History-Sode | The Umbrella

What do ancient emperors, grumpy British men, and Japanese samurai have in common?

Umbrellas! In this 10-minute history-sode, Auntie Jo Jo takes you on a whirlwind tour through 4,000 years of umbrella history—from royal shade in ancient Egypt to being mocked in 1700s London.

Learn how umbrellas became more than just tools for rainy days—and how they once symbolized power, scandal, and rebellion.

Perfect for curious kids and adults around the world—rain or shine!

• British Library: “A Short History of the Umbrella”

• Smithsonian Magazine: “The Surprisingly Scandalous History of the Umbrella”

• National Museum of American History – Umbrella patents and folding innovations

• The Public Domain Review – Images and commentary on umbrella use in ancient art and culture

• BBC Bitesize – Historical uses of umbrellas in British weather and society

• History Today: “Jonas Hanway and the Umbrella Revolution”

• Japan Today / Nippon.com – Traditional wagasa umbrella history

• The Umbrella Shop (Australia & NZ) – Local culture and weather-adapted umbrella design