To us it seems so natural to put up an umbrella to keep the water off when it rains. But actually the umbrella was not invented as protection against rain. Its first use was as a shade (遮光物)against the sun!
Nobody knows who first invented it, but the umbrella was used in very ancient times. Probably the first to use it were the Chinese, way back in the 11 century BC.
We know that the umbrella was used in ancient Egypt and Babylon as a sunshade. And there was a strange thing connected with its use: it became a symbol of honour and authority. In the Far East in ancient times, the umbrella was allowed to be used only by royalty or by those in high office.
In Europe, the Greeks were the first to use the umbrella as a sunshade. And the umbrella was in common use in ancient Greece. But it is believed that the first persons in Europe to use the umbrella as protection against the rain were the ancient Romans.
During the Middle Ages, the use of the umbrella practically disappeared. Then it appeared again in Italy in the late 16th century. And again it was considered a symbol of power and authority. By 1680, the umbrella appeared in France, and later on in England.
By the 18th century, the umbrella was used against rain throughout most of Europe. Umbrella have not changed much in style during all this time, though they have become much lighter in weight. It wasn't until the 20th century that women's umbrellas began to be made, in a whole variety of colours.
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