Who Invented the Umbrella? Staying Dry in Style

Q: Who invented the umbrella?

There is no single inventor. Ancient civilizations such as the Assyrians, Chinese, and Egyptians developed umbrella-like devices thousands of years ago.

Q: What was the umbrella originally used for?

Originally, umbrellas were used as sunshades or parasols for royalty and religious figures. They were later adapted for rain protection.

Q: When did umbrellas become popular in Europe?

Umbrellas became more widely used in Europe during the 17th century, particularly in England during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Q: Who invented the modern umbrella design?

Samuel Fox invented the steel-ribbed umbrella in 1862, making the design more durable and practical.

Q: Are umbrellas used in religion or ceremonies?

Yes. In cultures like Buddhism, umbrellas are symbolic of protection, spirituality, and royalty. They are used in religious processions and rituals.

The umbrella is such a common object that we rarely stop to consider its incredible journey through time. While it’s difficult to credit a single inventor, the umbrella has been used by ancient civilizations across the world for thousands of years—for protection, status, and style.

🏺 Origins in the Ancient Middle East

The earliest depictions of umbrellas (or parasols) appear in the ancient Middle East:

Nineveh (Assyria): Archaeological bas-reliefs depict servants holding parasols over royal figures, shielding them from the sun.
Persia: Sculptures show kings attended by umbrella-bearers.
Ancient Egypt: Umbrellas took the form of flagellums—fans made from palm leaves, symbolizing power and protection.

These devices closely resemble the modern umbrella, minus the collapsible design.

🏛️ Umbrellas in Ancient Greece and Rome

In 5th-century BCE Greece, umbrellas (called skiadeion) were common among women, serving as both sun protection and fashion accessory.
They held religious meaning too, often used in Dionysian rituals.
Roman writers like Ovid frequently mentioned parasols. Again, mostly used by women, umbrellas in Rome symbolized elegance and status more than functionality.

🌏 Umbrella Usage in Asia

Asia had one of the most advanced and ceremonial uses of the umbrella:

China: By 21 AD, collapsible umbrellas were being used in royal carriages. The Zhou Li (2,400-year-old Chinese text) describes umbrella-like tools used in court and processions.
Korea & Japan: The Chinese umbrella concept spread to Korea, and later Japan, becoming a part of local tradition and style.

🏰 Umbrella History in Europe

During the Middle Ages, umbrellas were known but rarely used in Europe.
It wasn’t until the 17th century that umbrellas gained popularity among the European elite.
By the early 1600s, “umbrella” entered the English dictionary.
In 19th-century England, umbrellas became common among the middle class, especially after Samuel Fox invented the steel-ribbed umbrella in 1862.

🧵 Materials and Design Evolution

From palm leaves and silk, umbrellas have evolved to use:

Gingham and cotton
Plastic and polyester
Aluminum, fiberglass, and carbon fiber for ribs

What started as a royal symbol is now a global fashion accessory and everyday necessity.

1. Who invented the umbrella?

The umbrella doesn’t have a single inventor. Ancient civilizations like the Assyrians, Chinese, Egyptians, and Greeks used umbrella-like devices over 2,000 years ago.

2. What was the umbrella originally used for?

Originally, it was a sunshade (parasol), often used by royalty or religious leaders. It later evolved into a rain protection tool.

3. When did umbrellas become popular in Europe?

Umbrellas became popular in Europe during the 17th century, with widespread use beginning in England in the 18th–19th centuries.

4. Who invented the modern umbrella design?

Samuel Fox invented the steel-ribbed umbrella in 1862, improving durability and portability.

5. Are umbrellas used in religion or ceremonies?

Yes, especially in Asian cultures like Buddhism, where umbrellas symbolize royalty and spiritual protection.