Umbrellas

Guide Note

Umbrellas are used for protection from the rain or sun. Umbrellas are also called parasols, which comes from the words "para" meaning stop and "sol" meaning sun. Parasols are not always waterproof like standard umbrellas since their primary use is to block sunlight. Umbrellas are typically held in hand, but can also be attached to an object like a chair or table.

Fast Facts

1. Parasols first appeared in ancient Egypt
2. Collapsible umbrella invented in China 1,700 years ago
3. Available in multiple sizes, colors, and styles
4. Can be used for ceremonial purposes
5. Featured item in paintings
6. Favorite item of photographers

The parasol appears repeatedly in the ancient Persian carvings of Persepolis. Some sculptures show a slave holding an umbrella over the head of a king. The parasol is also found in ancient Egypt to come in various shapes. Some works depict fans of palm attached to long sticks or branches. In ancient times, the umbrella was used to distinguish members of the upper class, in addition to its typical use of shade.