The history of umbrellas and parasols begins in the ancient world. The word is derived from the Latin parare. It is believed that they originated in India. The early parasols were often adorned with jewels and precious woods.
During the Age of Exploration, the silken parasols were brought west. They were favored by the nobility. The royals of Italy and France never went without one.
The parasol became a status symbol and was used to define the social class. It was also considered a symbol of fashion and femininity. The design of the parasol began to match the patterns of clothing.
As time progressed, the parasol became more durable. It also gained the capacity to open. These umbrellas were crafted to protect nobility. They were also used by slaves on carriages.
The earliest parasols were not water-proof, but were fashioned from materials such as ivory, silver, and rare woods. They were also adorned with acorns.
As technology advanced, the parasols became smaller and more portable. Eventually, they started to be made from heavier, waterproof material. They also had the ability to be opened and closed.
As they became more popular, they were used as a status symbol. They represented both royalty and prosperity. The image below depicts two fashionable women in dresses and heels holding parasols.
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