Interesting Facts about Umbrellas2 photos

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Interestingly, the word “zont” (from Dutch “zonnedek”) was originally translated as “sunshade.” The term “zontiik” literally meant “sunshade on a ship.”
The sunshade existed as early as the 11th century BCE, and this period is considered the time of its invention. China or Egypt is often credited as its place of origin.
In both countries, the sunshade was seen as a symbol of power; only pharaohs, emperors, and their closest advisors were allowed to use them. These sunshades were 1 to 5 meters tall and quite heavy. Special slaves were tasked with carrying them, and a separate profession even existed for these bearers.
In India too, the sunshade was regarded as a symbol of wealth and authority.

The more noble a person was, the more servants were permitted to hold sunshades for them. A ruler might possess as many as 13 sunshades, representing the sun and the 12 zodiac signs surrounding it. In Tibet, white or yellow sunshades symbolized spiritual greatness, while those made of peacock feathers were associated with secular power.

From East to West, the sunshade spread throughout ancient Greece and Rome, where it was primarily used by women. In Western Europe, it appeared in France during the 17th century and was initially called a “parasol.” The French version had a waxed fabric top and a wooden handle.

The first “rainproof” sunshade made of oiled cloth appeared in 1637 at the French court. However, for another century and a half, the French continued to refer to it as a “parasol”—meaning it was primarily used to protect against sunlight.

In the 18th century, doctors recommended sunshades to prevent dizziness, epilepsy, eye inflammation, fever, and burns. In 1715, the first folding sunshade was invented in Paris.It wasn’t until 1750 that an Englishman named Jonas Henway first used a sunshade to protect against rain.