Under The Umbrella Trivia Quiz

Answer: shadow

The umbrella dates back to ancient civilizations. It was originally used for protection from the sun and can still be used for that purpose.

Answer: London

"James Smith and Sons" is located on New Oxford Street in London and looks pretty much like it did in the 1800s. Besides selling umbrellas for ladies and gents, the shop also sells canes and walking sticks.

Answer: The Umbrellas of Cherbourg

This movie is unusual in that there is no dialogue, just singing. What makes the movie so memorable is the director's use of vibrant colors and the hauntingly beautiful music. The umbrellas of the title feature prominently in the film. (French title: "Les parapluies de Cherbourg).

Answer: Georgi Markov

Sounding like something out of a spy novel, the lethal umbrella contained a canister of compressed air that fired a small pellet filled with ricin, a highly toxic poison. Markov was waiting at a bus stop when he felt a sting in his thigh. He died four days later.

Answer: February 10

The superstition that opening an umbrella indoors brings bad luck has several origins. The ancient Egyptians used umbrellas as protection from the sun and opening one indoors was an insult to Ra, the sun deity. In late 19th century England, it was believed that holding an opened umbrella indoors was a sign of death. Thirdly, it makes sense not to open an umbrella indoors for safety reasons.

Answer: Hong Kong

The protests occurred because the residents of Hong Kong wanted more say in electing the head of the Hong Kong government. Umbrellas were used as an act of defiance as well as protection from the pepper spray used by the police.

Answer: tree leaves and branches

Natural resources such as leaves and branches of palm and eucalyptus trees were initially used to make parasols. With the advancement of technology came the use of animal skins, cloth, and paper. Parasols, smaller and lighter than umbrellas, were originally used as protection from the sun. They later became a fashion accessory.

Answer: Greeks

Used in the worship of the god Dionysus, Greek god of wine and festivity, the parasols were carried over the statue of the god during certain festivals. This practice later extended to the worship of other deities.

Answer: Bradford E. Phillips

Phillips was the owner of a company called "Totes" which is still in business although the umbrellas are now being manufactured in China. In 2005 Dutch designer, Gerwin Hoogendoorn, invented an umbrella that was so aerodynamically efficient that it could withstand winds up to 70 mph without the canopy turning inside out.

Answer: rainchaser

In England the informal term for umbrella is "brolly." "Bumbershoot" was used in 19th century America. The French word for umbrella is "parapluie."