Before the rain, there was sunshine... The precursor to the umbrella was the parasol (ombrelle in French), as the sun, undoubtedly, posed a more formidable threat than rain showers. The parasol has been in existence for millennia: one can see King Xerxes sheltered by a parasol in a Persian bas-relief (in modern-day Iran) dating back to the early 5th century BC.


But this accessory traces back to even more ancient times—some find its origins in 12th-century BC Chinese legends.
Parasols, no doubt, served a dual purpose in antiquity, also protecting from rain.

However, to witness the appearance of the umbrella as we know it, one must wait until the 17th century.
The term "parapluie" can be found in the dictionary of the grammarian César-Pierre Richelet (1680), but at that time, it was defined as a synonym for "parasol." A decisive innovation during the same era finally differentiated the two objects for good: the use of oiled cloth instead of the usual silk that adorned parasols.
Waterproofed in this way, the umbrella truly began to take shape. It would later become a fashionable accessory "made in France," thanks to companies like Neyrat, founded in 1852. In 1964, the umbrella would take center stage in two musical films: Mary Poppins and The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Les Parapluies de Cherbourg" French original title).



Since then, a deluge of innovations has swept through the sector... The latest? An umbrella consisting of only a handle, invented by a team of Chinese engineers and designers. Hidden inside the handle is a motor powered by a lithium battery, which drives a fan at its end. This fan generates a continuous airflow that repels raindrops, forming an invisible dome that can protect up to two users... With this umbrella, there's no need to dry it indoors. Good news for the superstitious!

Speaking of superstition, would it be bad luck to write an article about umbrellas...?
Like, could it attract rain? Frankly, I already find it difficult to believe it could rain even more in Brussels. Let's admit it; people don't move to the Belgian capital for its weather!
Here, rain is part of life. It's often here, either for hours or suddenly appearing out of nowhere. The Brussels sky has this crazy ability to change rapidly, revealing clouds in the blink of an eye to water the countless trees, parks, and gardens of the capital.
Let's not make a big deal out of this superstition that haunts this accessory.
Especially when it comes to umbrella stories, Brussels has its own, a beautiful tale of an umbrella factory founded in 1896 that supplied the world's elite, princes and princesses, actors, celebrities, and all the stylish Brussels residents in search of elegance in the rain!
Here's a real gem, an archive from SONUMA about the E. Fischer & Cie. umbrella house, including interviews with the skilled artisans behind Brussels' umbrella excellence.