03/28/2024
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by Danna Martínez

In addition to protecting the skin in the rain and sun, the umbrella has a significant historical and functional background.

The term umbrella comes from the word sub-umbra. The word sub-umbra means “under the shadow.” The first recorded use of umbrellas dates back approximately 3,500 years. Back then, the ancient Egyptians used parasols in various ways to protect themselves from sunlight. However, Egyptian umbrellas soon took a different functional direction. Umbrellas became an object used by nobles, religious leaders, and royalty. At that time, the nobles imposed a culture of pale skin, very carefully protected from the sun. For this reason, umbrellas were seen as a privileged protection element.

Romans and Greeks were also pioneers in the use of the umbrella. However, they saw this element as an exclusive object for women. After the Fall of the Roman Empire, the use of the umbrella declined almost wholly.

Later, around the 11th century BC. Ancient China invented a folding umbrella prototype. The record of this invention is part of a terracotta army sculpture. In the sculpture, you can see how the umbrella covers a soldier riding in a carriage.

In France, during the XVII century, Jean Marius had the idea of redesigning umbrellas by adding metal closures. Jean Marius, a Parisian purse maker, was inspired to recreate an umbrella prototype of the Asian folding umbrellas.

Marius’ invention sought to improve mobility when protecting himself from the rain. He created a functional and lightweight umbrella. Marius promptly received the patent for his invention. Until the end of the 18th century, umbrella use got popular in France and some places in Europe.

Meanwhile, for the English, the umbrella only corresponded to women, so using it called into question the manhood of the gentlemen. However, this was not the case for Jonas Hanway, an English businessman and philanthropist. After a trip to France, Hanway saw how men and women used umbrellas to protect themselves from the rain. For this reason, when Hanwway returned to England, he decided to break with stereotypes and use the umbrella. After his death, Hanway’s memory managed to inspire the English, allowing everyone, regardless of stratum or gender, to hold an umbrella without the fear of being questioned.

An umbrella is a folding and portable utensil. Its principal function is to protect people, animals, or objects from the sun and rain. An umbrella is made up of three essential parts:

  • The saddle or linkage. (Generally, there are eight rods)
  • The cloth.
  • The fist/ The part where it is held.

The initial designs of the umbrellas were constructed of cloth (habitually silk), wood, and whale bones. Over time, it was decided to use other materials based on waterproofing and functionality. Some of these materials are steel, glass fiber, aluminum, and bamboo.

Something curious about umbrellas is that their design has not been radically altered despite the time. Compared to other inventions, the current umbrella bears a close resemblance to the umbrella of antiquity.

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