Parasols of Power

A somewhat recent trend amongst the Ladies of the Imperial Court, inspired by Empress Sorsasta Quiris' preference for having a parasol to protect her from the sun, a silent code has developed regarding the display and use of these delicate umbrellas.

Significance

When Empress Sosasta Quiris, was younger, she started the habit of walking through the Imperial gardens with a servant carrying her parasol to protect her from the sun. Once she became Empress, 12 years ago, the habit quickly became popular amongst the ladies of the Imperial Court, and as such has spread to other courts and places where the upper classes gather.
The parasol has become the status symbol amongst the Ladies of the land to silently announce their wealth, power, status, approachability, availability, and mood to those that are aware of the ways the parasol is displayed.
The most basic message is in regard to the Ladies wealth. A wealthy Lady will have the parasol carried by a servant, and the wealthiest of all have a servant who's only job is to carry and display the parasol. Ladies who carry their own parasol, are clearly not as wealthy. This has led to a niche market in Quara for parasol servants for hire. With some of the more desirable parasol carriers being booked months in advance for special events.
The design and materials of the parasol, of course also speak to the wealth of the Lady, with more exotic materials, larger canopies, and precious gemstones used to proclaim the amount of disposable income available.
How the parasol is carried also sends a message to observers. A parasol carried higher in the air indicates a willingness to be approached by others, while one held low indicates that they do not wish to be bothered. The tilt of the parasol also indicates if the Lady is currently available for courtship, or if she is not interested in pursuing romantic concerns. A rearward tilt indicating she is open to being courted.
A parasol that is slowly spun indicates amusement and interest, while one that is starting to close, or is not fully extended, indicates boredom. A parasol that is snapped shut indicates rage, while one that is closed slowly shows a rising level anger.
In invitation, to share the shade of the parasol, can be interpreted as desire for closeness, perhaps even an invitation to other more private dailiances. While someone stepping into the shade of a Ladies parasol without invitation is considered rude and rakish.
While there might be some regional variations of this parasol code, it would be unwise to not be aware that some meaning is being conveyed nonetheless.