Na m e : ___ _
Directions:Date:Read the story. Look for details. Then write TRUE or FALSE under each statement.- The Chinese invented the umbrella
about 1,600 years ago.
- Ancient Chinese umbrellas were used
as protection from rain.
- The ancient Chinese were responsible
for inventing many items still used
today.
- Rice and oiled papers were used to
make the first umbrellas.
- Men did not use umbrellas.
- Only Chinese peasants used umbrellas.
- Early umbrellas were often decorated
with bright colors and pictures.
- Umbrellas were symbols of high
society rank.
Fashion and Function
The ancient Chinese are responsible for
the invention of many objects and items
that we commonly use today. The
umbrella is one of these items.
The first umbrellas appeared about 1,600
years ago. They were constructed with
oiled paper, rice paper, glue, and
bamboo. The outsides of the umbrellas
were often decorated with colorful
paintings of flowers, birds, and other
intricate designs. However, these fragile
paper umbrellas were not used to shield a
person from rain. Women in the Qing
dynasty used them to protect their skin
from the sun. Umbrellas and parasols
became very fashionable for both men
and women and were viewed as a symbol
of high rank in ancient Chinese society.