol and umbrella made way into the perception of everyday use and lost its mark of signifying royal distinction, people began to drop the effeminate label historically attached to the accessory. This prompted gentlemen, like Jonas Hanway, the founder of the Magdelen Hospital, to frequently carry one outside with him while he traveled around in London. He saw the umbrella like every other accessory for gentlemen, complimenting the watch, hat, gloves and walking cane.
From here on out the umbrella slowly evolved into an everyday, household item. Many improvements have been made in material and design throughout the history of the umbrella. Originally English umbrellas consisted of oiled silk and heavy wood with poor and clumsy mechanical operation. Nowadays you can find one as cheap as a few dollars or of higher quality and cost, from a big umbrella to a small umbrella in a multitude of colors from a green umbrella to a black umbrella, all of which offer you protection from the rain and if you choose your rain umbrella right, a hint of style.
Try Out These Umbrellas:
|
|
|
