About the First Umbrellas

Umbrellas, which are widely used around the world today both during hot summer days and rainy seasons, have a very ancient history.

Although they are now mostly used to protect people from rain, they were originally created not for rainfall, but to provide shade from the intense heat of the sun.

The word “umbrella” is associated with the Latin word “umbros,” meaning “shade.”

The first umbrellas designed to protect people from the sun appeared about 4,000 years ago in Ancient Egypt.

Their construction was very simple and consisted of only two parts. The upper part was made of palm leaves that blocked the sunlight, while the lower part served as a handle.

At that time, umbrellas were available only to rulers and wealthy people.

The first waterproof umbrellas appeared in China in the 11th century BC. Made from silk, they were also owned mainly by wealthy families.

Over time, this invention spread to Europe as well.

In Ancient Greece and Italy, women used umbrellas not only as a means of protection, but also as an attractive accessory.

Umbrellas of that period already had folding mechanisms, and servants often carried them behind wealthy owners.

In some cases, umbrellas were even attached directly to horse-drawn carriages.

From the 18th century onward, the purpose of the umbrella began to change significantly.