Different sides of umbrellas:

The first umbrella: Chinese legend has it that, during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), the wife of the famous carpenter Lu Ban (鲁班) made the first umbrella to protect him from the elements while he worked. This progenitor to the modern device was assembled from split bamboo and covered with the pelts of local animals.

Oil from antiquity: This is obtained by pressing the seeds of the indigenous Vernicia Fordii or tung oil tree (油桐树 yóu tóng shù).

Characterized by its desiccative qualities, this oil has been used by the Chinese since antiquity to waterproof boats and umbrellas. Marco Polo is said to have brought back a sample of this oil after his first visit to China.

Bridal umbrella: In addition to resisting deluge and sweltering heat, umbrellas are used in some traditional Chinese marriage rites. When the bride arrives at her new house, she is often accompanied by a woman who claims a red umbrella as a symbol of protection against evil spirits and the obstacles that the new couple will face.

Status symbol: In China, the umbrella was initially used during important ceremonies as a symbol of elegance, prestige and power. High-ranking officials were escorted with umbrellas built with very elaborate fabrics of fine yellow, which symbolized royalty in China.