Isn't it great to walk in the rain, splashing around in the mucky waters - and with an umbrella we can have fun and also avoid catching a nasty cold or fever. Most of us think that umbrellas are just for rainy days, but it can also be used against the hot sun. Actually, it was first invented for the purpose of protecting people from the sun, rather than against the rain.

Nobody knows when the umbrella was first made, but we do know it was used in ancient times - possibly the first people were the Chinese in the 11th century, B.C.! There is also evidence that the ancient Egyptians and Babylonians used it as a sunshade. Pretty soon, the umbrella became a sign of prestige and honor. Only people of the royal family and those in high posts were allowed to use umbrellas in the Far East. In the Indian books, we see pictures of kings and queens (Mahabharata and Ramayana) having umbrellas over their chariots, marking their power and authority. Even today in some parts of Africa, when chiefs of the different regions meet for festivities, they all come in their respective processions, each adorned with their own decorated umbrellas. The higher the rank of the chief, the more elaborate and rich is the umbrella.