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The Umbrella


The word umbrella derives from the Latin where “umbra” means shadow.  Similarly, “para” defines shelter or shield, and “sol” means sun and they construct the word “parasol” which is used with the term umbrella interchangeably, yet parasols have a straight shaft different than the curved handle of the umbrella. As their etymological roots suggest, the primal intention of creating this object was the protection from exposure to the sun around four millennia before today. The early materials used in the construction were the tree leaves and branches until the invention of paper in China. The paper predecessors of this object later oiled since then the function of them have expanded from sunshade to protection from the rain even though they were not totally waterproof. These oil-paper parasols as well as dry, silk parasols made their way to Europe around Renaissance and became a fashionable trend amongst women. In 1708 The Kersey’s Dictionary defined the umbrella as “a screen commonly used by women to keep off rain” by proving its relation with femininity in this era. The so-called stubborn traveler and philanthropist Jonas Hanway changed this perspective by insisting on carrying his umbrella every day in London for thirty years against societal norms. The association of umbrella within sociological concepts is not limited to femininity, it also has been representing prosperity, royalty, and power throughout history starting from Ancient Egypt.

 “Who doubts that you are a respectable character provided you have an umbrella? you go into a public house and call for a pot of beer, and the publican puts it down before you with one hand without holding out the other for the money, for he sees that you have an umbrella and consequently property.  And what respectable man, when you overtake him on the way and speak to him, will refuse to hold a conversation with you, provided you have an umbrella? No one.  The respectable man sees you have an umbrella and concludes that you do not intend to rob him, and with justice, for robbers never carry umbrellas.  O, a tent, a shield, a lance, and a voucher for the character is an umbrella.  Amongst the very best friends of man must be reckoned an umbrella."


Wild Wales (1906), George Borrow

 

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