Friday, February 10, according to The Ultimate Holiday Site, is National Umbrella Day:
Brolly, gamp, parasol, bumbershoot - whatever you call it, umbrellas are made for one thing - protecting you from the elements. As you go out into the world today, don't forget your brolly! It might just save your hair.
So, who invented the umbrella? Who can we thank for not having to run out in the rain with a plastic garbage bag over our heads (don't laugh--been there, done that)?
Here's some brolly history from Inventors.about.com:
The basic umbrella was invented over four thousand years ago. We have seen evidence of umbrellas in the ancient art and artifacts of Egypt, Assyria, Greece, and China. 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.
More from Inventors.about.com:
The first all umbrella shop was called "James Smith and Sons". The shop opened in 1830, and is still located at 53 New Oxford Street in London, England.
I don't know if Audrey Hepburn always golfed with an umbrella over her shoulder, but probably only she could make it look cute!
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Oh, and I can't leave you without the obligatory couple-kissing-under-the-umbrella shot, can I? :)
