After inventing it over 3,500 years ago, China remains the leading producer of umbrellas in the world. The Chinese use it both to protect themselves from the rain and the sun. A choice of demanding materials and no less than 80 steps are necessary for the manufacture of the umbrella. There was a time when emperors and senior officials used umbrellas during their tours to signify that they protected the people. Symbol of fortune, the umbrella is very present in weddings, ceremonies as well as living art shows (opera, dance, acrobatics).
You should know that in Chinese culture, to offer an umbrella to a beloved person (love and friendship) would translate the wish to separate from them. Indeed umbrella in Chinese says San which also means separation!
On foot, by bicycle, the Japanese often has an umbrella by hand! With 100 million umbrellas sold each year, Japan is the country that uses the umbrella the most! There are several types of umbrellas. The transparent umbrella carried by the urban people in the crowded streets has the advantage of providing greater visibility. The transparent umbrella is bought everywhere in store and even in distributors! Its use is almost unique, which explains garbage trash loaded with umbrellas after each downpour. Unlike France, the umbrella is not admitted in shops, which is why there are parapligery garages outside stores and even anti -thefts! The colorful and original umbrella has a more superficial use, it ends an outfit, it is the fashion accessory par excellence. It is essential to any ceremony. Finally the umbrella, the summer version of the umbrella, completes the range ... A handmade umbrella would cost around 400 euros.
Very symbolic during a marriage, in India the umbrella embodies the passage of celibacy life to the life of a couple. The umbrella is one of the eight symbols of Buddha's fortune. It represents wealth and social status: the more umbrella we carry, the higher our social rank! The handle that carries the "handle" of the umbrella would be the central axis holding the world. The umbrella protects from strong heat and even a spiritual suffering. The umbrella would be a kind of itinerant temple which would explain why Buddha is often represented with a parasol above his head. The umbrella in India is often nicely decorated, colorful, and adorned with pearls.
France sells 10 million umbrellas per year. With unique know-how, France applies traditional and meticulous manufacturing methods. The curious people will also be able to discover the secrets of manufacturing the Cherbourg umbrella during a visit to the manufacture.
Prestigious accessory, used in political rituals, in 1852 he became a fashion accessory "made in France". The umbrella follows trends: transparent, colorful, folding, straight. He distinguishes the one who wears it.
Rich in symbols, the umbrella is an object of prestige which is offered on multiple occasions. The umbrella has been inspired… In recent years, several cities in France have created giant works of art based on suspended umbrellas. Inspired by the Umbrella Sky Project by Portuguese artist Patricia Cunha, the cities of Aurillac, Macon, Laon, ... invested in this urban decoration to revitalize their city center and attract tourists. A fruitful operation with regard to photos of colored umbrella roofs on social networks.
With uncertain weather and unpredictable showers, England is the country where wearing the umbrella is permanently essential! Put forward in the cinema, at the arm of Mary Poppins, then John Steed in Melon hat and leather boots, among others, the umbrella is doing as much for his usefulness as for the style he gives to the one who carries him. Indeed, the umbrella has become the essential accessory of the perfect gentleman.
Switzerland mainly consumes folding umbrellas. With a single producer, Switzerland imports most of the 3 million umbrellas sold per year.
On the other side of the Atlantic, the folding umbrella is very successful. No less than four people work full time in the patent department to approve new patents filed each year concerning the umbrellas.
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