| <!-- @page { margin: 2cm } P { margin-bottom: | | | | umbrellas gradually spread in the whole world. For |
| 0.21cm } --> | | | | example, under the Tang dynasty, Japan dispatched |
| The umbrella was invented in China. It appeared for | | | | nineteen groups of missionaries to learn about the |
| the first time in China 3500 years ago. There are | | | | Chinese civilisation. Thus, the technical of umbrellas |
| several popular legends about the invention of this | | | | conception were introduced in Japan. At the middle of |
| famous accessory, including the most sent out, | | | | the 18th century, English businessman brought back |
| concerning Luban. According to the text "Eclats de | | | | umbrellas after their trip in China, which caused an |
| Jade", the umbrella was invented by the wife of Luban, | | | | important "revolution" in the United Kingdom. |
| Yun, who was both very attentive and anxious for her | | | | Nowadays, this famous accessory is indispensable for |
| husband who worked hard all the day. According to | | | | Great Britain … |
| the folklore, it always rained when Yun brought Luban | | | | Currently, in China, umbrellas may be the most |
| his daily meal. Therefore Luban built shelters on the | | | | common accessory with bikes. More than 90% are |
| way of his wife in order to keep her dry. Then inspired | | | | made in this country and then exported all around the |
| by children who used leafs of lotus to protect them | | | | world. Chinese use them when it rains as well as |
| against the rain, Luban contrived the first umbrella | | | | sunny days. They have created bikes and motorbikes |
| creating a bendable structure covered-up with fabrics. | | | | with a support behind the saddle or on the handlebars, |
| In Ancient China, the umbrella was not only a common | | | | in order to fix their favourite accessory on their |
| daily accessory but it also had a sociological meaning. | | | | vehicles. Thus they can go everywhere whilst being |
| A the end of the Wei dynasty, the umbrella was used | | | | protected against the rain and the harmful sun's rays. |
| for official ceremonies and rites. It was named the | | | | You can find in China many different and amazing |
| "Luo umbrella". According to the Zuo Zhuan, Jin book, | | | | models of "brollys" as they are used as fashionable |
| the Luo accessory was the symbol of both the dignity | | | | accessories for the inhabitants of the country. That is |
| and status, as was the official gown. For instance, the | | | | why they provide a wide range of the famous |
| official members of the Han dynasty used green | | | | products with many shapes and colours. The most |
| umbrellas and the Emperor of the Song dynasty used | | | | common umbrella in Japan is transparent, made of |
| red and yellow ones. Emperors and officials used this | | | | transparent plastic and you can buy it almost |
| accessory to show that they protected their nation. | | | | everywhere, in kiosks and supermarkets. The |
| As the umbrella pointed to both the fortune and the | | | | traditional one, named wagasa, is made of bamboo |
| honour, it was often used during wedding ceremonies | | | | and Washi, a Japanese paper. It is a really beautiful |
| in China. It was also used for opera, song, dance and | | | | accessory which can be used to protect you against |
| acrobatic art. | | | | the rain as well as an object of decoration for your |
| With the increase of exchanges with others countries, | | | | house. |