UmbrellaVivian

Umbrellas/Parasols

WHAT IS IT?: An **umbrella** or **parasol** (also called a **brolly**, **rainshade**, **sunshade**, **gamp** or **bumbershoot**) is a [|canopy] designed to protect against [|rain] or [|sunlight]. The term //parasol// usually refers to an item designed to protect from the [|sun]; //umbrella// refers to a device more suited to protect from [|rain]. Often the difference is the material; some parasols are not [|waterproof]. Parasols are often meant to be fixed to one point and often used with [|patio tables] or other [|outdoor furniture]. Umbrellas are almost exclusively hand-held portable devices; however, parasols can also be hand-held. Umbrellas can be held as fashion accessories. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umbrella

HOW WAS IT MADE?:

Chinese umbrellas are the earliest known umbrellas used, and have existed for over 2,000 years. In the beginning, Chinese umbrellas were made of silk, and later paper umbrellas were created. The Chinese lacquered and waxed their Chinese umbrellas to repel water, so they could be used in the rain. They were among the first to do this. The frames of most umbrellas in China were and are made from bamboo or mulberry bark. The Chinese painted their Chinese umbrellas as well. The royal families typically carried red or yellow umbrellas while the common people would carry blue ones. http://oriental-decor.com/chinese_umbrellas.php

WHO INVENTED IT?:

As early as 3500 years ago, umbrella had emerged in China. Regarding the invention of umbrella, there are many folk legends, among which the most widely spread one is the story about Luban inventing umbrella. According to the records of “Jade Chips”, umbrella was invented by Luban’s wife out of care and concern about her hardworking husband. As the folklore tells, daily meals delivered by Luban’s Wife Yun were often spoilt by downpours. So Luban built pavilions along the road. Later on, as inspired by children using lotus leaves for rain shelter, he invented the first umbrella by making a flexible framework covered by a cloth. http://kaleidoscope.cultural-china.com/en/137Kaleidoscope56.html

WHERE WAS IT INVENTED?:

China
In written records, the oldest reference to a collapsible umbrella dates to the year 21 A.D., when [|Wang Mang] (r. 9–23) had one designed for a ceremonial four-wheeled carriage.[|[][|11][|]] The 2nd century commentator [|Fu Qian] added that this collapsible umbrella of Wang Mang's carriage had bendable joints which enabled them to be extended or retracted.[|[][|12][|]] A 1st century collapsible umbrella has since been recovered from the tomb of Wang Guang at the [|Korean] site of the [|Lelang Commandery], illustrated in a work by Harada and Komai.[|[][|13][|]] However, the Chinese collapsible umbrella is perhaps a concept that is yet centuries older than Qin's tomb. [|Zhou Dynasty] bronze castings of complex bronze socketed hinges with locking slides and bolts—which could have been used for parasols and umbrellas— were found in an archeological site of [|Luoyang], dated to the 6th century BCE.[|[][|13][|]] The Chinese character for umbrella is [|傘] (//sǎn//) and is a pictograph resembling the modern umbrella in design. Some investigators have supposed that its invention was first created by tying large leaves to bough-like ribs (the branching out parts of an umbrella). Others assert that the idea was probably derived from the [|tent], which remains in form unaltered to the present day. However, the tradition existing in China is that it originated in standards and banners waving in the air, hence the use of the umbrella was often linked to high ranking (though not necessarily royalty in China). On one occasion at least, twenty-four umbrellas were carried before the Emperor when he went out hunting. In this case the umbrella served as a defense against rain rather than sun. The Chinese design was later brought to [|Japan] via [|Korea] and also introduced to [|Persia] and the [|Western world] via the [|Silk Road]. The Chinese and Japanese traditional parasol, often used near temples, to this day remains similar to the original ancient Chinese design. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umbrella

WHEN WAS IT INVENTED?:
The basic umbrella was invented over four thousand years ago. http://inventors.about.com/od/uvstartinventions/a/Umbrella.htm

WHY WAS IT INVENTED?:

According to the records of “Jade Chips”, umbrella was invented by Luban’s wife out of care and concern about her hardworking husband. As the folklore tells, daily meals delivered by Luban’s Wife Yun were often spoilt by downpours. http://kaleidoscope.cultural-china.com/en/137Kaleidoscope56.html

WEBLIOGRAPHY:

http://kaleidoscope.cultural-china.com/en/137Kaleidoscope56.html http://oriental-decor.com/chinese_umbrellas.php http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umbrella http://inventors.about.com/od/uvstartinventions/a/Umbrella.htm

INFORMATION ABOUT TOPIC:

These ancient umbrellas or parasols, were first designed to provide shade from the sun. The [|Chinese] were the first to waterproof their umbrellas for use as rain protection. They waxed and lacquered their paper parasols in order to use them for rain.

The word "umbrella" comes from the Latin root word "umbra", meaning shade or shadow.

http://inventors.about.com/od/uvstartinventions/a/Umbrella.htm

HOW IS IT STILL USED TODAY?:

The umbrella is a part of our daily lives, we use it almost every time we travel while it's raining. Though you might not have noticed it, but the umbrella has been around longer than we have.

( MY BRAIN )

HOW HAS IT CHANGED OVER TIME?:

In ancient times, the umbrella was made out of bamboo or mulberry bark for a frame, and silk or waxed paper for the top part. Now, umbrellas are made out of lots of different stuff, such as plastic and metal.

( MY BRAIN )

RESEARCH STRING : Umbrella Umbrella + history Umbrella + origin Umbrella + Ancient + China Umbrella + definition Umbrella + purpose