We all use umbrellas to ward off the rain – and people we don’t like. After all, they’re extremely functional, protect us from being drenched in water and are one of the most essential must-have accessories come Winter.
But have you ever wondered what these practical fashion objects were originally created for? As weird as it may seem, umbrellas were actually created – wait for it – to protect us from the writhing sun (gasp). So get this; the word umbrella is derived from “Umbra”, a Latin term referring to “shadow” or “being shaded”. Indeed, used as a protective shade, ancient umbrellas were very common amongst women and only women, as they were pegged as a symbol of femininity.
It wasn’t until the 16th century that this essential item became more suitable for rainy climates, as the Chinese created waterproof prototypes to protect themselves from the rain. But whatever the reason was and still is, what would we ever do without umbrellas?
Cindy Menassa
