Umbrellas are so ordinary that we only notice them when we forget them. National Umbrella Day, on February 10, celebrates this clever invention that shields us from rain and sun. Umbrellas come in every color and pattern, from compact folding models to giant golf umbrellas and delicate paper parasols. It is a fun day to brighten a rainy walk, decorate an umbrella or learn how this everyday object developed over thousands of years.
History of National Umbrella Day
The first umbrellas were for sun, not rain. Ancient Egyptian, Assyrian, Chinese and Indian art shows parasols held over royalty and nobles, and parasols were often symbols of power and status. The word 'umbrella' comes from the Latin 'umbra', meaning shade.
In China, people are believed to have waxed or oiled paper parasols to make them waterproof. In Europe, umbrellas for rain became popular much later. In 18th-century London, Jonas Hanway was famous for carrying an umbrella in the rain for about 30 years, at a time when many people considered it odd or unmanly. He helped make the rain umbrella acceptable, and for a while umbrellas were even nicknamed 'Hanways'.
In 1852, Samuel Fox invented a steel-ribbed umbrella design that made umbrellas lighter and stronger. Folding umbrellas and automatic opening mechanisms followed in the 20th century. Who created National Umbrella Day is not documented.
Why National Umbrella Day Matters
Umbrellas are a small invention that makes daily life more comfortable, protecting people from rain and harmful sun.
They can also be a cheerful way to express personality, especially on gray winter days.
How to Celebrate National Umbrella Day
- Take a rainy-day walk: use your umbrella and splash in puddles.
- Decorate an umbrella: paint a plain umbrella with fabric paint.
- Make a paper parasol: craft a mini umbrella from paper and a straw.
- Check your umbrella: repair or replace a broken one before spring showers.
- Use sun protection: remember umbrellas also help shade you on sunny days.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, place a 'borrow an umbrella' stand by the office door for colleagues caught in the rain, which is a small, useful kindness. In classrooms, umbrellas are great for science lessons on waterproof materials: students can test which fabrics or papers keep water out best, then design a mini umbrella. Art classes can decorate paper parasols. At home, children can paint an old umbrella with fabric markers, and families can take a rainy walk to look for puddles, worms and rainbows. Teach young children to open and close umbrellas carefully away from faces.
Fun Facts About National Umbrella Day
- 'Umbrella' comes from the Latin 'umbra', meaning shade.
- Jonas Hanway helped make rain umbrellas acceptable in 18th-century London.
- Samuel Fox invented a steel-ribbed umbrella in 1852.
National Umbrella Day FAQs
When is National Umbrella Day?
National Umbrella Day is February 10.
Where does the word umbrella come from?
From the Latin 'umbra', meaning shade.
Were umbrellas first used for rain or sun?
Sun. Early umbrellas were parasols used for shade.
Who popularized rain umbrellas in England?
Jonas Hanway, who carried one in London for about 30 years in the 1700s.