The Origins of the Umbrella

Now, one of the first interesting bits of information to know is just where the name came from for these handy products. They keep you covered in the worst of weather, but how did they get their name?

Well, umbrella actually comes from the Latin word ‘umbra’. In Roman mythology, Umbra was the goddess of shadows! Makes sense, right?

We all know that this handy device serves to protect its user from different weather conditions – from torrential rain to blinding sun, even to air humidity. With this in mind, the best umbrella needs to be designed specifically, using specific methods, to ensure that they serve their purpose with ease.

These purposes have been fulfilled throughout the ages. For example, in the Greek and Roman periods, sun umbrellas or personal parasols were generally used by the wider populace. What’s more, they actually used to be made of paper!

In fact, it wasn’t until the early 1800s (that’s the 19th century for those not historically inclined…) that the umbrella we know today became a common stylish and practical accessory.

These devices were, in fact, so practical that the handles were originally used to conceal and carry liquor and other taboo items. Obviously, it’s not common today to find an umbrella that ensures you won’t lose your booze!

Next up, we’ll take you through some of the different materials used historically in the construction of umbrellas, leading up to the market products we know and love today.

Umbrella Material History

As we told you before, umbrellas haven’t always used the polyester fabric you’ll recognize on a modern golf umbrella. The first umbrellas were used in ancient civilizations such as Egypt, and they were made from natural fibres. Umbrella canopies, similarly, used paper.

If you’re a fan of history, you’re going to love this section – as we’re going to take a look at a number of key time periods and the types of umbrella that were present. Of course, the ancients didn’t have the rigorous quality control that modern technology affords – so there may have been a problem here and there.

Nonetheless, it’s intriguing to see how one model differs from others, and how they each ultimately helped to shade their users.

Ancient Egypt

The first umbrella appeared in ancient Egypt around 3,000 years ago, and its form was a parasol. This was primarily invented to protect the skin from sunlight; yes, even sunburn was an issue back then!

Because of this, umbrellas weren’t made to be waterproof at the time. The climate in Egypt, indeed, was as warm – if not more so – as the modern climate today… so shade was most definitely needed.

Parasols during this time used a few different natural resources, including palm fronds, feathers, and papyrus.

Ancient China

The first waterproof umbrella comes all the way from ancient China – in 11 BC to be precise. The first-ever fabric used in order to provide a waterproof coating was leather. This fabric was expensive – so only the elite at this time could afford these waterproof umbrellas.

What’s more, it was generally online nobility or royalty – upperclassmen and women – who boasted these designs.

It wasn’t until the early period of the second millennia that the waterproof umbrella made its first appearance in Europe.

Ancient Greece and Rome

Like ancient Egypt years before, the first umbrella models in ancient Greece and Rome were non-waterproof. Because of this, they were unsurprisingly made of similar materials.

Interestingly, these types of umbrellas – that is, those using paper and palm frond, were reserved only for the wealthiest of women. They were therefore used as a status symbol, as well as a shade provision.

One of the key things to note here is that men at this time viewed umbrellas as a woman’s device. Therefore, a number of men endured harsh weather and high temperatures. Perhaps, in parts, this was in order to prove their masculinity!

In Ancient Greece, a white parasol had particular significance for women and followers of the goddess Athena. Don’t believe us? Take to Wikipedia for more information!

Renaissance Europe

In the 16th Century – or the Renaissance for you history nerds -, umbrellas made a reappearance after their brief hiatus. In Italy, England, and France, umbrellas here were a device used to primarily shield from sunlight.

Small parasols were very popular at this time – and were commonly carried by women.

18th Century

Finally, in the 18th Century – or 1700s -, the umbrella was regarded officially as a unisex item – for a male or female customer. Talk about gender roles!

Once English society saw fellow Englishman Jonas Hanway carrying an umbrella – with a distinctly ‘male style’ – they were hooked. And away society went! From this moment on in the UK, umbrellas became a staple accessory for protecting against the typically miserable English rains!