Imagine the sun-drenched streets of ancient Rome or the bustling marketplaces of medieval Europe, where people sought refuge from the relentless heat. The umbrella, a familiar object today, had a different story centuries ago. Its name, “umbrella,” comes from the Latin word “umbra,” meaning shade or shadow. This etymology hints at the original purpose of … Continue reading From Shade to Symbol, History, Culture, and Design of Umbrellas