Umbrella

General

It’s interesting to realise that neither of our two words for umbrella (umbrella and parasol) indicate that they’re actually to prevent a soaking from the rain.

Umbra = shade in Latin so an umbrella is to provide shade. Similarly para (against) sol (sun).

It’s only the french parapluie which reveals its true intent.


Ed Dowding

Ed Dowding

Founder, strategist, writer, gadfly, TED talker, world-record holder, and (foolishly) reality-TV farmer. DOES: Innovation, Product, Advocacy THINKS: Regenerative Systems, Institution design, 300 year horizons