Useful Umbrellas and Parasols (Monday 8 June)

Umbrella Chandelier at Escher Museum, The Hague

Though the difference between a parasol and an umbrella may seem confusing today, it was absolutely clear and unquestionable to victorian society. A woman who carried an umbrella was admitting publicly that she could not afford to own or hire a carriage for transportation when it was raining. But a woman with a parasol was most assuredly a lady. The main reason for the popularity of the parasol was the admiration for a fair complexion. It was more than a sign of beauty, it proved to the world that it was a woman, who didn't have to work outdoors like 'common' females did. Because they were so precious and so expensive, parasols became one of the most popular gifts for a lover to give his sweetheart. Like jewelry, they were not a proper present from a young man unless his intentions were serious, and would not be accepted by a lady unless she intended to accept the giver, as well. at the same time like the fan and the lacy handkerchief, the parasol was both an object with a practical purpose and an indispensable aid to the subtle art of flirtation. It could mysteriously shadow a lady's expression, dramatize her sparkling eyes and smile, and even camouflage her imperfections. Lady Hamilton, Lord Nelson's notorious, no-longer-young mistress, always favored pink and pink-lined parasols, because the rosy light they cast on her face made her look more youthful. (exerpt taken from 'Flirtatious Fashions', by Kristina Harris, in Victorian Decorating & Lifestyles, June/July 1998)

Pink Parasol for photo prop or decoration from One Of A Kind Maybe Two $30US

19th Century Ivory Jadite Folding Parasol from Archivia $149US

Tea Shrine in Tin (outside shown) by Winona Cookie $45US

Vintage Goya Framed Print on Board from Art Zodiac $6US

The Umbrella Tea Towel by Tansley and Tansley $15US

The Borrowed Umbrella (no snow) 10x10 digital print from A Rabbit Girl $20US

Goth Lolita Spiderweb Parasol by Parasols By Tamie $75US

Saved for a Rainy Day Ruffle Pants by Bettsy Kingston $20US

Getting in on the act here at my place -

And for something a little less genteel an article from E How on 'Using an Umbrella for Self Defense'!

Many of the tactics to use an umbrella for self-defense are the same as those used with a cane or stick. One advantage of carrying an umbrella versus a stick is that you won't have police officers eyeing you suspiciously because it is not considered a weapon at first glance. You will also have the element of surprise with a would-be attacker. Read on to learn how to use an umbrella for self-defense.

Step 1 Purchase a long umbrella. Choose one with a hook type handle and a metal tip at the end.

Step 2 Grip the middle with the forward hand facing up and the back hand facing down to use an umbrella for self defense. If you are thrusting from the right side of your body, your left hand will be in front; the opposite is true if thrusting from the left side.

Step 3 Drag the tip of the umbrella across the assailant's stomach and pull back all in one quick motion.

Step 4 Follow up by thrusting the tip into the chin. You then have several options if the fight is not over.

Step 5 Drag the tip down the attacker's face. Then swing the handle up and strike the face.

Step 6 Finish by thrusting the middle of the umbrella, with both hands at the ends, up into the throat.

Step 7 Become familiar with your umbrella. Practice your moves just as you would practice target shooting if you owned a gun. Then instinct will take over if you are ever in a situation where you must use an umbrella for self defense.