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
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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Inca ruin of Sacsayhuamán near Cusco, Peru
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Irohazaka Road, Nikko, Tochigi, Japan
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Camels, Rajasthan, India
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Saranac Lake, New York
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Lake Tahoe
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Red fox cubs near their den
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Bodie State Historic Park, California, United States
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Aspens near Marble, Colorado, USA
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St. Joseph North Pier Inner and Outer Lights, Michigan, USA
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A delta in the Venetian Lagoon, Italy
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Lupine fields, Snæfellsnes, Iceland
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Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA
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Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska, United States
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Colourful houses of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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Crystal Lake in the Enchantments, Washington, United States
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Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
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Tulips, Netherlands
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Helsinki, Finland
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Lavender field, Hertfordshire, England
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Jellyfish, Guerrero, Mexico
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Scotts Bluff National Monument
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Skagit Valley Tulip Fields, Washington, United States
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Medieval city walls, Ávila, Spain
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Bandon Beach in Bandon, Oregon, United States
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The Blue City of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
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Baobab trees at sunset, Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar
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Rio Grande, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Italy
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American bison in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
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Petroglyphs near Fruita in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, United States
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

