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A little reason to celebrate

National Umbrella Day

Fun · February 10

A look at the umbrella, the folding canopy of fabric and ribs that keeps off rain and sun, and simple ways to give yours some attention.

National Umbrella Day falls on Wednesday, February 10, 2027. That is 106 days away.

An umbrella is a canopy of fabric stretched over thin ribs, mounted on a central shaft with a handle at the bottom. Push the runner up the shaft and the ribs spread open. Pull it down and the whole thing folds back into a slim bundle you can carry under one arm.

It is one of those objects that has barely changed shape in a very long time, and for good reason. The design works. People use umbrellas to stay dry in rain and to make their own shade in strong sun, and a parasol is simply an umbrella built mainly for the sun.

There are many kinds. Compact umbrellas telescope down small enough for a bag. Long stick umbrellas have a sturdy shaft and a curved handle that hooks over an arm. Golf umbrellas are wide enough to shelter two people, and bubble umbrellas curve down around the shoulders like a clear dome. Some have vented canopies, with a double layer that lets wind pass through instead of flipping the whole thing inside out.

Most people own at least one umbrella and rarely think about it until the sky turns gray. Today is a chance to check on it. Open it fully, look for bent ribs or loose fabric, and let it dry open after use so it does not stay damp while folded.

And if one has gone missing, it is probably in the last place you had it out on a dry afternoon.

Ways to celebrate

• Open your umbrella at home and check the ribs, canopy and catch.
• Let a wet umbrella dry fully open before folding it away.
• Keep a spare compact umbrella in your bag or car.
• Take a walk in light rain and listen to it on the canopy.
• Look for umbrellas in paintings, films or old photographs.

Dates

All national days on February 10

Also on February 10

• National Cream Cheese Brownie Day
• Ash Wednesday

Categories: Fun days