
Writing my way through the A-to-Z blogging challenge, I’ve tasked myself with leading you on a meandering tour of the virtual garden of delights and curiosities and thoughts that make up my world – all through the lens of unusual, obscure, or simply charming-to-me words.
O is for…
ombrifuge: something that provides protection from the rain; especially an umbrella
We’ve been having our share of cold rainy days, but I’m holding tight to the adage “April showers bring Spring May flowers.”

I’m delighted when my mind carries its thoughts into dreamtime, and the opportunity for all manner of wonderful things to show up.
Such as this dream, which still has me grinning. First there was a street full of people carrying open umbrellas. Which was odd, as it wasn’t actually raining. In fact the sky was filled with double rainbows in jaw-dropping gorgeous colors more suited to a box of the most fabulous surreal crayons. Just as I was adjusting to the delights of these visions, I noticed that, in fact, people weren’t actually carrying umbrellas. They were carrying giant flowers that were somewhat shaped like umbrellas. It was gasping-in-delight amazing. I SO wanted a flower of my own to carry. But even as I was thinking about how cool that would be, the scene morphed once again. Now instead of people carrying flowers like umbrellas, the people’s heads had turned into giant ball-like flowers (think Alliums) and their necks were the stems. It was hilarious and fabulous at the same time. I woke up thinking it was a whole new definition to flower child.

Umbrellas are pretty curious things if you think about it; and being curious, I looked up the etymology. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary – umbrella: “c.1600, first attested in Donne’s letters, from Italian ombrello, from Late Latin umbrella, altered (by influence of umbra) from Latin umbella “sunshade, parasol,” diminutive of umbra “shade, shadow” . A sunshade in the Mediterranean, a shelter from the rain in England; in late 17c. usage, usually as an Oriental or African symbol of dignity. Said to have been used by women in England from c.1700; the first rain-umbrella carried by a man there was traditionally c.1760, by Jonas Hathaway, noted traveler and philanthropist. Figurative sense of “authority, unifying quality” (usually in a phrase such as under the umbrella of) is recorded from 1948.”
That’s a lot of interesting tidbits to sort through isn’t it? I honed in on the parasol aspect. I confess to being quite fascinated by Asian paper parasols – both the early Chinese oil-paper ones and the Japanese waxed rice paper ones. And what about those charming little paper umbrellas that sometimes adorn drinks? I found a large box of them in a Japanese paper store once and I was giddy with delight. I used them in a number of mailart project, and I suspect I still have a few hidden away in some studio drawer. Sort of feels like a stash of hidden treasure.

I discovered another amusing fact. Mushroom-fakers was the nickname given to umbrella menders in nineteenth century slang. Do you find that as funny as I do? But it also made me consider the fact that umbrellas were mended, at least at one time. I’m thinking that must have been a custom in a rainy clime like England. I’m not sure in a place like here with only occasional rain, umbrellas actually get enough wear to be mended. Though living in the Windy City as I do, I’ve had more than a few blow inside out over the years.
And finally, I can’t help but smile at this vintage illustration of birds gathering under the cap of a mushroom. Aren’t you curious as to what tune the gnome is serenading them with?

What about you? Had any good dreams lately? Wishing for a new era of Flower Power so we could all head to San Francisco with flowers in our hair? Prefer umbrellas or parasols? Have a mushroom story to share? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
I agree – paper parasols are gorgeous! Great work on the A to Z Challenge!
Thanks Lynn, and I’m glad you stopped by.
I love the design on those parasols! I have been beset with very vivid and often unsettling dreams. More of them than I ever remember. (not surprising during these times that my mind is disturbed) I have many, many umbrellas and do use them in rain, so don’t believe the stories you hear about Washingtonians spurning them. My hair is starting to look like a mushroom. Does that count?
Mushroom hair definitely counts. I’d say mine looks like the fly agaric mushroom in the illustration – I have white snowflakes in my hair as I’ve just been out shoveling. No umbrellas needed here at the moment.
I just love the words you find. They have such interesting sounds. Cute parasols. Makes me want a fruity drink.
I’ve always got my eyes peeled, or is that ears honed, for great words, and it’s always a delight to find them. A fruity drink might be exactly the right thing to start the weekend off with.
I remember reading an article on the symbolism of umbrellas in Japan. My favorite umbrella scene in a movie is in “Pacific Rim” where Mako meets Raleigh.
You’ve piqued my interest – I’ll have to do some research about the symbolism in Japan. And I’ll also be thinking about favorite umbrella scenes in movies. I do love being guided to rabbit holes to fall down. Thanks!
Hi Deborah – I’ve been dreaming a bit more recently – not sure if you’ve had anything to do with it … nothing spectacular – just am aware things have been around. I never use umbrellas – just an extra thing to carry around and the spikes get everywhere … but if I was modelling them or the paper ones – I’d be charmed! Love your mushroom gnome – fun to see … take care – Hilary
It’s kind of funny but people do often tell me that after I’ve spoken of dreams they start remembering theirs a bit more.
I thought carrying an umbrella was mandatory if you’re English – you’re disillusioning me Hilary. 🙂
Ah! this is a dream post.
Your flowery-flowery dream and that beautiful picture of a rose lying ever so gently under an orchid umbrella has transported me into your world. You may see me wearing an allium bloom for a head next time you close your eyes Deborah. Be warned!
Dehradun, where I grew up, gets enough rain to warrant getting umbrellas repaired. Usually, it’s the local cobbler who fixes them but a mushroom-faker sounds more fun:)
Love that last postcard –how mesmerised are those birds that they are sitting so still ?
Oh Arti – I’ll definitely be on the lookout for you in my dreams. That will be a most amusing way to meet. Maybe we’ll go on an adventure to find a mushroom-faker and keep our eyes peeled for bird-enchanting gnomes.
Lovely paper umbrellas!
Aren’t they?