As a sign of power influential people carried multi-tiered umbrellas, with Chinese Emperor himself being protected with four tiers of very elaborate parasol. Similar tradition spread across the region, and rulers of Siam and Burma used parasols with eight to 24 layers. During 1st millennia BC, umbrellas came to Ancient Greece and Rome where they were viewed as a luxurious female accessory.
It was recorded that both Greek and Roman women had umbrellas that could open and close, and were often carried not by noble women but by slaves and servants, sometimes mounted on horses or carriages.
Men however, viewed umbrellas as female only item and only effeminate Roman men openly joined women under the protective shade of umbrella. After the fall of Roman Empire in 5th century AD, use of umbrella almost totally disappeared from Europe. It was only with the arrival of Renaissance that umbrella returned into popularity, most commonly by the nobility and royalty in late 16thand 17thcentury France, Italy and England probably under the influence of China.
By that time umbrellas were made from silk and other expensive materials that did not provide lasting protection from rain, but their general shape and design reinforced with modern technology that enabled easier opening and closing closely resembled those that were used by Roman and Greece women in 4th century BC.
As the centuries went, umbrellas slowly spread across entire Europe and after "Age of Discovery" over to the Northern America, but tradition of female use continued to be strong until midth century. The paper covers are hand-painted with flowers, birds, figures and landscapes and then coated with oil so that they are not only practical but also pretty and durable.
Though it is only a small paper umbrella like other arts, the producing craft is without any carelessness. Take Fuzhou paper umbrella for example. The rib must be made of five-year-old bamboo produced in northern Fujian Province to make it have strong tenacity and elasticity, and possess mould resistance, antiseptic property and resistance to insects by special manufacturing. An umbrella is finished via over 80 processes, and traditionally has five independent parts -- the rib, the umbrella, the head of umbrella, the shaft and painting.
The umbrella surface is made of refined cotton paper with strong pulling force. Then it is treated with pure paint, again tung oil which has strong stickiness, designed with flowers and birds, figures, landscape and scenery. Umbrellas Spreading West The word "umbrella" comes from the Latin root word "umbra", meaning shade or shadow. Starting in the 16th century umbrella became popular to the western world, especially in rainy northern Europe.
At first it was considered only an accessory for women. Then the Persian traveler and writer, Jonas Hanway , carried and used an umbrella publicly in England for thirty years, and he popularized the use of umbrellas among men. The first all umbrella shop was called "James Smith and Sons". Time will only tell what will come next! An umbrella can be used rain or shine. The umbrella was originally designed to offer shade to the nobility.
Over time, though, it became a stylish essential for everything from spring showers to your favorite cocktail. Save yours for a rainy day! European Umbrellas. The History of the Umbrella. Basu, T. Umbrellas and Parasols. Discover Britain Magazine.
The Rise of Umbrellas. Walton, G. Umbrellas and Their History in the United Kingdom. Jyoti Umbrellas. History of Umbrellas. Online Etymology Dictionary. My Wedding in New Orleans. New Orleans Wedding Traditions. Global Times. Advertising Specialty Institute. Global Ad Impressions Study Edition. Greatest Stores. The Evolution of the Umbrella. Poplar Forest. Of Parasols and Umbrellas. Curtis, W. History Lesson: Cocktail Umbrellas.
Bilow, R. Dove, L. Bellis, M. Who Invented the Umbrella? Silver, C. Umbrellas: Drenched in History.
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