The umbrella that we know today is primarily a device to keep us from getting drenched in the rain. In the early years, umbrellas were basically used as a shield against the heat of the sun. Such umbrellas were not made from waterproof materials, just like the one we have today. Because of necessity, the Chinese were the first to conceptualize and implement the idea of waterproofing their umbrellas with wax and lacquer to repel water so they can be used under under the rain. As years pass by, the materials used in making umbrellas have developed. Umbrellas have became the most effective protection from pouring rain, from Chinas paper umbrellas to the modern nylon and occasionally plastic types. As part of women's vanity bag contents, umbrellas come in various colors, sizes, materials and styles. Some are even designed with cartoon characters, printed with popular logo designs of signature brands. Their use is mostly felt during rainy or snowy season and rarely during the summer, as tanned skin has become socially acceptable and is even perceived as attractive. Umbrellas that can be folded have been introduced so that even toddlers can handle them easily to become handier. Taking a look at the parts of the umbrella helps us understand how it becomes useful to us. The most important and dominant part is the canopy, which is made of a certain fabric, commonly nylon. The canopy is made from lightweight nylon taffeta with an acrylic underside and is finished at the top with scotch-guard. Nylons can withstand considerable drenching and also dry easily with a little shaking, air-drying or just by being hung or left to stand in a corner. This is basically used for all weather conditions, especially during the wet season. There are umbrellas that can also be made from lacquered or waxed, tissue-thin paper embellished with complicated designs such as flowers, trees, birds and Chinese houses, all symbolic and indicative of admirable Chinese artistry. This kind, used by the Chinese as accessories in their dances, weddings and other festivities, is not intended to be used under the rain as the materials are not water-resistant. It is not as efficient for this job compared to nylon though it can hold up against wetness for a time. Paper umbrellas are mostly used as decorative accessories and are, hence, never used as protection from the rain. Dubbed as the most expensive material, silk umbrellas also originated in China were silk is produced massively. For instance, muga silk, which is believed to possess physical characteristics that beat harmful UV rays of the sun, sells at about $50 a meter in the US. Silk is stain-resistant and durable apart from being waterproof and lightweight. Therefore, umbrellas give us a lot of advantages. They don't only guard us from the direct, scorching heat of sun and the freezing cold of the rain. Plus, they can also be used as a medium to showcase a nations rich culture through the intricate canopy designs that never fail to mesmerize us.
Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
