Think quickly! What is the first thing you think of when someone says “umbrella?” Chances are, like for many other people, you think of a device that protects you from the rain. But did you know that the umbrella was invented in ancient times and that its main purpose was not as a protection from the rain? Thousands of years ago, some person in ancient China or Egypt (there are dissenting opinions about the actual origin) got tired of baking in the sun and created an apparatus that provided them shade.

The first umbrella was made from silks and linens and looked more like the parasols used in Asian countries, even today. It took a while before someone decided to try and waterproof the umbrella as added protection from rain. Fast forward to today and you will find umbrellas in all shapes and sizes as well as an assortment of materials. In fact, the umbrella also offers a variety of uses depending on its type. Read on to find out about the various types of umbrellas that you can find all around the world:

Parasols – These umbrella-like devices are solely used as protection from the sun. You would most likely find them used in Asian countries like China.

Market Umbrellas – You would probably find these outdoors and its primary use is to offer shade. Outdoor markets and sidewalk cafes use these market umbrellas a lot. While many businesses in the United States use them, these originated in Europe. They are similar to other large umbrellas only they do not have the skirted valance.

Beach Umbrellas – From the famous black sands of Hawaii to the sands of the French Riviera, you will find these large umbrellas dotting the beaches offering up shade to tourists and beach lovers. These beach umbrellas have the skirted valance and are wide in diameter to protect one or more people at a time from the sun. They also usually have a spiky end that makes it perfect for anchoring in the sand.

Patio Umbrellas – These types of umbrellas you would probably associate with your own backyard. Sometimes they are part of your patio table and other times they could be stand alones. They can be as large as a beach umbrella or a smaller size. In addition, these patio umbrellas sometimes have added features like:

1. A tilting mechanism that allows you to adjust the shade coverage area as the sun moves.
2. Lights installed inside the umbrella that can be plugged in for evening time.
3. An offset arm that can extend the umbrella’s shade over an area like a pool or sidewalk.

Keep in mind that while most of the umbrellas listed above are found all over the world, the materials used to make them might vary, especially in different climates. For instance, umbrellas using thatch materials can be found in tropical areas while canvas can be found in areas that experience a varied climate. When you shop for your own umbrellas, keep that detail in mind.