The New Nation - Internet Edition

Farizaa Sabreen

The word umbrella comes from the Latin word "umbra", which means shade or shadow. It was generated to provide shade from the sun. The origins of the umbrella are most probably China in 11th century B.C. although ancient sculptures have been found in Nineveh, Persepolis and Thebes (Egypt) depicting the use of umbrellas. There is also evidence of Umbrellas or Parasols being used at the same period in India.

The word Parasol was derived from the Latin words papare, which means to prepare, and sol, which means sun. Generally a parasol is now regarded as a sunshade and umbrella as a rain protector.

The first umbrellas were associated with rank and there is early evidence of this is Egypt around 1200 B.C. It was a sign of nobility for a person to have fair skin and the parasol's protection against the sun was widely chosen by royalty to ensure the skin would not tan. In Assyria it was the King's privilege and no one but he could carry an umbrella.

The Egyptians held umbrellas over their distinguished nobles to denote their higher plane of authority, and to symbolize the vault of heaven over a king.

The ancient Greeks also used the umbrella with their deity, beginning as an erotic symbol associated with Bacchus, but evolving into a means of providing shade. The costume parasol persisted as a fashion in Rome for many centuries, its use continuous to the present day.

During the middle ages, the umbrella was very popular in Asia and Africa, but not so much on the Continent. Perhaps this is because it was an important part of the regalia of the Roman Catholic Church, and therefore laymen were reluctant to adopt it because of its importance in religious ceremonies.

It was time during the period 1685 - 1705 that the idea of a waterproof umbrella was established. In the 20th Century, the umbrella became a functional item with the sole purpose of offering shelter from the rain, and in the 1930's the lady's parasol fell from fashion, as the tanned skin became vogue.

You like it or not, you have to use umbrella. Brighten up your rainy days with rainbow colored umbrellas.

Don't use all those old fashioned umbrellas. Use a transparent umbrella with delicate prints over it. Fashion experts advise to walk on the rainy roads in bold and vibrant coloured umbrellas during rainy days.

Markets are flooded with umbrellas in different shapes, colors, and sizes. It seems a growing consciousness of the damage caused by the rain has helped make an old-fashioned quirk hip again.

Umbrellas made with satin, lace, floral prints, graphics are favourite to women. Because, they are romantic and cool.

Umbrella's are trendy monsoon accessory and they are a real lifestyle thing these days. So, don't forget your umbrella as you race to the door and out into a downpour.

Coordinate your umbrella with your outfit to make a chic fashion statement.

If you carry a black umbrella, wear dress with subtle pattern or design to make it more original. You can also coordinate the look with the handle of your umbrella to your shoes or bag. You can find umbrellas with leather, rattan and wood handles that can match your other accessories.

The transparent knee length raincoats is a must have fashion accessory for rainy days. It looks as thin as polythin with a smart looking plastic zipper that runs down the whole length of the coat. Make sure while wearing this your clothed underneath with most colourful clothes as the transparent rain coats will give a soothing effect to your entire attire!

Trench coats have hit the fashion malls again. Don't sit back and watch other flaunting it in style. Get your own to treat those beaming eyes. Windcheaters are somewhat out of fashion these days, but if you happen to find one that suits you well, go for it.

Don't wear high heels and leather boots in monsoon. Wear transparent sandals, strappy sandals, rubber shoes which come in different colours and styles and gum boots. You can also experiment with bright colours like red, green, blue or yellow. Also, a lot of stylish and colourful sports shoes in pink, light brown are in vogue in this period.