- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- FashionLifestyleObscure
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every March
- Holiday emoji:
- ☔
National Umbrella Month celebrates the humble yet essential umbrella throughout March. Embrace the rainy season by upgrading your gear, exploring innovative designs, and appreciating the protection these devices offer. Share your favorite umbrella moments and discover new ways to stay dry.
Want to sponsor National Umbrella Month? Learn how
National Umbrella Month timeline
We've been celebrating it ever since.
Samuel Fox invented the first steel-rimmed umbrella.
Europeans began using umbrellas to help shield against the rain.
The Chinese began using parasols to combat the harsh effects of the sun.
National Umbrella Month FAQs
When is National Umbrella Month?
In 2027, National Umbrella Month will again span the entire month of March. This annual observance encourages everyone to recognize the importance of umbrellas, especially as the weather transitions.
Who started National Umbrella Month?
The concept of National Umbrella Month was championed by Thomas Edward Knibb, who launched the observance in 2013. His vision was to encourage people to acknowledge the utility and design of umbrellas, particularly during a typically rainy month like March.
How many types of umbrellas are there?
Umbrellas come in a wide variety of forms, including traditional stick umbrellas, modern wind-resistant designs, and specialized artistic umbrellas. The diversity reflects different needs for portability, durability, and style, catering to various preferences and weather conditions.
What is the history of the umbrella?
Originating thousands of years ago, the umbrella initially served as a sunshade in many cultures before evolving into a rain-protective device. Early designs were often cumbersome, but innovations over centuries, such as the collapsible frame, made them the practical everyday item we know today.
National Umbrella Month Activities
Make a DIY umbrella
Raid your craft drawer for stencils, sponges, craft paint, and painter's tape. Then, go crazy creating the umbrella of your dreams. Whether you stick to sleek and sophisticated stripes or crazy, colored polka-dots, the possibilities are endless.
Host an umbrella charity drive
Help out individuals in your community who are less fortunate by hosting a month-long umbrella drive. Make posters and create event pages on social media platforms to raise awareness. Encourage family, friends, and neighbors to donate. At the end of the month, head down to a local agency that accepts donated items so that you can give all of your umbrellas new owners.
Do a photoshoot
Gather a couple of your closest friends and head outdoors to do an umbrella photoshoot. Bring along a few different styles of umbrellas to be used as props, and spend a couple of hours exercising your creativity.
Why We Love National Umbrella Month
Umbrellas are incredibly versatile
Heading to the beach, walking to your car in the pouring rain, trying to keep the sun out of your eyes while golfing—these are just a couple examples of the many different uses for umbrellas. No matter what the weather condition is, you can probably find a way to make an umbrella useful.
Umbrellas help protect your skin
Studies have shown that carrying an umbrella around on a sunny day can help to minimize exposure to UV rays. The color black typically does the best job filtering out the harmful rays, but unless you're carrying around a clear umbrella, using something is better than nothing. Sun protection for the win!
Umbrellas make great fashion accessories
Umbrellas aren't only functional, but they can also make quite a fashion statement. These handheld accessories make for great props during photoshoots, and they often make runway appearances.
