Chinese Umbrellas – History and Facts

The traditional paper umbrella is one of China’s original inventions, believed to have existed in China since the early 1st century CE.

The paper umbrella has since spread across several different countries in Asia—most notably Japan, but also other South and Southeast Asian countries like Korea, Malaysia, and even India—. However, the paper umbrella remains one of the most important and recognizable aspects of Chinese history and tradition.

The History of Chinese Umbrella

While China is not the home of the umbrella as the ancient invention—the honor belongs to Ancient Egypt over 3,500 years ago—, China is still one of the earliest sources. Umbrellas were initially created from leaves, such as eucalyptus’ or palm trees’, but the Chinese were most likely the first to develop umbrellas from silk and especially oil paper around 2,000 years back.

According to various Chinese historians, the beginnings of the Chinese umbrella involve the smaller parasols, which back then were used not only as a protective measure from rain and the sun’s heat but also as a symbol of prestige and power.

That is, the bigger the umbrella, and the more people needed to carry it, the more powerful the person under the umbrella is. For instance, it is said that 24 people walked in front of an ancient Chinese emperor to carry a parasol.

The earliest paper and silk umbrellas were already carefully crafted with light bamboo or mulberry tree frames, typically weighing only a few hundred grams. However, they can effectively protect against the torrent rain because of the complex process of treating the paper—or silk— with wax or lacquer.

Later on, wax and lacquer were replaced with the more affordable oil, and thus we have the oil-paper umbrellas that are still widely available today.

The First Collapsible Umbrella

According to Historical accounts, the silk umbrella was invented during the times of the Cao-Wei dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE), around 1,700 years ago. The paper umbrella, on the other hand, only appeared way later— during the 1st century BC—, and quickly grew in popularity among the wealthy, mainly as a fashion accessory for the rich women.

The earliest recorded reference of the Chinese umbrella, however, comes from 21CE within the recorded stories of Emperor Wang Mang. It is said that the paper umbrellas were made as decorations for the 4-wheeled chariot of the emperor.

Also, according to written annals of Fu Qian—a high-ranking officer of the Three Kingdoms era (220-280CE) —, Emperor Wang Mang had paper umbrellas that can extend and retract due to the articulated joints. A collapsible umbrella was excavated from the tomb of Wang Guan—the son of Emperor Wang Mang—.

More recent findings, however, suggested that the Chinese collapsible umbrellas possibly existed well before the time of Wang Mang. A possible “fossils” of collapsible umbrellas were found in Luoyang, of which the carbon dating suggested to be as old as 6th century BCE.

Take a look at these awesome Chinese Umbrellas.– Aff.link

The Terracotta Army: Accurate Portrayal of Traditional Chinese Umbrella

One of the clearest and interesting depictions of how umbrellas are used in ancient china is with the Terracotta Army from the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (circa 210 BCE), which we can still view in Lintong District, Xi’an.

Emperor Qin Shi Huang ordered the creation of thousands of terracotta statues—which later on dubbed the Terracotta Army— to accompany him in his tomb later on. One of the designs for the statues is of elaborate bronze chariots, of which umbrellas are properly attached to their side.

Since the umbrella is also a “statue”, it is unclear whether paper or silk is used in the construction, and whether the original design is collapsible. However, it is clear evidence that the traditional Chinese umbrella design we used today have been around at least in the time of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

Construction of Chinese Traditional Umbrellas

Making a Chinese paper umbrella involves the creation of five different elements: the paper/silk shade, the head, the ribs, the handle, and the additional artistic ornamentations. If it’s a collapsible umbrella, then a 6th part will be involved: articulation mechanism.

In the making of these 5 or 6 elements, more than 80 different work processes can be involved from start to finish:

Constructing the Shade

There are two different types of shade materials: paper or silk.

Silk umbrellas are expensive and widely regarded as a luxurious item. However, it’s also the most difficult to construct and will require special maintenance.

Paper umbrellas, on the other hand, are easier to construct, and obviously paper is significantly cheaper than silk. Nowadays, the paper material is usually treated with oil to make them water-resistant. China wood oil or tung oil, found throughout central Asia, is commonly used in this process this process

Nowadays, Fujian and Hunan provinces are known as the main producers of Chinese paper umbrellas.

The paper shade is constructed using a special, tear-resistant paper that is also very thin (but also very durable). This paper material is bathed in tung oil, creating a translucent surface and giving the material its water-resistance effect. After it’s dry, the paper shade is properly decorated as desired.

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Ribs Construction

The most common material to construct the ribs is bamboo, although other types of wood like the mulberry tree’s barks can also fit.

Bamboo is the most common choice for two main reasons: it’s quite affordable, and bamboo has a unique characteristic of being flexible while also very strong. Typically, the bamboo must be at least 5 years old to ensure sufficient development of resin—which enhances the strength and flexibility—.

Decoration of Chinese Umbrella

The Chinese paper umbrella can incorporate various decorations from simple, solid colors—most commonly red and yellow, but other colors like pink, white, or light blue are also common— to simple drawings of flowers and animals to really complex landscape drawings and intricate patterns.

The artistic decoration is also an important aspect of the traditional Chinese paper umbrella, so proper preparation and care of the paper/silk material to accommodate the painting are very important.

Oil treatment of the paper material is not only important in producing water resistance but also to protect the decorations so it can last longer and resist both wind and rain.

Symbolism and Feng Shui Meaning of Umbrellas

In Chinese culture, the paper umbrella is more than a practical object—it is a carrier of symbolism and auspicious meaning. Within the framework of feng shui, umbrellas are seen as protective shields against harmful influences, much like the way they shield from rain or sun. The circular canopy of an umbrella represents wholeness and heaven, while the downward spokes channel blessings and positive energy toward the person beneath.

The red umbrella in weddings is not just a decorative item but is deeply connected with the symbolism of fertility and joy. In feng shui, red strengthens one’s “yang” energy, disperses negative qi, and attracts prosperity. Similarly, yellow-gold umbrellas were historically reserved for emperors or temples, since yellow is the color of the Earth element—representing stability, power, and cosmic balance.

Even in modern practice, some feng shui masters advise placing a decorative umbrella in the house (especially hand-painted ones depicting mountains or flowers) to “ward off poison arrows”—that is, sharp or cutting energies from misaligned architecture.

Regional Umbrella Traditions in China

While the umbrella is widely recognized across China, individual regions developed distinct traditions that are preserved today:

• Fujian & Hunan Oil-Paper Umbrellas – Famous for their durability and artistry, these umbrellas often depict lotus flowers, cranes, or plum blossoms—symbols of resilience, longevity, and purity. Families in these provinces sometimes gift umbrellas to newlyweds (paired with lucky wording to counter the negative homophone of sǎn) as blessings for harmony.
• Sichuan “Jinli Umbrellas” – In Chengdu’s Jinli Ancient Street, oil-paper umbrellas are displayed as folk art. Many are hand-painted with scenes from Sichuan opera, turning them into both functional tools and cultural souvenirs.
• Yunnan and Ethnic Umbrellas – Among the Bai and Yi ethnic groups, umbrellas are used in festivals and dances. Designs are more colorful and often incorporate geometric or symbolic tribal patterns.

Umbrellas in Chinese Opera and Dance

Umbrellas are not only used in daily life but have long been a stage prop in Chinese opera and folk dance. In Peking Opera, a character entering on stage with an umbrella in hand gave symbolic cues: for example, a delicate female role (dan 旦) carrying a parasol conveyed refinement and elegance, while a scholar might hold one to indicate journeying in the rain.

In folk performances, the umbrella complements flowing costumes, creating a sense of rhythm and fluidity, almost like moving calligraphy strokes. These umbrella dances remain popular in southern China during festivals, where the umbrella’s circular motion is linked to cycles of abundance and reunion.

Take a look at these awesome Chinese Umbrellas.– Aff.link

Umbrellas in Literature and Poetry

Chinese poets often employed the image of the umbrella not just literally, but metaphorically. The fragile, oil-paper canopy became a symbol of ephemeral beauty and fragile protection against the storms of life. In Tang and Song poetry, umbrellas were associated with nostalgic farewells in the rain, the melancholy of travel, or tender encounters between lovers under shelter. This literary role helped cement the umbrella as an emotional as well as practical object.

Umbrella In Chinese Wedding

An umbrella is considered as one of the most important elements for a Chinese traditional wedding. The umbrella can be traditional (oil paper or silk) or modern, but it has to be colored bright red.

The red umbrella will be an important part of the bride’s dowry—which is prepared by the bride’s family—.

The dowry, 妝 [gaa jòng], along with the wedding gifts from the groom’s family, is typically given two or three months before the actual wedding day, but the red umbrella is left in the bride’s home to be used in the wedding day.

Typically, during the wedding day, the father of the bride—or can be replaced by a bridesmaid—, holds an umbrella over the head as a symbol of protection from evil spirits. This is done as the bride comes out of the room (after all the rituals and “tests” performed by the groom) and proceeds to the bridal car. Rice is often thrown over the umbrella and the car to wish for good fortune.

Related reading: Why Is Red Important in China: From Emperors to Emojis – Opens in new tab

Umbrella Rituals Beyond Weddings

Apart from nuptial ceremonies, umbrellas appear in other traditions:

• Funerals – In some regions, black or white umbrellas are carried to signify mourning and serve as spiritual protection for both the deceased and the living against wandering spirits.
• Temple Festivals – Decorative parasols (often golden or multicolored silk) are carried above deity statues during processions. Here, the umbrella functions as a spiritual canopy connecting the divine with earthly worshippers.

Global Influence of the Chinese Paper Umbrella

Although umbrellas reached East and South Asia in different forms, the highly recognizable oil-paper umbrella style with its delicate bamboo frame clearly originated in China. Japan’s wagasa umbrellas and Thailand’s Bo Sang umbrellas can trace their roots back to Chinese models introduced via trade routes.

Interestingly, each country absorbed the umbrella into its own cultural identity: Japan emphasized subtle earthy tones and tea ceremonies, while Southeast Asia adapted them into vibrant, festival-centered colors. This diffusion shows how one Chinese innovation “blossomed” into local symbols across Asia.

Cultural Superstitions and Modern Adaptations

The superstition about not gifting umbrellas (伞 sǎn homophone with 散 sàn, separation) has led to clever “cultural loopholes.” For instance, if one insists on gifting an umbrella, they traditionally accompany it with a token coin. By accepting the coin in return, the gift turns into a “purchase” rather than a gift—thus neutralizing the unlucky implication.

Today, while practical nylon umbrellas dominate, the traditional oil-paper umbrella remains a popular prop for photographers, filmmakers, and fashion designers who want to evoke a sense of Chinese elegance, mystery, or nostalgia. In modern cities like Hangzhou or Chengdu, tourist districts proudly display rows of oil-paper umbrellas overhead, transforming streets into immersive cultural galleries.

Fun Facts About Chinese Umbrella

• An interesting fact is that the Chinese character for the umbrella is very similar to a folding umbrella: 伞 (san).
• Folk dancing with the paper/silk umbrella as the main property has been really popular during the times of the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), nowadays, however, it’s more popular in Japan and in countries in Southeast Asia. Umbrella is still often used as a dancing property in China, but not as a traditional folk dance.
• It’s a very common superstition in China that opening umbrellas indoors can bring bad luck—and can even invite evil spirits—.
• Today, the majority of modern umbrellas—like so many other things— are made in China. One city in China, Shangyu District has over a thousand umbrella factories today.
• As mentioned above, although China is not the first inventor of the umbrella, it’s widely credited as the inventor of the first water-resistant umbrella. Umbrellas were originally built to protect people from the heat of the sun (they didn’t really care about UV rays back then), it was the Chinese invention that allows the umbrella to be used in rainy days, just as we know today.
• It is said that some of the earliest Chinese umbrellas were made of 100% leather, and are extremely expensive. As a result, only the nobility and the really rich merchant can afford them as a fashion item and symbol of power.
• Giving umbrellas as gifts in China and Chinese cultures (Read our article “15 Chinese Gift-giving Superstitions“) is a big no since it’s often associated with bad luck and breaking up relationships. The word for umbrella, 伞 sǎn has a similar sound with “breaking up”, sàn.

End Words

The paper umbrella is probably one of the most recognizable remains of the Chinese ancient tradition. See a paper umbrella on the street, and you’ll immediately associate it with China—and probably Japan—.

The water-resistant and waterproof umbrella is also a very important Chinese contribution to the world, giving us a way to protect ourselves from rain as we know today.

Today, the Chinese paper umbrella is still an important part of the Chinese culture and is widely regarded as valuable work of art due to the various (mainly hand-painted) decorations.

Related reading:More Than Just a Wedding: Unveiling the Cultural Significance of Chinese Marriage Customs – opens in new tab

Featured Image by Sasin Tipchai from Pixabay