I was thinking of a random item to talk about last night as the Day 26 of the March Inleo Prompt when my eyes caught two umbrellas leaning on the wall in my room. These two were the remaining ones left from the ones that were distributed to chiefs and the king during Grandma's burial last year and my mind said, "Why don't you write something about this?" I realized every item has its history, right? This prompted me to write the history of the umbrella; one that is so common today.
I could remember in some movies I have watched, especially ones that were filmed talking about the old times, umbrellas were seen to be used among the elites and the rich as a sign of honour and dignity. Alright, let's dive in.
The umbrella which is seen as a simple, yet functional accessory has a history which dates back to a thousand years ago. It started as a humble beginning to becoming a widespread accessory being used today as it serves as a testament to human ingenuity and the quest for protection.
The first and earliest umbrellas were traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Assyria and China where these items were used primarily to cover themselves under the hot sun rather than being used as a protection during the rainy season.
They were made from materials like feathers, branches and palm leaves which are often attached to wooden or bamboo frames. Their purpose was to shield people from the scorching sun especially in regions with records of hot climate as they find them as a necessity.
Umbrellas began to be recognized in ancient Greece and Rome as both to protect one from the hot sun and during rainy days. There was this Roman writer and philosopher named Seneca who was said to have used a large folding umbrella made of feathers to shield himself from both the sun and the rain. However, umbrellas were considered accessories which only the wealthy elites could afford as they were seen as luxurious items.
During the Middle Ages in Europe, umbrellas lost their value as a symbol of wealth and privilege, so their use declined greatly. However, they were still considered and utilised as important items for protection against these elements in other parts of the world like Asia and the Middle East.
The 18th century marked a significant turning point in the history of umbrellas through advanced technology and manufacturing as they became popular and accessible, making them affordable for people to purchase and use. An English man named Samuel Fox in 1852 invented a metal ribbed umbrella which inspired the designs of umbrellas, making them firm and more reliable than before.
With more industries in sight, umbrellas became mass-produced commodities, which are available in different styles, varieties of colours and designs to suit individual preferences, choices and tastes. Umbrellas became what people could not do without as they became a necessity to everyday life while offering protection from rain, sun and snow.
Throughout the 20th century, umbrellas kept evolving with more innovations like lightweight, compact folding and automatic opening which makes them more durable and convenient to use. They became items found in homes, offices and cities around the world.
There is no doubt that umbrellas are an indispensable part of our modern lives, which makes us appreciate and cherish their usefulness and aesthetic appeal. The sizes, shapes, colours and designs are fascinating to every individual which makes us want to have them around every time as protection from sun and rain unexpectedly. The umbrella remains a timeless and cherished invention, representing centuries of human creativity and innovation.
This is my participation for Day 26 of the March Inleo Prompt. You can click the link to participate too.
