Exploring the Rich Tradition of Chinese “Umbrella” Culture
Do you know? China is the first country in the world to invent umbrellas, and it has a history of more than 3,500 years. At that time, people called it “簦”. In the Later Wei Dynasty, people used umbrellas in official ceremonies, and the common folk called them “Luo umbrellas”. The size and color of Luo umbrellas varied depending on the official rank. The emperor had to use a yellow Luo umbrella when traveling, which indicated “shading the people”.
After the birth of umbrellas in China, with the increasing opening up and exchanges, they gradually spread abroad. In the Tang Dynasty, Japanese envoys stationed in China brought the umbrella-making technology to Japan.
In 1747, a British businessman named Zunas traveled to China and found that Chinese people walked in the rain with oil-paper umbrellas. He liked it very much and bought one when he returned home. But according to the religious tradition of Britain at that time, it was believed that it was God’s will for it to rain, and using an umbrella to cover the rain was against God’s will and was a great rebellion. Therefore, Zunas was ridiculed and cursed, and some people even threw eggs at him. But by the mid-19th century, with the development of science, umbrellas became a necessity in the lives of the British, and using umbrellas became a kind of honor for the British.
In fact, with the invention and use of umbrellas, “umbrella” culture has gradually formed.
(1) “Umbrella” written in traditional Chinese as “umbrella” refers to five people gathering under an umbrella, which represents many children and blessings.
This is the great wisdom of the ancients in making characters, which is the Chinese character (the earliest Chinese character is “Bagua” written by Fuxi). Oil-paper umbrellas have since ancient times symbolized the protection of nobles, the early birth of noble children, the prosperity of the population, and the success of five sons.
(2) Oil-paper umbrellas can ward off disasters, ward off evil spirits, and ensure peace.
Among Chinese people, it is said that red and tung oil can ward off disasters, ward off evil spirits, exorcise ghosts, and control homes. If you put a red tung oil umbrella at home, it will of course be safe and auspicious. Hakka Han people in Chaoshan and other areas and in Singapore often hang oil-paper umbrellas in the corners and beams of new houses to ward off bad luck.
(3) It indicates that the title on the gold list will be smooth sailing.
In ancient China, there was a custom that when going to Beijing to take exams or to be an official, in addition to books, you would definitely bring an oil-paper umbrella with you in your backpack to wish you a safe journey and the best in high school.
(4) Noble and elegant.
The oil-paper umbrella itself has rich cultural connotations and strong cultural atmosphere. Its elegant and natural beauty fully brings out the gentle and graceful beauty of Chinese women.
(5) Indicates prominent status.
In many places in our country, there is a custom of using oil-paper umbrellas to worship ancestors. The custom comes from the ancient Chinese emperor holding a yellow-covered umbrella to express his supremacy. Using oil-paper umbrellas to worship ancestors or deceased souls demonstrates their prominent status in the underworld, ensuring they do not suffer and can reincarnate as soon as possible.
(6) Represents a century of love.
First, the umbrella shape is round, which represents “completeness”. Secondly, since ancient times, many classic love stories have unfolded under oil-paper umbrellas. In “The Legend of White Snake,” Xu Xian and White Snake used a red umbrella as a matchmaker on the Broken Bridge in the West Lake, forging an eternal romance. Gradually, oil-paper umbrellas became synonymous with love stories.A token of love.
