Umbrella

Umbrella

An Umbrella is a folding canopy supported by wooden or metal ribs, which is usually mounted on a wooden, metal, or plastic pole. It is designed to protect a person against rain or sunlight. The term "umbrella" is traditionally used when protecting oneself from rain, with "parasol" used when protecting oneself from sunlight, though the terms continue to be used interchangeably.

History

The basic umbrella was invented more than 4,000 years ago. There is evidence of umbrellas in the ancient art and artifacts of Egypt, Assyria, Greece, and China. These ancient umbrellas or parasols, were first designed to provide shade from the sun. The Chinese were the first to waterproof their umbrellas for use as rain protection. They waxed and lacquered their paper parasols in order to use them for rain.

Design

The typical umbrella is designed to be lightweight and portable. A traditional umbrella has several parts: the handle, the shaft, the ribs, the stretchers, the runner, the tube, the finial, the canopy, and the ferrule. The handle of the umbrella can come in many forms. The most common is the straight handle, which can be made from a variety of materials including wood, plastic, and metal.

Types of Umbrellas

There are several different types of umbrellas including the compact umbrella, the golf umbrella, the stick umbrella, and the beach umbrella. Each type of umbrella has its own specific use and function.

Cultural Significance

Umbrellas have a long history and are present in many different cultures. They have been used in ceremonies, in art and literature, and as status symbols. In many Eastern religions, the umbrella is used in religious ceremonies and processions. In Western culture, umbrellas are often seen as a symbol of refinement and upper-class status.

See Also

• Parasol
• Rain
• Sunlight