History of Umbrellas

The umbrella is also referred to as a parasol, gamp, bumbershoot or brolly. The design is crafted to protect the user from the harsh midday rays of the sun and all forms of precipitation. Umbrellas are exclusive hand-held devices that can be carried around for protection from the elements, which is their primary function, or as accessories, to compliment apparel. The term is Latin in origin and means 'shadow' or 'shade'. The history of this fascinating invention dates back to different times, in different regions of the world. The umbrella is an integral part of the ancient sculptures at Nineveh, seen aloft the chariots and the carved work of Persepolis, in Persia.

Umbrellas Through the Ages

In ancient Egypt, the umbrella or parasol was used in various forms. Depictions flaunt a flaellum or fan of feathers or palm-leaves and over chariots, more or less in the form we know of today. In ancient Egypt, like in most other countries in and around Central and East Asia, the umbrella symbolized monarchy. In ancient Greece, the device was more a part of fashion than an indispensable adjunct to protection. Depictions dating back to the late 4th century BC display umbrellas that could apparently open and close. Ancient Greek culture considered it a mark of effeminacy for a man to carry an umbrella. Its religious significance can be seen in depictions highlighting the feast of Athene Sciras and those of Dionysos. Interestingly, a marked paradox reveals that Athenian women carried umbrellas as a mark of inferiority! The umbrella odyssey seemed to have meandered towards Rome thereafter. In ancient Rome, umbrellas designed with skin or leather were also used for defense. A parallel theory suggests that the umbrella made its way to ancient Rome from the Etruscans. Throughout the East, around this time, the umbrella was an insignia of royalty and high rank.

Written records on ancient China mention a collapsible umbrella as far back as 21 A.D. On chariots, the umbrellas were fitted with bendable joints that enabled extending and retracting the design, as and when required. Complex bronze hinges with socketed and inter-locking slides and bolts have been unearthed at the Luoyang archaeological site that dates back to 6th century BCE, making it the oldest! The ancient book of Chinese ceremonies, 'Zhou Li' or the 'Rites of Zhou', written 2400 years ago, has depiction and descriptions of umbrellas with 28 arcs. The specifics included descriptions such as the circumference of the upper staff being a rod measuring 3/18 of a Chinese foot and a lower tube having a circumference of 6/10. The earliest ideas on the umbrella were probably derived from designs replicating the tent and other makeshift protections from the elements. The Chinese umbrella design finally made its way to Japan and Korea, via the Silk Route

The Indian epic Mahabharata, dating back to about the 4th century describes the umbrella as a form of protection from the sun. The Eastern voyages of Jean Baptiste Tavernier, in the 17th century, mentions the use of the umbrella on either side of the royal thrones throughout the princely states. In the Deccan region of India, the Maratha princes even addressed their king as 'Chatrapati' or 'lord of the umbrella'. All through the Middle Ages, umbrella designs traversed the length and breadth of Europe. The device was soon sought more for functionality than ornament value. It was a common sight in the hands of photographers, as a diffusion device. By the mid-twentieth century, carrying an umbrella demanded etiquette and the use of matching accessories such as gloves and a hat! The canopy of the completely collapsible umbrella is now designed with a number of water-resistant fabrics and can be retracted to varying lengths.