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, United Kingdom
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
-
Rainbow houses, Houten, Netherlands
-
Jellyfish swimming in the Pacific, Guerrero, Mexico
-
International Day of Forests
-
Fairy chimneys and cave dwellings in Cappadocia, Türkiye
-
Ashoka pillar, Kutagarasala Vihara, Vaishali, Bihar
-
Short-eared owl
-
Dam, lake and mountains in Kerala
-
Giddy family fun
-
Kochia, Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
-
Greater flamingos, Lüderitz, Namibia
-
Start Point Lighthouse, South Devon, England
-
Baby giant panda, China
-
Glacial rivers, Iceland
-
Shining city on the hill
-
Gateway to Latin America
-
The other great barrier reef
-
Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye, Scotland
-
Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California, United States
-
Lion cubs, South Africa
-
Ad-Deir, Petra, Jordan
-
Giants of the Southern Ocean
-
Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Liguria, Italy
-
Polar bear mother and cubs, Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
-
A smooth landing, feet first
-
Flooded crypt, Basilica of San Francesco, Ravenna, Italy
-
Ayutthaya Historical Park, Thailand
-
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA
-
Great Wall of China
-
Jahangir Mahal, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
-
Holiday hues
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

