The basic umbrella was invented over four thousand years ago. There is evidence of umbrella s in the ancient art and artifacts of Egypt, Assyria, Greece and China. These ancient umbrellas or parasols were first designed to provide shade from the sun. The Chinese were the first to water-proof their umbrellas for use as rain protection. They waxed and lacquered their paper parasols in order to use them for rain. By the 16th century, the umbrella became popular. At first, it was considered as an accessory only suitable for women. A Persian traveler and writer, Jonas Hanway, carried and used an umbrella publicly in England for 30 years, and he popularized umbrella use among men. English gentleman often referred to their umbrellas as a “Hanway”. Compact collapsible umbrellas were the next major technical innovation in umbrella manufacture, over a century later.
