Parasol

I promise you that a parasol is something everyone needs! There is no more proven effective way to prevent sun-related skin damage than simple shade. And parasols provide instant shade, anywhere, without a single plastic bottle.

— Jolene Williams

Parasols are similar to umbrellas, but are primarily used to provide shade from the sun. They are often made from lightweight materials like cotton or silk and are not designed to be waterproof. Parasols can be quite decorative and are sometimes used as fashion accessories, especially among the dead. They come in many different sizes, from tiny drink umbrellas (technically parasols), to family-sized beach shades.

History

The parasol, a relic of ancient Persia from around 2,450 BC, journeyed through China, Southeast Asia, and India. By the 17th century, it was gracing European high society as a symbol of elegance and status. Often crafted from delicate silks and adorned with intricate designs, it shielded the elite from the sun’s harsh rays.

However, as the 20th century dawned, the allure of sunbathing and the practicality of umbrellas led to its decline. Once a beacon of sophistication, the parasol now whispers tales of a bygone era, where shade was a luxury and fashion a statement.

The moment that Jolene began to settle into the village, her need for a parasol was the first thing to drive her to the Avalon Village General Store. Curiously, it was the dead that took to them first. In no need of protection from the sun, they adopted them both as a throw-back fashion statement, as well as approval of her forward-thinking approach to sun care.

Significance

Several notable figures in history were known for their use of parasols and helped cement the parasol as a symbol of sophistication and style in their respective eras:

• Queen Victoria often carried a parasol as part of her royal attire, emphasizing her status and elegance.
• Marie Antoinette, the last Queen of France before the French Revolution, was frequently depicted with a parasol, highlighting her fashion-forward image.
• Claude Monet’s wife, Camille, was famously painted with a parasol in the artwork “Woman with a Parasol,” capturing a moment of Victorian leisure.

Woman With A Parasol, Madame Monet & Her Son by Claude Monet

Item type

Clothing / Accessory

Creation Date

~2,450 BCE

Rarity

Common.