NATIONAL UMBRELLA DAY
National Umbrella Day casts a little shade on February 10th. The day honors one of the world’s most useful inventions, the umbrella!
#NationalUmbrellaDay
Not only does the umbrella help keep us dry from the rain, but it also protects us from the heat of the sun. You can also use an umbrella as a fashion accessory. While the umbrella is primarily practical, they also decorate cocktails. These brightly colored paper umbrellas make fun party favors, especially when visiting sunny locations.
Umbrellas have also found their way into the art world. Their color and shape make sharp silhouettes. They also serve as the canvas for art. In movies, umbrellas play a role, too. For example, they played vital parts in Singing in the Rain in 1952 and Mary Poppins in 1964.
Interesting Umbrella TidBits:
The word umbrella comes from the Latin word umbra, meaning shade or shadow. Brolly is a slang word for umbrella, often used in Britain, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. Bumbershoot is a fanciful Americanism for an umbrella from the late 19th century.
The basic umbrella was invented over four thousand years ago. There is evidence of umbrellas in the ancient art and artifacts of Egypt, Assyria, Greece, and China.
We can credit the Chinese for being the first to protect us from the rain. Their paper parasols received a layer of wax followed by lacquer that made the umbrella withstand the elements.
One of the first umbrella shops opened in 1830 at 53 New Oxford Street in London, England. The shop, operated by James Smith and Sons, still operates regular hours at the same location today.
In 1928, Hans Haupt’s pocket umbrellas appeared. Then, in 1969, Bradford E. Phillips, the owner of Totes Incorporated of Loveland, Ohio, obtained a patent for the first “working folding umbrella.”
Umbrellas have also been fashioned into hats as early as 1880 and as recently as 1987.
Photographers use umbrellas with a reflective inside as a diffusion device when employing artificial lighting and as a glare shield and shade, most often in portrait situations.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL UMBRELLA DAY
- Spring for a new umbrella and prepare for rainy days ahead.
- Use an umbrella on a sunny day.
- Have an umbrella photoshoot modeling your favorite rain gear and umbrella.
- Order a drink that comes with a paper umbrella.
- Watch movies with iconic umbrella scenes such as Singing in the Rain and Mary Poppins.
- Visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for projects and ideas for National Umbrella Day.
- Use #NationalUmbrellaDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL UMBRELLA DAY HISTORY
While the origins of the utilitarian holiday remain a mystery, the world has been celebrating it since at least 2004. However, another celebration on the calendar promotes opening umbrellas indoors. The entire month of March recognizes the umbrella, too!
Umbrella FAQ
Q. Is it bad luck to open an umbrella indoors?
A. There is a superstition surrounding the act of opening an umbrella indoors. Whether it’s true or not may depend on many variables. However, opening an umbrella indoors can be awkward, especially if it’s a tight space or crowded.
Q. Can umbrellas be used in any weather?
A. While we use umbrellas in the rain or sunshine, the wind tends to be the umbrella’s nemesis. Windy days turn umbrellas inside out and can make them ineffective at keeping out the rain.
Q. Can anyone celebrate National Umbrella Day?
A. Yes. Even if you don’t need an umbrella to protect you against the elements, you can celebrate the umbrella in other ways.
February 10th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) History
1840
Queen Victoria if England marries her German cousin, Prince Albert.
1897
New York Times owner Adolph S. Ochs moves the phrase “All The News That’s Fit To Print” from the editorial page to the front page making it the paper’s slogan. The phrase first appeared in the paper on October 25, 1896.
1933
In an attempt to save its floundering business, the Postal Telegraph-Cable Company delivered what is considered the first singing telegram.
1942
President Franklin D. Roosevelt posthumously awarded the first Medal of Honor of World War II to Second Lt. Alexander Ramsey Nininger Jr. The medal was presented to his father, Alexander R. Nininger by Major General Walter H. Frank during a ceremony at Third Air Force Headquarters in Tampa, Florida.
1961
The Niagara Falls hydroelectric project opens.
1996
IBM’s Deep Blue computer defeats World Champion Garry Kasparov at chess in 34 moves in Philadelphia, PA. It is the first time a computer ever beat a human at a formal game of chess.
February 10th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) History
Joseph Charles Price – 1854
In 1888, Joseph C. Price founded Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina, and served as the school’s first president.
Edith Clarke – 1883
As the world’s first woman to be employed professionally as an engineer, Clarke’s accomplishments added up. She developed a graph calculator using a mathematical technique to calculate the long distances of transmission lines. Clarke was the first woman to submit a paper to the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE). While she spent much of her career with General Electric, Clarke would also become a champion of women’s education.
Jimmy Durante – 1893
The American comedian, singer, actor, and performer is probably best known for his performance in the comedy It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. His signature style left an indelible mark on cinema and comedy.
James West – 1931
The prolific American inventor is best known for his invention of the foil electret microphone.
Honorable Mention
Lon Chaney Jr. – 1906
Grace Townes – 1907
Mark Spitz – 1950
Roberta Flack – 1939
