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Get ready to break out the umbrellas and celebrate National Umbrella Day on Feb. 10! For centuries, people have been using umbrellas as a way to keep themselves dry in wet weather or protect themselves from the sun's rays. It is believed that the first umbrella was invented over 4,000 years ago by the Chinese, who used them to provide shade during ceremonies and festivals.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>21st Century BC</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Invention of Umbrella</div><div class='timeline-text'>Starting from 21st century BC, umbrellas, made of silk, were used in China to provide shade during ceremonies and festivals.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>4th Century BC</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Umbrella in Ancient Greece</div><div class='timeline-text'>Umbrellas were seen in Ancient Greece around the 4th century BC. They were mostly used by women as sun protection.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>16th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>European Adaptions</div><div class='timeline-text'>The umbrella was incorporated into European society in the 16th Century as a fashion accessory, not solely for its utility.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1852</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Samuel Fox's Metal-Ribbed Umbrella</div><div class='timeline-text'>Samuel Fox founded Fox Umbrella Frames Ltd in 1852, inventing a more robust and sturdy metal-ribbed umbrella design.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1928</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Folding Umbrella</div><div class='timeline-text'>Hans Haupt invented the first pocket umbrella "Knirps", a German term for "little one", in 1928.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Umbrella Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Umbrella Day started being celebrated on February 10, 2003, a day to honor one of the world's most useful inventions.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Paint umbrellas</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Grab some old umbrellas, fabric paint, and brushes to really get creative. Paint scenes, flowers, characters, or abstract designs to make your umbrella look as unique as you.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host an umbrella party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family over for an umbrella party! Decorate with umbrellas of all sizes and shapes. Have everyone bring their favorite umbrella and wear their brightest raincoat or outfit. Serve food with umbrella shaped designs.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a museum</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Head out to the local museum or library and take a look at the antique umbrellas they have on display. Check out their collection of vintage umbrellas from different time periods and countries.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go on a scavenger hunt</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather up the family and have fun hunting for umbrellas! Send each team off with a list of items they must find. The first one back with all the items wins!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make an umbrella craft</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>With just a few supplies like paper plates, construction paper, markers, glue and scissors, you can make your own colorful umbrellas in no time. Hang them around the house or give them away as gifts.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Umbrellas are stylish</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Umbrellas are not only functional, they can also be a fashion statement too! From brightly-colored polka dot umbrellas to sleek and sophisticated designs, there's an umbrella style for everyone. And with so many unique prints and patterns to choose from, you can express your individual style on even the rainiest of days!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Umbrellas protect us</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Rainy days can make leaving the house a challenge, but umbrellas are here to save the day! With their handy portability and ample coverage, umbrellas will keep you dry and comfortable no matter how intense the storm might be. So don't worry - they'll have you back home safe and sound in no time!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Umbrellas provide shade</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Don't let the sunshine get in your way! An umbrella is the perfect tool for blocking out the bright rays of the sun when you're spending a lazy day at the beach or park. Not only that, it also helps keep you cool when temperatures rise throughout the summer months. With an umbrella, you won't have to worry about overheating or squinting your eyes any more!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Umbrellas were once mostly used for shade</h3><p class='facts-content'>The word "umbrella" comes from the Latin root "umbra," which means shade or shadow. Originally, umbrellas were used to protect people from the sun.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Chinese were the first to waterproof umbrellas</h3><p class='facts-content'>In China, umbrellas were manufactured from silk and then waxed or lacquered to create a waterproof canopy. This practice started over 3,000 years ago.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Umbrellas were symbols of distinction in the past</h3><p class='facts-content'>During the Middle Ages, the use of umbrellas was reserved for the social royalty or high-ranking clergy as a status symbol. </p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The umbrella was reviled as an effeminate accessory in the 18th century England</h3><p class='facts-content'>Englishman Jonas Hanway was one of the first male figures to popularize umbrella usage and despite enduring much ridicule, he persisted and helped change public sentiment.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The classic umbrella is said to have over 150 separate parts</h3><p class='facts-content'>A traditional umbrella comprises many parts including the handle, the shaft, the runner, the stretcher, the canopy, and the ferrule at the top. </p></div></div>
National Umbrella Day is celebrated on February 10th every year. In 2024, National Umbrella Day will occur on a Saturday.
2023
Feb 10
Friday
2024
Feb 10
Saturday
2025
Feb 10
Monday
2026
Feb 10
Tuesday
2027
Feb 10
Wednesday
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