Umbrella culture around the world

Umbrella culture around the world. Umbrella not only has a long history of development, but also represents different meanings in its historical development, and other countries have also given different meanings to umbrellas under the influence of China or in the process of its development.

1. China

When the umbrella was also called "cover" at first, it was a symbol of the power of the emperor, generals, dignitaries, and a sign of status. Especially when traveling, the sedan chair or car would have an umbrella cover to show "shade". Common people", we can still see this kind of umbrella culture more or less in costume dramas so far.

Moreover, this umbrella culture has been passed down to this day, and its shadow can still be seen in many folk customs. For example, the custom of holding umbrellas in weddings is because umbrellas are a symbol of prosperity, wealth and family.

In addition, there are many folk stories and legends about umbrellas. The most famous one is the borrowing and returning of umbrellas in "The Legend of the White Snake", which leads to the poignant love story between Xu Xian and the White Snake, which can be seen in operas, songs and dances, and acrobatics. Seeing the figure of the umbrella, we can also see the status of the umbrella in folk art.

2. Japan

Umbrellas also have the meaning of power and status in Japan. This culture is deeply influenced by China. In fact, it is not only Japan. Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Myanmar, and some European countries are deeply affected. , It can be seen that China's influence in various countries in the world at that time.

The most famous one in Japan is Japanese umbrella, which originated from Chinese oil-paper umbrella and was introduced to Japan from Tang Dynasty, so it is also called Tang umbrella. Holding an umbrella and wearing plums is an elegant and interesting story of Japanese nobles in ancient times. Today, Japanese umbrellas are like oil-paper umbrellas in China. It has become increasingly rare, and basically appears in art props, such as Kabuki, Japanese dance, and tea ceremony.

3. United Kingdom

Since the oilcloth umbrella was spread from China to the UK, the UK also has a very different cultural meaning to the umbrella. Although the umbrella caused a twists and turns when it first appeared in the UK, but now when it comes to the level of craftsmanship of the umbrella, I really have to It is said that the UK is at the forefront. It is said that oilcloth umbrellas were brought into Britain by foreign traders in the 18th century. The appearance of the new thing caused a panic and sensation in the local area at that time, and it was only after the pope's whitewashing that the people accepted this new thing.

In the beginning, umbrellas were always reserved for women in the UK, and what’s interesting is that British women loved umbrellas very much and combined them with their attitude towards love, for example: erecting an umbrella means being faithful to love; Hold an umbrella with your left hand, which means "I don't have free time now"; shake the umbrella slowly, which means you have no confidence or distrust; put the umbrella on your right shoulder, which means you don't want to see you again.

Britain has been in the weather of continuous rain and wind for a long time. Umbrellas are destined to be an indispensable part of British life. In the 19th century, British men also began to use umbrellas, and began to continuously improve and develop umbrellas. Today, umbrellas are not only a symbol of traditional British lifestyles, but also a symbol of British people. In 1969, the United Kingdom also established an umbrella museum.