It"s National Umbrella Day today, a quirky celebration that honors 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"?
National Umbrella Day
Today in History
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The story of the poinsettia
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Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Australia
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In the footsteps of Leopold Bloom
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Into the woods
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Observing World Braille Day in Bavaria
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Reflections of the night sky
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A treaty for science
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The scene of a literary crime
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A hit ballet, long after its debut
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A wild and scenic scene
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Papa was a flightless bird
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National Lighthouse Day
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Oh, to sleep under the northern lights
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Autumn’s swan song
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Ukrainian Independence Day
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National Mountain Climbing Day
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Up, up, and away for Hot Air Balloon Day
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Maloja, Switzerland
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The tallest animal in the world on the longest day of the year
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World Bee Day
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Womens History Month
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The Zugspitze: Germany s highest point
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It s fair season
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Sailing on thick ice
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Broken Beach in Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia
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The puffin-rabbit connection
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Happy trees = Clean air
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Groovy!
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The Blue City of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
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Sea lion in a kelp forest, Baja California, Mexico
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