When there are no clouds in the sky, under the beautiful sunshine, remember the rain and repair your umbrella!
~ Mehmet Murat Ildan

Orangutans, and others of the ape family – even monkeys, use banana leaves or other large leaves in jungles to block the rain just like we use umbrellas. The first human-made umbrella has been around for almost 4000 years … first discovered in the historical Mesopotamia region in Western Asia. In both present and distant times, the sun has proved to be more of an enemy than the rain, which is why the mighty parasol emerged to protect against this threat. Makes sense when you compare a heatstroke to a drenching.

The emerging umbrellas were first made of palm leaves, papyrus and peacock feathers. They were exclusively reserved for use by the upper classes in ancient Egypt and the Mesopotamia regions, although this product was so heavy it often required people to carry it. Parasols were also present in medieval China where they were made out of bamboo sticks and covered with leaves and feathers.

Later, in the16th century, the umbrella as we know it became a reality. The decisive moment came when oil and wax covers replaced the status quo covers on parasols. It is from this moment that the umbrella became an item to protect against bad weather and rain.

It seems logical, considering the nature of most roads and walking paths from back in “the olden days.” Puddles were made from water use, rain, horses and many unmentionable sources. It is probable that a walk to the pub, apothecary, school or church was a muddy affair. Umbrellas were kept outside or at least in an area where their water run-off wasn’t a problem.

Construction-wise, steel ribbing is attached at the long-pointed tip. That tip can’t be wood as the moisture would rot through it and split it. As water drained from one umbrella to the next someone must have figured, “Hmm … better make those tips out of something other than wood.” A metal tip became the standard.

At some point, those long metal tips were deemed dangerous and therefore no longer permitted at school; although I don’t remember a time at Valley View Elementary when an umbrella caused an injury. If only today’s worries were so uninvolved.

Dry offshore winds and their associated conditions will persist through next week. Highs, at most, may reach 75 degrees and drop into the 40s at night. Looking ahead, umbrellas will remain social distanced … in the closet!

Sue Kilpatrick is a Crescenta Valley
resident and Official Skywarn Spotter for the
National Weather Service Reach her at suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.