03/12/2008

When it rains…use an umbrella
By Andy Berges

Very few Americans might be aware of the fact that March is National Umbrella Month. The essential accessory that people take for granted every rainy day was derived from a parasol and was initially used to provide shade. Parasols are designed to provide protection from the sun and are usually fixed at one point such as the beach or a patio table. Umbrellas on the other hand, are designed to provide protection from the rain and are normally hand held, portable devices. 

The word umbrella means "little shade" and was derived from the Latin root word "umbra," meaning of shade or shadow. Evidence indicates that the basic umbrella was invented over four thousand years ago. Throughout the years archaeologists have uncovered artifacts depicting the umbrella in Egypt, Assyria, Greece and China. They appear on items such as monuments, sculptures, paintings, vases and even coins.

The Chinese are believed to be the first innovators to waterproof umbrellas, to provide them with protection from the rain in addition to the sun. In Ancient Greece the umbrella (or parasol) was a luxury item and was commonly used by Greek women. Carrying them in public was considered to be fashionable. The Romans quickly took notice of the fashion and Roman women followed suit. As centuries passed widespread popularity and interest grew in other countries (especially European) regarding the umbrella's usefulness. 

By the early eighteenth century the umbrella was commonplace in France, although during that era it was still considered to be a "dainty" accessory that was only suitable for women.  Men who dared to tote an umbrella in public were considered to be effeminate by the townspeople, often being subjected to ridicule and taunting should they be seen using them to shield themselves from the rain.

The umbrella did not become popular in England until the 1750s when an Englishman named James Wolfe sparked interest among the population while in Paris during 1752.  He is noted as saying "The people here use umbrellas in hot weather and to defend them from the snow and rain. I wonder a practice so useful is not introduced in England."

During the same time period a man named Jonas Hanway also noticed the custom in Portugal. He had the courage to carry and use an umbrella on the streets of England on an everyday basis and did so for over 30 years, until his death in 1786. He is well known for popularizing the use of the umbrella among men and people often referred to their umbrellas as a "Hanway."  The country's coachmen were enraged with the new fashion since they earned their living providing the public with protection from the rain in their vehicles.

In the nineteenth century the umbrella became more commonplace among England's population, including the men. In 1830 James Smith opened James Smith and Sons, the first exclusive umbrella shop.  It was located on Foubert Street in London and thrived due to England's rainy climate. In 1857 he moved his shop to 53 New Oxford Street in London where it is still in existence today.

Another important pioneer of the umbrella was an Englishman named Samuel Fox. In earlier times umbrellas were primarily made of wood and whalebone, but Fox provided a significant breakthrough when he invented the steel ribbed umbrella in 1852. Although Fox is also credited with inventing the collapsible umbrella, a major innovation at the time, the true inventor was actually Joseph Hayward, his long time employee as well as his friend.

Although umbrellas were also utilized by Americans in the 1800s, they did not become popular until the latter part of the century and were referred to as "bumbershoots." In 1882 Francis Beehler, a woodcarver from Germany took notice of the country's widespread use and opened the first umbrella factory in the United States in Baltimore, MD.  Another notable American pioneer of the umbrella was African American William C. Carter, who invented the umbrella stand.

From its initial conception over several thousand years ago, the umbrella has undergone many changes from its basic design. There are now umbrellas on the market that are musical, talking, "hands free," and even drip free when collapsed.  Although still used for shade, the umbrella's primary use is to keep people dry on rainy days. Most people consider them an essential and "must have" accessory, owning multiple umbrellas to keep at home, in their car and their office just in case it rains.

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