The Umbrella

An umbrella is a handy tool that keeps you dry in the rain. It has a cloth cover stretched over thin metal ribs. A long handle lets you hold it above your head. When you press a button, the umbrella opens up like a flower.

The First Umbrellas

Umbrellas were used over 4,000 years ago in China, Egypt, and Greece. The first ones were made to block the sun, not rain. In fact, the word 'umbrella' comes from a word meaning 'little shade.' Later, the Chinese waxed their paper umbrellas to make them waterproof. Now people could use them in rainy weather too.

Umbrellas Today

Modern umbrellas fold up small so you can carry them in a bag. They come in many bright colors and fun patterns. Some big umbrellas are made for two people to share. Beach umbrellas are very large and stand in the sand. The biggest kind, called a patio umbrella, shades whole tables.

Fun Facts

• For a long time, only women used umbrellas in England until a man named Jonas Hanway made them popular for men.
• The world's largest umbrella is over 75 feet wide.
• An umbrella is sometimes called a 'brolly' in England.

Did You Know?

A parasol is an umbrella made just for blocking sunshine and not for rain.