Today"s image features one of the simplest yet most essential inventions in human history: the umbrella, or parasol. Over 4,000 years ago, in ancient Egypt, Assyria and China, these foldable canopies were first used to shield people from the sun. It wasn"t until the 17th century that the umbrella, as we know it today, gained popularity in Europe, initially as a luxury item primarily for women. Fast-forward a few centuries and these weather shields have become a staple in pop culture, too. Remember Mary Poppins with her iconic umbrella that helped her fly, or Rihanna"s hit song "Umbrella"?
Art Installation of umbrellas, London, England
Today in History
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Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland
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Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Canada
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Steller sea lions
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Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy
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Venice Skatepark, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Mototi octopus
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Red Rocks, Sedona, Arizona, United States
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Spiegelgracht canal in Amsterdam
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Borobudur temple, Java, Indonesia
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Everglades National Park, Florida
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Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, United States
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Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
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Luna moth
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Mount Segla, Senja Island, Norway
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Collared aracari
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Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, USA
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Inside the Nobel Peace Centre, Oslo, Norway
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Little Pigeon River, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, United States
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Methoni Castle, Messinia, Greece
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