Week 9: The Umbrella

The word "umbrella" comes from the Latin word "umbra," that means shade. Shade. The most coveted relief in Egypt during ancient egyptian times. Circular shaped boards and such were the first forms of the umbrella used on pharaohs or other members of the royal family to relieve themselves from the sun. The chinese used the umbrella at first for the same reason, but soon started to waterproof their paper contraptions to use in the rain. The fad caught on it Europe but were really only acceptable for women to carry around, and were referred to as parasols. The first man to start carrying one around was a persian traveler and writer named Jonas Hanway. Hanway carried his umbrella around publicly in Europe for 30 years, and his style caught on to the point that gentlemen would refer to their umbrellas as "Hanways." Umbrellas used to be ridiculous in price because they were made of wood and had hand carved handles. They have progressed from cheeper steel to now plastic collapsable ones.
Growing up in Oregon I can't imagine not have umbrellas and can truly find the ingenuity in this invention.

Bellis, Mary. "Who Invented the Umbrella?" Inventors. Web. 02 Mar. 2011. .

Collier, Trey. "History of the Umbrella." Patio Furniture, Outdoor Patio Umbrellas & Market Umbrella, Furniture Covers for Your Garden, Lawn, or Deck. Web. 02 Mar. 2011. .