National Umbrella Day

February 10th is National Umbrella Day. The earliest one is thought to be a fixed parasol from 2450 B.C. and shows the god, Sargon, of Akkad. A similar one with large feathers was found in the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, The first evidence of a collapsible one comes from Nineveh in 2310 B.C. In fact, most of the early civilizations had some type, including those of Egypt, Greece, Persia, Siam, and Rome. These were mainly used for protection against the sun.

The Chinese were the first to have an umbrella that could be used in the rain. They waxed the heavy paper parasols to make them water repellent. Through the years, the umbrella continued to evolve and be improved. There are all styles, sizes, and colors today, including pocket and hat umbrellas. Photographers even use them to help reflect and regulate the lighting and glare. Movies, such as Singing in the Rain and Mary Poppins, have featured them.

If you've had the spring rains early this year as I have, today is indeed a good day to celebrate National Umbrella Day. Although the device may have fallen out of favor with some today, I doubt they will ever completely stop being used unless something better is invented. After all, most people have sense enough to try to stay dry coming in and out of the rain.

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