Staying Dry: The Story of the Umbrella
Umbrellas are a common item today, but they have not always been used to protect people from rain. The first umbrellas appeared over 3,000 years ago in Egypt and China. In these hot countries, they were used as "parasols" to provide shade from the strong sun. Owning an umbrella was a symbol of power and wealth, and usually, only royalty or very important people had servants to hold them.
The idea of using an umbrella for rain did not become popular in Europe until the 18th century. Before that, people simply wore heavy coats or hats. At first, many men in England thought umbrellas were only for women. A man named Jonas Hanway changed this. He carried an umbrella everywhere he went in London, even though people laughed at him. Slowly, others realized how useful it was to stay dry, and by the time Hanway died, umbrellas were common for everyone.
Modern umbrellas are very different from the early ones, which were made of heavy wood and oilcloth. Today, we have lightweight umbrellas that can fold up small enough to fit in a bag. However, the basic shape has remained the same for thousands of years.
What was the original purpose of umbrellas in Egypt and China?
Why did people in London laugh at Jonas Hanway?
How are modern umbrellas different from early ones?
Staying Dry: The Story of the Umbrella
Umbrellas are a common item today, but they have not always been used to protect people from rain. The first umbrellas appeared over 3,000 years ago in Egypt and China. In these hot countries, they were used as "parasols" to provide shade from the strong sun. Owning an umbrella was a symbol of power and wealth, and usually, only royalty or very important people had servants to hold them.
The idea of using an umbrella for rain did not become popular in Europe until the 18th century. Before that, people simply wore heavy coats or hats. At first, many men in England thought umbrellas were only for women. A man named Jonas Hanway changed this. He carried an umbrella everywhere he went in London, even though people laughed at him. Slowly, others realized how useful it was to stay dry, and by the time Hanway died, umbrellas were common for everyone.
Modern umbrellas are very different from the early ones, which were made of heavy wood and oilcloth. Today, we have lightweight umbrellas that can fold up small enough to fit in a bag. However, the basic shape has remained the same for thousands of years.
What was the original purpose of umbrellas in Egypt and China?
Why did people in London laugh at Jonas Hanway?
How are modern umbrellas different from early ones?