A LITTLE TRIVIA ABOUT THE PARASOL 

 
 
For wealthy women throughout Europe and America, parasols were considered a most essential part of fashion.  They were as much a part of a well-dressed lady's outfit as were her gloves, hat, shoes and stockings.

Parasols originated in the East Indies some 3,000 years ago.  The first to appear in North America were seen about 1740, but by the mid-1800s, even middle class and poorer women owned at least two--one in black silk, and another in white.

The word "parasol" means literally, "for sun" in Spanish, and the chief purpose of 19th -century parasols was in fact to shade and protect the fair complexion of Victorian ladies.  Women of the 19th century went to great lengths to keep their skin as smooth and white as possible.  This compulsion went beyond a concern for beauty.  To be so fair-completed showed the world that a woman was a lady, and she did not have to work out doors in the sun, the way a "common" woman had to.  For a time, bonnets helped to protect a lady's delicate skin from the sun's rays, but by the 1860s, fashion made a change--smaller hats came into style.  The once-popular (and more protective) bonnet was now viewed as a frumpish accessory for matrons and elderly women.  Therefore, it became fashionable to carry parasols in order to protect the delicate, soft complexion of a Victorian Lady

Eventually, the parasol became a status symbol.  Though the differences between a parasol and an umbrella may seem to be of little importance today, they were quite significant--and absolutely unquestionable--in the circles of Victorian Society.  Victorian fashion dictated that a lady never be caught in the rain.  Umbrellas were carried by men to protect a lady as he walked her from the front door to the enclosed carriage and visa-versa.  A woman who carried an umbrella was publicly conceding that she could not afford to own or hire a carriage for transportation in the rain.  However, a woman who carried a parasol was most assuredly a lady.  She carried her parasol in sunny weather, not rainy, and as it was always important for a lady to convey her unquestionable status and class, when she rode in her carriage, the convertible top would be down so as to be sure that she--and her parasol--were clearly visible to all

Parasols--while indeed serving a practical purpose--were associated with the greatest of femininity and romance.  Like the fan, parasols were an intrinsic part of the subtle art of flirtation.  With practice, a felicitous lady could utilize her parasol to send any number of discreet messages.  She could emphasize her dazzling eyes and her demure smile, or she could sheepishly gesture the change of her mood or thoughts.  A skilled practitioner could conceal from her chaperone the direction of her gaze, and even camouflage or disguise her imperfections.

 

 

Popular dainty parasols were made of pleated chiffon, silk, feathers and lace, with lovely handles of carved mother-of-pearl, ivory, or hand-painted porcelain, gold, silver, cloisonné, and exotic woods.  Some even had handles with inlaid precious stones.  Fashionable lengths for parasols started out short (about 28 inches) in the early years (pre-1870).  They grew longer as the years progressed, reaching their longest (between 31-40 inches) from the 1880s on.

 

The ribs of parasols were often made from expensive bone (usually whalebone, which was most frequently used in corsets), although cane and whalebone ribs were seldom seen after the 1870s.  All early parasols were expensive luxuries--even those of the 18th century, which were typically made of paper.  However, by the 19th century, parasols had become such a mandatory item in a lady's wardrobe that their prices became more affordable, especially when less-expensive metal ribs became a common substitute for the bone.  (Metal ribs were first manufactured in 1851).

Still, in a time when a dollar equaled about 20 of today's, parasols were by far not cheap!  In the 1880s, even a plain parasol with metal ribs and no extra trimming of any kind would have cost between $8 and $10.  Because they were so expensive and extravagant, most mail-order--as well as many famous department store--catalogs did not feature parasols.  Also, parasols changed with fashion, so often they were re-covered when they wore out, or as style dictated.  Many fashion magazines provided tips on re-covering them, but most women preferred to have this done professionally.  Nevertheless, Victorian women carried parasols--and those who were truly punctilious carried a different one for each outfit!
Still, in a time when a dollar equaled about 20 of today's, parasols were by far not cheap!  In the 1880s, even a plain parasol with metal ribs and no extra trimming of any kind would have cost between $8 and $10.  Because they were so expensive and extravagant, most mail-order--as well as many famous department store--catalogs did not feature parasols.  Also, parasols changed with fashion, so often they were re-covered when they wore out, or as style dictated.  Many fashion magazines provided tips on re-covering them, but most women preferred to have this done professionally.  Nevertheless, Victorian women carried parasols--and those who were truly punctilious carried a different one for each outfit! Enchanting  parasols became one of the most prevalent gifts for a gentleman to give his sweetheart during the 19th century.  Because of their elegance, extravagance, and expense, it would have been a grave impropriety for a gentleman to give a parasol to a young lady for whom his intentions were not serious, and in return, a proper and decorous young lady would not have accepted such a gift unless she intended to receive the gentleman, as well  Therefore, it became conventional for a groom to give to his bride a parasol as part of his wedding gift to her

 

Much like the modern woman, Victorian Ladies were concerned with porcelain complexions.  In Victorian times, the parasol was the original SPF 30, providing shade from direct sun.  By the early 1800's parasols had become a wardrobe necessity that no fashionable Lady could be without.

Here are a few clever flirtations for Victorian style fun in the sun:

    1- Carrying it elevated in left hand:
                    " Desiring your acquaintance."

    2- Carrying it elevated in right hand :
                      "I am willing."

    3- Carrying it closed in left hand:
                     "Let's meet at the first crossing."

    4- Carrying it closed in right hand:
                     " Follow me."

    5- Carrying it over right shoulder:
                      "You can speak to me."

    6- Closing it :
                      " I will speak to you."

    7- End of tip to lips:
                       " Do you love me?"

    8- Folding it up:
                       " I wish to get rid of your company!"

Eventually the Victorian era came to an end & with it, femininity & charm of the flirtatious parasol.

 

 

Click on the links below for more information on Victorian clothing!

 
The Corset The Cloak vs Cape Crinolines Tussie Mussie

 

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