275th stamp blog: World Umbrella Day on February 10, 2022

Today I am writing my 275th blog post. I had wanted to write about a different theme, but a friend advised me to choose World Umbrella Day. This day is celebrated on February 10, 2022. Today, the weather is also cooperating, making it easy to use an umbrella. It is a journey of discovery into the world of umbrellas. Will you check your albums with me and scan the umbrellas?

History

How the umbrella (parasol) actually originated will remain a mystery, but it is very likely that the umbrella evolved from a primitive shelter made of leaves into the umbrella as we know it. According to a classic Chinese ceremonial book, the origin of the umbrella (parasol) dates back to approximately 2400 BC. The umbrella is descended from the parasol. Parasols already existed in antiquity, for example in ancient Assyria, Egypt, Greece, and China. [/ One_half] [one_half_last]           [/ One_half_last] Sybil Wettasinghe's most beloved stories include the story behind the mysteriously disappearing umbrellas. Puppetry tells the story of the little monkey she stole to decorate his tree. Four images perforated on three stamps from Sri Lanka (2013). [/ One_half] [one_half_last]                   From the Renaissance onwards, parasols were increasingly used in the Western world. The upper classes used a parasol as a status symbol. A white complexion indicated that one did not have to work outdoors. Gradually, people also began to use parasols as umbrellas.

Around 1760, the terms umbrella and parasol were legally established in France. At that time, the umbrella was primarily viewed in Europe as a product for wealthy ladies. From 1750 onwards, men in Great Britain also began carrying umbrellas, under the influence of Jonas Hanway (1712–1786). Hanway was reportedly the first male Londoner to carry an umbrella (following in the footsteps of women who had been using umbrellas since 1705). [/ One_half] [one_half_last]                   The umbrella (along with the bowler hat) is still regarded as characteristic of the London gentleman. From the First World War onwards, umbrellas were mass-produced. In 1928, Hans Haupt invented an umbrella that was not only foldable but also collapsible. In the 50s, the umbrella increasingly became a fashion accessory. It was a true luxury product until it became possible to produce umbrellas increasingly cheaply in low-wage countries.  

Against the rain

France (1981) as Stamp Day. Francisco de Goya (1746–1828) painted a young woman reading a letter, while her companion struggles with an umbrella. The painting can be admired in the Art Museum of Lille. Another stamp from France (2010) in which the umbrella symbolizes protection, this time against acid rain. In the background are the main producers of the pollutants that acidify rain. The stamp is part of a series drawing attention to the need to protect nature. Fits into the 'Climate Change' collection.  

On the beach with a parasol

Many countries advertise their country as a holiday destination. Every country has a beach, where you can relax with a snack and a drink. Even in Russia there are beaches, according to the 2004 Europa stamp. On Australia Day 1996, the painting by Vida Lahey (1882–1968) featuring beach umbrellas (from 1933) is on display. [/ One_half] [one_half_last]         Hawai'i Post is the local postal service located near Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, Hawaii. In 2009, three stamps were issued featuring Hawaiian delicacies. The $2,50 stamp (left) shows a 'Shave Ice' that comes in a rainbow of flavors. A Shave Ice is a popular treat on a hot day in Hawaii. The $6 stamp (center) shows a slice of a 'Guava Cake'. This Hawaiian specialty is often exported to the mainland. The $9 stamp (right) shows a 'Mai Tai' with a mini umbrella, a popular Hawaiian cocktail made with rum. Mai Tai is derived from the Tahitian word meaning 'good'. The theme of the 2004 Europa stamps was 'Tourism'. That is an easy win for Spain, with the architecture in the background acting as a lonely tourist on the beach. Compare the parasol with the Russian stamp, also from 2004, above. And what do you think of the Lithuanian Europa stamps (2004) with a lonely parasol without people? Just like a work of art! [/ One_half] [one_half_last]             It is becoming clear that parasols appear on stamps more often than rain umbrellas. Many countries depict beach scenes on their stamps promoting tourism, such as this Dutch summer stamp from 1949. Turkish Cyprus (2000) also has beaches, just like Cyprus. It is clear that children cannot miss the beach during their vacation. Have any readers of the blog been there? [/ One_half] [one_half_last]           In 2015, France issued a booklet of 'Bonnes Vacances' stamps. Use the right umbrella for every type of weather and enjoy your holiday in France. Or will you visit the Wadden Island of Fanø next year, just like on the Danish stamp from 1991? [/ One_half] [one_half_last]  

  [/ One_half_last]  

In art

The Austrian-born artist Karoly Ferenczy (1862-1917) painted a warm October day in the orchard. The same painting was issued as a postage stamp by Hungary in 2007. The original can be seen in the National Gallery in Budapest. In 1967, Ajman issued 'Les Parapluies' as a stamp. It is a painting by the French painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919), painted in at least two phases between approximately 1881 and 1886. It marks a change in Renoir's style in the early 1880s, from Impressionism to a more traditional way of working. It is in the possession of the National Gallery London. [/ One_half] [one_half_last]                 Have you already seen this artwork at Museum Voorlinden as part of the permanent collection? Artist Ron Mueck creates hyperrealistic human figures, which he elaborates down to the smallest detail. They appear to be made of flesh and blood, but due to their scale, they transform into fairytale-like giants. With 'Couple under an Umbrella (2013)', the artist depicts the ordinary human being, but exactly twice our size. Yet they are not portraits of existing people. They have something universal about them: every viewer can recognize themselves in them, despite their extraordinary size.    

Other meanings

Umbrellas as part of the Brazilian dance 'Frevo Pernambuco' from Brazil (1975). A beautiful 'World at peace' is the English Christmas stamp (20 1/2 p) from 1983. The birds (blackbird and dove) share the 'world umbrella'. [/ One_half] [one_half_last]           In 2015, as part of 'Children Health', New Zealand issued a stamp for sun protection through 'Being Sunsmart'. If you are unlucky with rain on the most beautiful day of your life, the photographer can still take a beautiful photo of the 'back', just like on the Irish stamp from 2011. [/ One_half] [one_half_last]                 [/one_half_last] On the Algerian stamp, consumer rights are protected with rainbow colors, a barcode, and a shopping basket. World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated every year on March 15. In 2018, the theme was E-commerce, how to make buying products or services online safer. In Australia, a Wombat even stands in the sun and carries an umbrella while watering his waratah flower. W stands for Wombat and Western Australia (written on his umbrella and in the small brown card in the top right), but W also stands for lel (the yellow flower), Waltzing Matilda Wine (in the bottle), and water snake, as well as the WACA cricket field in Perth. Part of the 2018 Aussie Alphabet series. [one_half] [/ One_half] [one_half_last]                 [/ One_half_last]  

World Umbrella Day

To conclude, two stamps from our former colonies: the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba. A child protected by a beautiful umbrella from the Netherlands Antilles (2003). Children sit securely on an anchor and are protected from the rain by an umbrella. They are happy because it does not rain often in Aruba (1994). [/ One_half] [one_half_last]               In the late 19th century, a major change took place in the umbrella manufacturing process. During that period, the British metalworker Samuel Fox (1815–1887) invented an ingenious construction. His design replaced the umbrella consisting of oiled canvas and wooden ribs. Samuel Fox designed an umbrella consisting of a light but sturdy steel frame, with a canopy made of lighter fabrics such as silk, cotton, and linen. Naturally, it was coated with a layer of wax, after all, it had to keep out the rain. And that is the reason why World Umbrella Day is a tribute to Samuel Fox.

 

More Info

All 275 blogs: https://www.postzegelblog.nl/author/randy-koo/