Facts about Umbrellas

Last week, we dove into the wonderful world of gratitude by celebrating items and experiences that start with the letter T. Today, we invite you to join the fun! What’s something you’re thankful for that begins with the letter U? Let’s come together to share our thoughts and inspire a spirit of appreciation and reflection. 

I’ll kick things off by saying I’m grateful for Umbrellas, they shield us from the rain and remind us that sometimes we just need to embrace the storm. What about you? What’s your U word of gratitude?

☂️ Undercover Wonders: 8+ Surprising Facts About Umbrellas

They twirl in musicals, float down rainy sidewalks, and perch on café tables like polite little canopies. But umbrellas have a deeper story, and they’ve been shielding people for centuries! Let’s unfold the truth behind these everyday inventions.

🏛️ 1. Umbrellas Have Ancient Roots

Umbrellas date back over 4,000 years! The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese used sunshades made from feathers, palm leaves, and silk to protect their royals from harsh sunlight. Rain protection came later!

☔ 2. The Word "Umbrella" Comes from Latin

The word originates from "umbra," meaning shade or shadow. Makes perfect sense; whether it’s blocking raindrops or sunlight, an umbrella always casts a helpful shadow.

🌂 3. The First Folding Umbrellas Appeared in China

Paper umbrellas coated with wax and lacquer were used in China over 2,000 years ago. These early foldable designs helped travelers stay dry and stylish, a remarkable achievement in ancient engineering.

💡 4. Umbrellas Sparked Invention

Did you know the umbrella inspired early parachute designs? Its shape helped inventors understand how to slow motion with fabric and air resistance. Umbrella science, anyone?

🎖️ 5. Umbrellas Honor Veterans in Some Places

In memorial art and ceremonies, umbrellas are sometimes used to symbolize protection, shelter, and peace. They've appeared in veterans’ murals, parades, and healing gardens, quietly celebrating those who served through the symbol of shielding.

🎭 6. Umbrellas Appear in Pop Culture and Fashion

From Mary Poppins to Singin’ in the Rain, umbrellas are iconic stage props. They’ve also starred in fashion shows, becoming umbrellas with lights, speakers, and artful prints. Rainy runway realness!

🌀 7. There’s a World Record for Umbrella Dancing

In Japan, groups of dancers have synchronized umbrella routines during festivals, breaking records with dozens of swirling umbrellas at once. Coordination meets celebration!

🌈 8. Not All Umbrellas Are for Rain

There are UV-blocking umbrellas, snow umbrellas, and even reversible umbrellas that fold inward to trap wetness. Some are designed for wind resistance, and a few come with built-in fans or phone chargers!

☂️ Bonus Breezy Bits!

• The world’s largest umbrella had a diameter of over 78 feet!
• There’s a village in Portugal where streets are decorated with floating umbrella art.
• Some ancient umbrellas were used to indicate royal status—only kings or queens could carry them!

There are countless reasons to cultivate a spirit of gratitude! Acknowledging what we’re thankful for not only enhances our own well-being but also spreads joy to those around us. It’s essential to make gratitude a regular part of our lives.

Next week, we’ll embark on a celebration of all things starting with the letter V! Let’s take this opportunity to reflect on and appreciate everything from comforting treasures to intriguing discoveries. Join us as we embrace and honor the wonderful aspects that begin with this delightful letter!

Get your worksheet here: 

 

☔ U Is for Umbrella: “Under My Umbrella of Thanks”

Let kids design colorful umbrellas that “cover” all the things they’re grateful for, even on rainy days!

🎨 What You’ll Need:

• Umbrella-shaped paper cutouts or a printable template
• Markers, crayons, paint, stickers, tissue paper
• Cotton balls or paper raindrops
• String or yarn (for hanging optional clouds or rain)
• Gratitude prompt cards (optional)

🖍️ Activity Instructions:

Part 1: Create the Canopy

1. Decorate the umbrella with bright colors, patterns, or cozy textures.
2. Inside or on top of the umbrella, kids write or draw things they’re thankful for that help them feel safe, comforted, or protected.
   • “Warm hugs from Mom”
   • “My favorite blanket”
   • “Books that cheer me up”

Part 2: Raindrops of Resilience

1. Add dangling paper raindrops with encouraging words or kind actions kids have done.
2. Optional twist: Use cotton balls to create a “cloud” with the message: “Even when it rains, gratitude keeps me dry!”

Display Idea:

Hang umbrellas on a board titled “Gratitude Under Cover” or “Thankful in All Weather!”

☔ Bonus Brainstorm:

• Read a rainy-day story and reflect: How do umbrellas help us, and what else brings comfort in stormy moments?
• Make a mini gratitude forecast:
  “Tomorrow looks cloudy, but I’ve got friendship in my forecast!”

Books about umbrellas and parasols:

1. Ella's Umbrellas by Jennifer Lloyd

2. Jonas Hanway's Umbrella Josh Crute

3. The Umbrella Unfurled: Its Remarkable Life and Times by Nigel Rodgers

4. U is for umbrella Preschool Coloring Book by suuper coolor

Parents and caretakers, we encourage you to review the books for age-appropriate content before sharing them with your child. This will help create a positive reading experience for everyone!

Return to the Alphabet Hub!