Modern-Day Etiquette - Part II: The Umbrella

Umbrellas have been around for more than four thousand years. Art and artifacts from ancient Egypt, Assyria, Greece, and China have all shown umbrellas in common use. Originally used as simple parasols to keep away the Sun, the Chinese were the first to wax and lacquer their paper parasols for use against rain. They were popularized in Europe around the 16th century, and came to be known as umbrellas, from the Latin root word 'umbra,' meaning shade or shadow. At that time, umbrellas were strictly an accessory only for women. Around 1750 (or so), the famous traveler and writer Jonas Hanway began using an umbrella publicly in England and around Europe. This popularized umbrella use for men, who still nonetheless referred to them not as umbrellas, but as "Hanways." Clearly, with a rich, four thousand year history, umbrellas are one of the most commonplace objects all across the world.

So why is there absolute umbrella chaos every time it rains?

Ladies and gentlemen, umbrellas and Hanways, I give you:

Modern-Day Etiquette - Part II: The Umbrella

There are several easy things to remember that will avoid collisions, eye injuries, and getting wet, when using an umbrella while walking down the street.

1) You are now wider. With the umbrella open, you take up more space, and this needs to be taken into account as you walk by buildings, signs, and most importantly, other people. Be aware of how large your umbrella is, and thus how much you must account for its size in your movements.

2) When passing close to someone, there are two factors that go into account for who ought to raise their umbrella to let the other pass. If one person is noticeably taller, that person ought to raise their umbrella as they pass to avoid a collision. (The shorter person, however, must be extremely careful to make sure his or her umbrella does not impale the taller person as they pass. Be especially mindful of that person's face and eyes.) If there is no considerable height difference, the larger of the two umbrellas should be lifted above to allow the smaller to pass underneath.

3) On crowded sidewalks, larger umbrellas should always be lifted above smaller umbrellas. Further, just as one drives only on side of a two-way street, foot traffic should be confined to one side of the walkway. Fighting against a current of people is difficult enough without the burden of an umbrella!

4) Finally, entering or exiting buildings. It is absolutely reasonable to not wish to get wet just before entering, or just after exiting, a building. However, congestion at the entranceway is the primary cause of most umbrella-related accidents. Be mindful of those around you. Do not block the doors. If necessary, it is better to get a little bit rained on than it is to hit someone accidentally with your umbrella.

No one wants to get wet when it is raining. No one wants to lost an eye to some stranger's ill-controlled umbrella. Simply be mindful of each other, and your day, though rainy, will be the better for it.