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, Borough Market, London, England
Today in History
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Last night of the Proms
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Festivus
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Fujian Tulou, China
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Halloween
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Halfway there
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All going swimmingly
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Teeming with trout
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Abraham Lake, Alberta, Canada
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Meet for lunch?
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A bridge that holds up history
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Misool, Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia
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Notting Hill Carnival
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Mists over the Amazon
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Want to hang about?
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Playa del Silencio, Spain
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Labor Day
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If these walls could talk...
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Devetashka Cave, Devetaki, Bulgaria
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Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah, USA
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Big Bends birthday bash
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Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
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Sequoia National Park, California, USA
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Burning the Clocks
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International Museum Day
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Lake Misurina, Dolomites, Italy
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Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany
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World Childrens Day
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Pastel perfection
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Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, United States
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Where is this scenic view?