The umbrella is present in many religions across the world, with it’s presence seen even before Christianity; with images of women carrying umbrellas often being associated with death. In Ethiopian art, for example, there are paintings depicting Mary – now known as “The Queen of Sheba” – surrounded by parasols on her way to heaven after she died.
No exact date can be provided as to when umbrellas were first invented, but there are many that claim it was 350 years before Christ, in China during the Han dynasty (206 BC-AD 220). According to ancient Chinese texts, Emperor Liu An had a canopy of wood covered with silk made for his carriage. This is said to be the earliest known historical reference to an umbrella. A picture of something similar dates back as far as 2700 B.C; which could possibly have been used by Egyptians or Persians in their religious ceremonies around this time.
Ancient India
The umbrella is a vessel of protection, not just from the rain. The Hindu god Brahma held an umbrella over Buddha when he was born, using it to protect him for years as he travelled throughout India spreading his teachings. In China, Buddhism became popular after Indian traders introduced their religion with its use of umbrellas in worship rituals or architecture design – often using them to signify spiritual significance.
Many burial sites commonly included a “Koda-kallu”, which literally means “umbrella stone”; a gravestone found in the burial sites of many ancient Indian peoples. It was thought to symbolise entry into heaven and can be seen at both entrances to tombs as well as burials themselves. The traditional religious umbrella had three canopies – each with their own meaning: canopy of the heavens, canopy for mortals and eternal emancipation.
Ancient Egypt
Regarding the history of ancient Egypt, umbrellas were always regarded as an important part of their religion. Some examples can be found where these umbrellas are used for decorations and also in religious writings. In the Papyrus Anastasi I, it is shown that a Goddess sometimes called Tefnut carries what seems to be a sunshade or parasol across her back, while she is standing on what most people believe is water. It seems likely that many regarded this object being used as protection against the strong sunlight, which then turned into something like a parasol or umbrella.
Egyptian hieroglyphics depict the use of umbrellas in religious ceremonies as early as 3600 BC. Ancient Greeks carried an umbrella with them to signify their power and respect, though it was also used by Romans for protection against intense sun during military campaigns. Umbrella-like devices were recognised before 2000 years ago in China, when they first wrote about paper shields made out of silk or bamboo leaves; opened up over a person sitting under for shade or protection from the sun or rain.
Ancient Greece & Rome
The use of the umbrella was common in Ancient Greece. It became a symbol for Dionysus’ followers and they were often seen at festivals or processions with brightly coloured parasols to protect themselves from being too hot. However, women also used them as a way to ward off advancing gentlemen. White umbrellas were associated specifically with Demeter (goddess of fertility) and Persephone (daughter of Zeus). They could be seen or utilised during prayers towards the gods for good fortune on harvest day.
The Romans loved the umbrella for its usefulness as a shield from the elements, but they also used it in their religious practices. The introduction of an umbrella into Roman culture was soon followed by the worshiping of Bacchus, who took on many traits similar to Dionysus; becoming associated with grapes that were harvested from wine-producing vines.
One fanatical group emerged based around people worshipping Isis, known also as Isiacism. These groups worshipped goddesses like Isis and other major figures such as Demeter or Cybele. Many female members reportedly performed secretive ceremonies at night, eventually being accused of cannibalism and human sacrifice.
Christianity
The Catholic Church proved crucial in the continued use and survival of this multifunctional object, which was used in part as a parasol for religious figures, who spent much time out in public. The umbrella has been used in a number of ways relating to the church, with some examples including mosaics, literature, portraits and more. The most interesting example may be Doge from Venice, who supposedly kept an eight-inch dagger inside his umbrella.
The Catholic Church has incorporated umbrellas into their papal services since early Christianity to protect against sun and rain; a perfect example is Pope Pius XII’s coronation ceremony where he used an ‘umbraculum’ for both protection from inclement weather conditions while also symbolising his office of Pontifex Maximus (and by extension all Popes).
The umbrella was once a sign of protection and power for the Pope. Today, as papal authority, popes no longer carry umbrellas personally; but they are still seen in their coat of arms. Umbraculum (usually made from red-and-gold fabric) is most often used during succession ceremonies when new pope assumes his position and becomes head priest of the Church. It can also be used in various liturgies where it’s held above Holy Sacrament, protecting against rain or shine while shielding the sacrament itself.
The most notable use of the umbrella is on the Coat of Arms “Sede Vacante” for when a Pope’s seat has been vacated; literally translating to “seat vacant”. When this happens, people will see an overhanging gold and red parasol canopy to signify his absence. However as previous discussed, the use of parasols and/or other similar devices have been around for millennia before they were adopted by religions such as Catholicism.
As mentioned in our introduction, an example that goes back further than Christianity are religious depictions of Mary ascending to Heaven. In a fresco or mural from Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), her burial scene is portrayed with two parasols, almost as if they’re accompanying her on the journey up into heaven. Through these powerful representations, we can clearly see how umbrellas have been used and regarding highly throughout history.
