Umbrella Day (February 10 ): Date, Celebration, History and Creative Activities

National Umbrella Day: Date, Time, Meaning, Celebration and Creative Activities. Photo KnowInsiders

Everyone is familiar with the sight of an umbrella, they’re present whether you live in the hottest of climates or the coldest. They’re there to keep the rain off on a blustery day, and there to protect you from sunburn on a warm and sunny one, there’s simply no day that isn’t a perfect National Umbrella Day! So, of course, there’s a holiday to honor this ever useful, ever-fashionable, and essential piece of travel gear.

When is National Umbrella Day?

National Umbrella Day occurs on February 10 each year in the United States. Even though it might not be raining, we take out our umbrellas and celebrate all its fun and functionality on this day!

Why is an umbrella important?

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Umbrellas are hand-held devices used to protect oneself against the elements. They are typically made of a central pole and a folding, circular fabric screen that pops up to protect the user and is held above the head. Other types of umbrellas do not fold out but are larger in size and fixed in position like patio and beach umbrellas.

There are many uses beyond just protection from rain, including protection against:

Sun – A sunshade umbrella protects you from the sun’s heat and damaging rays, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Wind – A proper umbrella can tame a howling wind.

Snow – Just as an umbrella protects you from rain, try it when the snow falls too.

Sleet – An umbrella comes in handy for any one of these weather events or the mixed combination of all of them known as sleet.

Privacy – Whether on the beach, a patio, or just walking the streets, an umbrella provides a measure of privacy.

Security – Carry an umbrella if you ever need a weapon to fend off attackers or for self-defense.

Where does the word umbrella come from? The word umbrella originates from the Latin word ‘umbra,’ meaning shaded or shadow. What is a parasol? The term parasol refers to a device made specifically for protection from the sun, whereas the term umbrella usually means a device for protection from the rain. What does it mean to be under someone’s umbrella? The phrase ‘under my umbrella’ means to be under someone’s protection—being provided security by or dependent on a more powerful source.

Umbrella Day Meaning

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Umbrella is more than just a hit song by Rihanna. The umbrella is one of the most useful inventions for weather protection ever created. It can even be used as a fashion accessory!

National Umbrella Day honors the humble umbrella for all its uses and functionality in our daily lives.

The word Umbrella is derived from the Latin word umbra that means Shadow, and just like anything else we like, an umbrella has nicknames too, more like slang words used in the European Countries, Australia, and African Countries like- Brolly or Bumbershoot.

An umbrella was invented over 4000 years ago, and there is evidence in the history of many countries that prove its existence.

The Chinese are supposedly the masterminds behind the great invention that protects us from rain.

New Oxford Street in London, England, was the very first place to have a store that sold Umbrellas.

As the name suggests, Umbrellas were used in photography to deviate from the excess lighting or to create an effect while taking pictures for portraits.

History of National Umbrella Day

National Umbrella Day celebrates this useful device that has been with us for quite a long time and has served every purpose from practical to fanciful since its creation. Just how long has the umbrella been with us? Long enough that it’s permeated every culture across the globe, and originated from more than one.

The oldest recorded umbrella appeared in 21 AD, in Ancient China. Though to be fair, this really was just the first recorded collapsible umbrella, Qin Shihuang’s tomb revealed a terracotta army carriage that had a permanently open umbrella attached to it dating from 210 BC. They were also found in Nineveh, Persepolis, Ancient Egypt, and Greece, just to name a few. Needless to say, the umbrella has a long and noble history.

The popularity of the umbrella extended beyond its usefulness for protecting us from sun and rain, special efforts were made to turn these simple devices into exquisite works of art, some of them even being made of lace or lavishly decorated paper, and were carried by the most influential and beautiful people in the world.

Today has revealed even more styles that are available in the world, including an innovation on the already innovative collapsible umbrella. Now they have telescoping ones that don’t just collapse the shade, but then collapse the handle so it can fit in your purse or car door! Isn’t that amazing?

How Can We Celebrate National Umbrella Day

Now there are tonnes of ways to celebrate the day; you have to choose one. To make it a little easier for you to pick an activity, we have a list prepared for you:

Learn about umbrella superstition

Aside from the common courtesy of avoiding poking anyone in the eye, it is a well-known superstition that if you opens an umbrella indoors, you will be subject to bad luck. The legend goes back to how indoor opening of an umbrella affects and offends the sun god (because umbrellas were used to shield the sun).What other superstitions can you find with respect to umbrellas?

Buy one

The best and the easiest way to appreciate the invention is to buy a cute umbrella.

Count how many umbrellas you own

Do you use them for keeping dry only, or do you also use them as a form of shading your face and body on a sunny day? Perhaps today is a good time to revisit your impression of the utility of the umbrella––perhaps add one to your garden for shade or buy a new one for shading you in the summer heat.

• If you live in a windy area, look for a very strong umbrella. However, be aware that umbrellas are not intended for use in strong winds or torrential rain––they tend to snap or blow inside out!
• Try making your own umbrella; this will allow you to choose the fabric, color and style of your choice.

Make a DIY umbrella

Raid your craft drawer for stencils, sponges, craft paint, and painter’s tape. Then, go crazy creating the umbrella of your dreams. Whether you stick to sleek and sophisticated stripes or crazy, colored polka-dots, the possibilities are endless.

Watch and Appreciate

The easiest and probably a fun way to celebrate the day is to watch a movie that has scenes with umbrellas. Remember those fun times in old movies where a scene was cut, and the actors went behind the umbrellas? Wow, such a brilliant idea.

Host an umbrella charity drive

Help out individuals in your community who are less fortunate by hosting a month-long umbrella drive. Make posters and create event pages on social media platforms to raise awareness. Encourage family, friends, and neighbors to donate. At the end of the month, head down to a local agency that accepts donated items so that you can give all of your umbrellas new owners.

Splash around and strike a Pose

Get dressed, bring out your gumboots, splash around puddles with your umbrellas, wear pretty clothes, and take pictures with an umbrella.

Show Some love

You took pictures now, go ahead and post your pictures or videos of you playing around with your umbrellas or suggest to people the names of the movies you watched to celebrate the day and while you are at it, do not forget to use the hashtags. #Umbrellamagic #happyumbrelladay

Learn how to care for umbrellas

Do you know what to do after using an umbrella? Rather than simply folding it up wet, there are simple procedures to keep your umbrella in tip top shape:

• Upon reaching your destination, find a spot to keep your umbrella opened out. Ideal spots include the bathtub, a mudroom, a basement, sitting on industrial carpet in the office that can handle a little moisture, a sink, and so forth.
• When dry, fold the umbrella according to the manufacturer's instructions and place it back into its pouch or do up the fastener. When folding, take care with the spokes to avoid bending them out of shape. Have any broken spokes mended by a shoe repairer as quickly as possible, or the umbrella will not last. Also, roll the umbrella back into its case, rather than stuffing or squashing it in. Creases that result from squashing the umbrella fabric are hard to remove and decrease the umbrella's life.
• Obviously, you can't always leave an umbrella open to dry out. If you cannot find somewhere to dry out the umbrella immediately, give it a quick shake to remove the worst of the water, then fold. Do not leave it too long––as soon as you're able to open it up for drying, do so. If left stored wet, it may grow mildew.
• If stains or marks appear on the umbrella, use a toweling cloth with warm water to dab at the marks. If you need something stronger, try gentle dish washing soap but nothing harsher, as this may discolor or even destroy the umbrella fabric

See what other uses can be made of an umbrella

While most umbrellas are used to keep us dry or shaded, there are other uses for umbrellas (or their shape):

• Unopened, a non-folding umbrella with a strong stem can transform into a temporary walking cane substitute.
• Umbrellas can be used to provide temporary shade or protection for new growing plants in the garden. Be sure to weight down the hook end or the umbrella might fly off in a gust.
• Umbrellas can be used in photo shoots to give the impression of rain or heat. They're a handy prop for models to work with.
• The common plastic or wooden umbrella garnish, inspired by the real umbrella, is used as a decoration in drinks such as cocktails and children's party drinks. It will often have pieces of fruit skewered on the stem too.

Transform your umbrella

Do you have some unwanted umbrellas around the house? They can have a new lease of life rather than being tossed out. Here are some ways to change your umbrella into something else:

• Turn your old umbrella into a pouch for rainy days.
• Make a paper umbrella for drinks, toys, or as decorations

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• Make baby shower umbrellas for the next baby shower you attend.
• Turn it into an indoor, portable drying rack. Remove all the fabric and use the spokes. Simply hang the umbrella upside down over the shower, use clothes pins to attach lingerie and other light items, and wait for them to dry!

Riddles about umbrellas

1.When does a detective carry an umbrella?

When he’s undercover.

2.How can four people go out with only one umbrella and not get wet?

It isn’t raining.

3.Why would you want a chicken proof umbrella?

To use when the weather is fowl.

4.What sort of pub should you take an umbrella to?

An isobar.

Why do people in cities often carry umbrellas?

Because umbrellas can’t walk.

5.Why did the umbrella go to the therapist?

It had trouble opening up.

Puns about umbrellas

6.What do you call Paddington without an umbrella?

A drizzly bear.

7.Why don’t Angels use umbrellas?

Because they’re too holy.

8.What do you call a parrot with an umbrella?

Polly unsaturated.

9.When can three elephants stand under one umbrella and not get wet?

When it’s not raining.

10.Why did the man put his umbrella away and open his wallet?

He was hoping for some change in the weather.

Funny Quotes On National Umbrella Day

1.A banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining but wants it back the minute it begins to rain.

Mark Twain

2.When you are caught in the heavy rains of anger, open the umbrella of mind, take refuge under the roof of reason!

Mehmet Murat Ildan

3.Going around under an umbrella interferes with one’s looking up at the sky.

Jerzy Kosinski

4.But such a tiny and trivial thing as an umbrella can deprive you of the sight of such a stupendous fact as the sun.

Meher Baba

5.I really like umbrellas. It’s like, I have a roof! I carry it with me! Umbrellas always amuse me.

John Green

6..An open umbrella is just a closed beautiful sky.

Xavier Forneret

7.Umbrella is comfort; rain is life! You must often leave comfort to touch the life!

Mehmet Murat Ildan

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