National Umbrella Day is Today!
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HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL UMBRELLA DAY STEP-BY-STEP
- Purchase new umbrellas!
- Attend a virtual concert in Manchester of Rihanna performing “Umbrella.”
- Make umbrella drinks and read about the history of them.
- Read about who invented the umbrella, it’s a complicated history.
- If you love the article image, purchase it on these fun products on Zazzle!
FEATURED ITEM ON NATIONAL UMBRELLA DAY
Umbrellas bring a unique joy that extends beyond their practical function of shielding us from rain. These delightful accessories turn gloomy, wet days into opportunities for playful expression. Whether it’s a classic black umbrella or one adorned with vibrant patterns and colors, opening an umbrella can feel like a small, joyous act of defiance against dreary weather.
Umbrellas also symbolize preparedness and care, offering a simple yet thoughtful gesture when shared with someone in need. In these ways, umbrellas embody a small but significant joy, turning rainy days into cherished experiences filled with color, comfort, and connection.
NATIONAL UMBRELLA DAY: A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UMBRELLA
The umbrella, a symbol of both utility and style, has a rich history dating back over 4,000 years. Originating in ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Assyria, Greece, and China, early umbrellas were primarily used to provide shade from the sun rather than protection from rain. The term “umbrella” itself is derived from the Latin word “umbra,” meaning shadow.
In ancient Egypt, parasols were made from palm leaves or feathers, while the Chinese developed collapsible, waterproof umbrellas using silk and paper treated with wax or lacquer. Umbrellas were also depicted in the art and literature of Greece and Rome, signifying status and elegance.
The transition to rain protection occurred in the 16th century when European umbrellas, previously seen as a feminine accessory, began to be crafted from durable materials such as leather and eventually oiled cloth. By the 18th century, umbrellas became a practical item for men as well, popularized by figures like Jonas Hanway in England.
The 19th century saw the invention of the steel-ribbed umbrella by Samuel Fox, making them more robust and affordable. Today, umbrellas are a ubiquitous part of daily life, evolving in design and functionality to include automatic opening mechanisms, compact sizes, and various materials, reflecting both their ancient heritage and modern advancements.
100 WAYS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL UMBRELLA DAY
- Umbrella Decorating Contest: Customize umbrellas with paints, markers, and decorations to create unique designs.
- Umbrella Parade: Organize a parade where participants showcase their decorated umbrellas.
- Umbrella Photo Shoot: Set up a themed photo shoot with colorful umbrellas as props.
- Umbrella Crafting Workshop: Host a workshop to make miniature umbrellas from paper or fabric.
- Umbrella Dance Routine: Choreograph a dance routine incorporating umbrellas as part of the performance.
- Umbrella-Themed Storytime: Read books and stories featuring umbrellas to children.
- Umbrella Art Exhibit: Display artwork featuring umbrellas in various styles and mediums.
- Umbrella Fashion Show: Create a runway show featuring outfits accessorized with unique umbrellas.
- Umbrella Juggling: Learn and perform umbrella juggling tricks and routines.
- Umbrella Relay Race: Organize a relay race where participants run with open umbrellas.
- Umbrella Origami: Fold and create paper umbrellas using origami techniques.
- Umbrella-Inspired Poetry Reading: Write and share poems inspired by umbrellas.
- Umbrella Science Experiment: Conduct experiments demonstrating how umbrellas protect against rain and sunlight.
- Umbrella Trivia Quiz: Test your knowledge with a trivia quiz all about the history and use of umbrellas.
- Umbrella Yoga: Practice yoga poses using umbrellas as props for balance and creativity.
- Umbrella Picnic: Host a picnic with umbrella-themed decorations and activities.
- Umbrella Painting: Paint large umbrellas with intricate designs and patterns.
- Umbrella Repair Workshop: Learn how to fix and maintain old or broken umbrellas.
- Umbrella Photography Contest: Capture artistic and creative photos featuring umbrellas.
- Umbrella Craft Sale: Make and sell umbrella-themed crafts and decorations.
- Umbrella Flash Mob: Organize a surprise flash mob dance using umbrellas.
- Umbrella Sharing Drive: Collect and donate umbrellas to those in need.
- Umbrella-Themed Movie Night: Watch movies where umbrellas play a significant role.
- Umbrella Upcycling Project: Transform old umbrellas into new, useful items like bags or clothing.
- Umbrella Memory Game: Create a memory game using cards with different umbrella designs and patterns.
- Umbrella Toss: Compete to see who can toss a small umbrella the farthest.
- Umbrella Relay Race: Participants run a relay race while holding open umbrellas.
- Umbrella Ring Toss: Toss rings onto the handles of upright umbrellas.
- Umbrella Limbo: Use an umbrella instead of a limbo stick to see how low you can go.
- Umbrella Obstacle Course: Navigate an obstacle course while holding an open umbrella.
- Umbrella Golf: Hit balls into an open umbrella placed on the ground.
- Umbrella Balance Race: Balance an open umbrella on your palm while racing to the finish line.
- Umbrella Balloon Pop: Use umbrellas to pop balloons filled with small prizes.
- Umbrella Tug of War: Play tug of war using umbrellas instead of ropes.
- Umbrella Target Practice: Throw balls or bean bags at targets placed on open umbrellas.
- Musical Umbrellas: Similar to musical chairs but using umbrellas instead of chairs.
- Umbrella Hide and Seek: Hide small objects under several umbrellas and have players find them.
- Umbrella Spin: Spin an open umbrella and see who can keep it spinning the longest.
- Umbrella Hat Making: Create and wear hats made from small umbrellas and hold a fashion show.
- Umbrella Scavenger Hunt: Search for hidden items using clues related to umbrellas.
- Umbrella Balloon Bounce: Keep a balloon in the air using only an umbrella.
- Umbrella Bowling: Knock down pins using an umbrella to roll a ball.
- Umbrella Hot Potato: Pass a small umbrella around like hot potato until the music stops.
- Umbrella Catch: Toss and catch a ball using open umbrellas.
- Umbrella Quiz Show: Host a trivia game with questions about umbrellas.
- Umbrella Water Relay: Carry water in an umbrella to fill a container as quickly as possible.
- Umbrella Pictionary: Draw umbrella-related items for others to guess in a game of Pictionary.
- Umbrella Parachute: Use an umbrella to catch and launch lightweight objects like parachutes.
- Umbrella Word Search: Create a word search puzzle with words related to umbrellas.
- Umbrella Charades: Act out scenes involving umbrellas for others to guess in a game of charades.
- Miniature Paper Umbrellas: Create small decorative umbrellas using colorful paper and toothpicks.
- Umbrella Wreath: Design a wreath using mini umbrellas and artificial flowers for door decoration.
- Umbrella Suncatchers: Make suncatchers with umbrella shapes using colored glass or plastic sheets.
- Umbrella Wall Art: Paint or draw a beautiful umbrella scene on a canvas or large sheet of paper.
- Umbrella Themed Bookmarks: Craft bookmarks with umbrella shapes using cardstock and ribbons.
- Umbrella Keychains: Create keychains with mini umbrella charms using polymer clay.
- Umbrella Garland: String together paper umbrellas to make a festive garland.
- Umbrella Flower Pots: Decorate small flower pots with umbrella designs and plant flowers in them.
- Umbrella Jewelry: Design earrings, necklaces, or bracelets featuring umbrella charms or pendants.
- Umbrella T-Shirt Painting: Paint or stencil umbrella designs on plain t-shirts.
- Umbrella Coasters: Make coasters with umbrella motifs using cork or ceramic tiles.
- Umbrella Wind Chimes: Assemble wind chimes with umbrella-shaped pieces and metal chimes.
- Umbrella Greeting Cards: Create handmade greeting cards with pop-up or painted umbrella designs.
- Umbrella Magnets: Design fridge magnets shaped like umbrellas using felt or clay.
- Umbrella Candle Holders: Decorate candle holders with umbrella patterns or decals.
- Umbrella Tote Bags: Paint or applique umbrella designs on canvas tote bags.
- Umbrella Soap: Make soap bars shaped like umbrellas using soap molds and dyes.
- Umbrella Fabric Art: Sew or quilt an umbrella scene on a piece of fabric to hang as art.
- Umbrella Pencil Toppers: Craft small umbrellas to attach to the tops of pencils.
- Umbrella Button Art: Use buttons to create an umbrella picture on canvas or cardboard.
- Umbrella Planters: Create planters shaped like umbrellas using clay or other sculpting materials.
- Umbrella Puppets: Make finger or hand puppets in the shape of umbrellas using felt and googly eyes.
- Umbrella Pin Cushions: Sew small umbrella-shaped pin cushions for sewing projects.
- Umbrella Doorstop: Design a doorstop with an umbrella shape using fabric and stuffing.
- Umbrella Mobile: Create a mobile with hanging mini umbrellas to decorate a room or outdoor space.
- Umbrella-Shaped Cookies: Use umbrella-shaped cookie cutters to bake and decorate cookies.
- Umbrella Cupcakes: Decorate cupcakes with mini fondant umbrellas or umbrella toppers.
- Fruit Umbrellas: Arrange fruit slices in the shape of umbrellas on a platter.
- Umbrella Sandwiches: Cut sandwiches into umbrella shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Umbrella Cake Pops: Make cake pops and decorate them with umbrella designs using fondant and icing.
- Umbrella Pancakes: Use pancake batter to create umbrella shapes on the griddle.
- Umbrella Jell-O Molds: Make Jell-O in umbrella-shaped molds for a fun, wobbly treat.
- Umbrella Pizzas: Top small pizzas with ingredients arranged to look like umbrellas.
- Umbrella Rice Krispies Treats: Shape Rice Krispies treats into umbrellas and decorate with icing.
- Umbrella Quesadillas: Cut quesadillas into umbrella shapes and serve with dipping sauces.
- Umbrella Fruit Skewers: Assemble fruit on skewers to look like umbrella handles and tops.
- Umbrella Sushi Rolls: Create sushi rolls and decorate with umbrella-shaped veggie cutouts.
- Umbrella Deviled Eggs: Arrange deviled eggs with umbrella designs made from colored yolk mixture.
- Umbrella Cheese Platter: Cut cheese slices into umbrella shapes and arrange on a platter.
- Umbrella Salad: Create a salad with ingredients arranged to form an umbrella design.
- Umbrella Ice Cream Cones: Decorate ice cream cones with umbrella-shaped toppers or sprinkles.
- Umbrella Donuts: Use icing and fondant to decorate donuts with umbrella patterns.
- Umbrella Tarts: Bake mini tarts and decorate with umbrella-shaped pastry cutouts.
- Umbrella Popcorn Balls: Shape popcorn balls into umbrellas and drizzle with colored chocolate.
- Umbrella Macarons: Bake macarons and decorate with umbrella designs using icing.
- Umbrella Breadsticks: Shape breadstick dough into umbrella forms before baking.
- Umbrella Cupcake Cake: Arrange cupcakes into the shape of an umbrella and frost as a single design.
- Umbrella Chocolate Bark: Make chocolate bark and decorate with umbrella-shaped candy pieces.
- Umbrella Veggie Platter: Arrange vegetables in the shape of an umbrella on a serving tray.
- Umbrella Smoothie Bowls: Design smoothie bowls with fruit and toppings arranged to look like umbrellas.
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Do you have any ideas about how to celebrate National Umbrella Day? Please share them!
