An umbrella is not just for rain

The basic umbrella was invented over four thousand years ago. We have seen evidence of umbrellas in the ancient art and artifacts of Egypt, Assyria, Greece, and China. Umbrellas are more than keeping one dry when it begins to rain, they can be a work of art.  The umbrellas below are located at the Al Masjid-al-Nabawi in the city called Medina. 

Umbrellas at the Al Masjid-al-Nabawi

 Then there are Burmese umbrellas, whose colors are rich and inviting.

Burmese umbrellas

But the umbrellas of India outshine all of the rest.  Their bright colors and various patterns are so inviting. Who wouldn't want to walk underneath one of these beauties?

Umbrellas from India 

The umbrellas in the above picture are for weddings in India and are still used today.