The Umbrella, have you really given it much thought or just when it's raining. Quite frankly I was very thankful to God yesterday for giving someone, way back when, the wisdom to create it.Did you know that the root word "umbrella" comes from the latin root word "umbra" meaning shade or shadow.
According the About.com the umbrella was invented over 4000 years ago to provide shade from the sun. Later the Chinese waterproofed it to provide protection from the rain.
The umbrella started to become popular in the western world during the 16th century and was considered only an accessory for women. Later Jonas Hanway started carrying an umbrella publicly in England for 30 years, he popularized the use of an umbrella among men. Many English gentlemen today refer to their umbrella as a Hanway.
An umbrella can also be known as a parasol. Where an umbrella is usually hand held and used to protect against the rain, the parasol is usually not waterproofed and is used for protection for the sun, "para" means stop or shield and "sol" means sun.
So there you have it, more information then you ever wanted about an item you probably only think about when you need it and are lucky if you can find it at the time.
Where's your umbrella/parasol?
8 comments:
Rains all the time here...I have become a collector of Umbrella's one can never have too many!
Hey, I actually learned something today! Thanks for the info! :)
I am thankful to have one in desperate times...down pours. Unfortunately, we have not have much use for one here in Richmond, Virginia, lately.
Blessings, andrea
This post made me think about cocktail parasols... all the better to shield the ice from solar radiation.... mai tais anyone???
This was an interesting thing I had never know until you posted it today.
Great insight to all the various ways and origins of the umbrella!
Now I just wish oh how I wish it would just rain so I can use one!
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
It doesn't rain too often here in the desert but when it does, I'm tempted to just get rained on because it's so refreshing!
I learned something...that was interesting.
I love those little tiny ones that you can stuff in a purse. Great to have around.
Its so warm here, that we use them for shade frequently. Never rains, so they don't really need to be waterproof!
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