Umbrella

Umbrella, originally a sun-shade, but in northern climates transformed into a protection against rain. It was a symbol of royalty and authority, and as such was used in Egypt, Nineveh, Persepolis, etc., and is so used by some African potentates of the present day. It was used by women in Greece and Rome; and in Spain, France, and perhaps England, was so used by women in the 16th century; but the first man to use it in England as a protection against rain is said to have been Jonas Hanway in the 18th century.