Today"s image features one of the simplest yet most essential inventions in human history: the umbrella, or parasol. Over 4,000 years ago, in ancient Egypt, Assyria and China, these foldable canopies were first used to shield people from the sun. It wasn"t until the 17th century that the umbrella, as we know it today, gained popularity in Europe, initially as a luxury item primarily for women. Fast-forward a few centuries and these weather shields have become a staple in pop culture, too. Remember Mary Poppins with her iconic umbrella that helped her fly, or Rihanna"s hit song "Umbrella"?
Art Installation of umbrellas, London, England
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
-
Chisos Mountains, Big Bend National Park, Texas, United States
-
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California, United States
-
Polar bear cubs
-
Bathing boxes at Brighton Beach, Australia
-
Eucalyptus forest, Urubici, Santa Catarina, Brazil
-
Dragon waterfall, Venezuela
-
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, United States
-
Polar bear cub, Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
-
Tea garden at Yangjiatang Village, Songyang County, China
-
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, USA
-
Lake Gentau in the French Pyrenees
-
Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Spain
-
Baia del Silenzio in Sestri Levante, Italy
-
Cottage and Tŵr Mawr lighthouse, Ynys Llanddwyn, Wales, United Kingdom
-
Camels in the desert, United Arab Emirates
-
Chinstrap penguins
-
Cherry blossoms in Shanghai, China
-
The Gothic Gate in the Adršpach-Teplice Rocks, Czechia
-
Glacial rivers, Iceland
-
Bicycles on a bridge in Utrecht, Netherlands
-
A pine forest in Alsace, France
-
The Monastery of Roussanou
-
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil
-
Hay bales in North Yorkshire, England
-
Domaso, Lake Como, Italy
-
Harbour and longtail boats at Ko Samui, Thailand
-
Blue-throated toucanet, Costa Rica
-
Arches National Park, Utah, United States
-
Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
-
Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, USA
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

