All About Umbrellas

The first umbrellas were for protection from the sun and were possibly inspired from the canopy of a tree, which would offer a cool shade from the heat of the day. 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 first umbrellas were most probably a converted branch of a tree (for example giant Banana Leaves) or a hat on a stick, which gave rise to the umbrella, as we know it today.

The first umbrellas (or more correctly parasols) 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 status symbol of an umbrella was certainly evident in other parts of the world at this time, not so much for their size, but for the number of tiers as this implied both wealth and power. Records show that the Emperor of China's parasol had four tiers and the King of Siam’s seven or nine, each having an elaborate fringe and tassels. Ancient writings found in Ava in Burma, described the ruler as "King of the White Elephants" and " Lord of the twenty-Four Parasols". In African, the umbrella is still regarded as emblem of rank.

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. The need for more practical umbrellas became greater and by the 1950’s the telescopic folding umbrella heralded the way.

Source : www.oakthriftumbrellas.com/pages/umbrellas4.htm

Rain Is Needed

All our water sources, rivers, lakes, and underground springs depend on rain water. Where there is scanty or no rain desert conditions prevail and life in such areas of the world is miserable. Animals and plants do not thrive there. In fact the most densely populate areas of the world are those which get good rains. Of course too much rain is also bad. Sometimes rains are not welcome because of the inconvenience it causes, but it is something we cannot do without for the very life depends on it.

At first big drops of rain fell down here and there. Knowing the coming of rain, people began to hurry. The small vendors on the road packed up their wares and began seeking places of shelter. Then it started to rain heavily. The first rain cooled the hot surface of roads. As water began to flow, the drains got their fill and the stream rushed through them carrying all the dirt of the road. The drain pipes were full and brought down water with a noise. The cars that dashed along the roads did splash water on all sides to the chagrin of the passersby who got drenched. In a good rain, the umbrella is no answer. Boarding the buses in such a condition was a problem and the streets were wet and flooded. One could see crowds of people gather and huddle together in all available places of shelter.

After an hour the rain stopped. The sun began to shine and soon the roads were dry and once again life was busy. There was freshness in the atmosphere, especially the trees bore a beautiful green. Because it rained during the school hours, children were not much affected as it would otherwise be if it rained in the evening.

Source :www.englishdaily626.com/lower_secondary_english_essays.php?083