The name umbrella comes from the Italian for ‘umbra’ (shadow). Adding ‘elle’ to the end makes it literally mean ‘little shadow’, which is sort of what it does to protect us isn’t it? The first umbrellas sheltered humans from the sun, not the rain and were known as far back as Ancient Egypt, over 3500 years ago. The first waterproof umbrellas were developed in China in the 11th century BC then their popularity spread to Ancient Greece and Rome and beyond.
The colourful parade of umbrellas on busy rainy days is how this song took its cue. I wrote Dear Umbrella inspired by the idea of umbrellas having feelings, and that they might enjoy the rainy day processions to and from school with the kids, but also feel left out if forgotten or neglected in the coat cupboard rather than brought along on adventures, just in case!
