Here's a little interesting history on the umbrella~~
No one is positive who invented the first umbrella,
whether it was the Chinese or the Egyptians.
Only the wealthiest individuals owned
umbrellas and they were used to block out the intense sunlight.
Slaves held the umbrella over the head of a king.
The larger the umbrella, the greater the wealth of its owner.
Eventually the Chinese waterproofed the umbrella
with wax and people around Europe caught
wind of this amazing invention.
~~~~
Once the umbrella
was introduced to England, however, it took awhile to catch on.
Men especially were hesitant to walk around with what had
formerly been viewed as a women’s fashion accessory.
In 1830, James Smith and Sons opened
London’s first umbrella shop
and is still in operation today.
~~~~
And don't you just love the HUGE umbrella in the picture?
googleimages.com
I sometimes wish I had one that big when more than just me is under one. You know, someone always gets left out in the rain! :)
ReplyDeleteNever use them in our area.....6 inches of rainfall a year doesn't justify one! BTW, I had forgotten that you tagged me on the embarassing song blog.
ReplyDeleteFragilemom~ yes, that umbrella would be great for a whole family!
ReplyDeleteStrider~ yes, I guess 6 inches a year hardly calls for a big umbrella...unless you're a girl...even a sprinkle can mess up your hair! HA-HA
ReplyDeleteInteresting umbrella history!
ReplyDeleteWell...thanks Betsy for this interesting bit of history..I love love love the photo....:)
ReplyDeleteDeedee ~ I love this picture, too! The street is charming! And I would love to have that umbrella! I wonder if it's very heavy...or too long to hang on your arm as you shopped? :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this picture!!!!!!! I do love umbrella's, except most of the time I forget them and end up just dancing in the rain!!;)
ReplyDeleteThat is the biggest ubrella I have ever see! How he managed to tote that and peddle is beyond me. This is one gifted cyclist!
ReplyDeleteI love your bits of history!
Marie ~ I must be missing something! Who is the cyclist? Don't leave me in suspense!
ReplyDeleteI can never keep up with my umbrellas...I think hubby makes off with them:-)...
ReplyDeleteTHat is one giant umbrella! And now it is the iconic image of the British gentleman to always have his 'brolly' with him...
ReplyDeleteLavinia ~ isn't it just the neatest thing!? I wonder how tall it is when it's closed up! It looks like it could keep you dry during any storm!
ReplyDeleteI always wonder if anyone will ever invent something better than an umbrella someday? It is one of the best inventions ever!
ReplyDeleteI wonder where thta pretty street is in the photo?
Pat ~ google didn't say where the photo was from....but I love it!
ReplyDeleteOf course, the man in the original "Avengers" (what was his name?) made it oh so chique!
ReplyDeleteMmm ~ you are right! A man carrying an expensive, beautiful umbrella looks so classy!
ReplyDelete