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The Humble Umbrella
Thu Oct 30, 2003
Listen in RealAudio 
Evidence from India, China and Egypt shows that the umbrella was, likely, invented over four
thousand years ago. It was, however, to provide shade from the sun, not protection from rain.
The word "umbrella" derives from the Latin "umbra" meaning shade or shadow. Hi, I'm Bryan
Yeaton, and this is The Weather Notebook.
By waxing and lacquering paper parasol covers, the ancient Chinese became the first to
waterproof umbrellas for use as a rain barrier. They are also credited with designing the
first collapsible umbrella.
In the 16th Century, umbrellas became popular in the West, especially in the climates of
northern Europe. These early umbrellas were constructed of wood or whalebone staves covered
with alpaca or oiled-canvas. Artisans often fashioned elaborate curved handles out of
hardwoods like ebony.
We think of umbrellas as synonymous with the soggy old England, but they didn't appear there
until the Restoration, in the late 17th Century. Some say the Puritans saw umbrellas as
frivolous devices that prevented Heaven-sent rain from properly wetting a person.
But the inclement English weather ensured the umbrella's eventual success. Coffee houses first
popularized umbrellas by keeping a supply to shelter customers walking to their carriages. At
this time, umbrellas were mostly considered a woman's accessory.
That changed when English traveler and writer Jonas Hanway publicly carried an umbrella in
England for thirty years, beginning about the mid-18th Century.
The first dedicated British umbrella shop "James Smith and Sons" opened in 1830 in London.
Today, you can shop at their new store, which opened in 1857. Check it out on our website:
www.weathernotebook.org.
Thanks to our contributing writer, meteorologist Keith Heidorn. The Weather Notebook is
supported by The National Science Foundation, and Subaru of America.
Today's Links
James Smith and Sons, Umbrella and Stick Makers:
http://www.james-smith.co.uk/
Inside the Shop:
http://www.james-smith.co.uk/inside.htm
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