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Video: Umbrella for the Pharaoh and the Pope: How this accessory was used in antiquity
2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55
Those who like to delve into etymology will be interested to know that the word "umbrella" in the Russian language appeared due to the "reverse word formation". First, in the 17th century, we grabbed the word "zondek" from the Dutch (zondek - awning, canopy from the sun), and then, according to Russian rules, removed the diminutive suffix "ik" from it, getting an initial form that never existed. The purpose of this object has also changed unpredictably over the centuries.
Protection from the sun, a symbol of power, a heraldic sign, a remedy for snow and, finally, rain - all these functions of an ordinary umbrella can be traced by looking at old paintings, frescoes and prints.
From ancient times
The history of this interesting little thing goes back about three thousand years. Scientists are still not sure which of the ancient civilizations this invention should be attributed to, but, most likely, the first such structures that protect from the sun were created in Egypt, and from there the umbrella spread throughout the world. It is understandable that in hot climates such sun protection was necessary for lengthy ceremonies, so it is possible that it was invented in several places. True, in those ancient times, the umbrella was a symbol of royal power, and only pharaohs, emperors and persons close to them could use it. This bulky structure then had a height of about 1.5 meters and, accordingly, also weighed a lot. The fan-like structure of feathers, which can be seen on ancient paintings, according to scientists, is an old umbrella, as it protected the pharaoh from the scorching rays.
Umbrellas as a sign of power or authority gained popularity in Assyria, Babylon, China and India. Moreover, in many countries this royal "accessory" was preserved until recently, and in some places it can be seen to this day.
For example, in Thailand, the Royal Nine-tiered Umbrella (officially called the "Nine-Tiered Large White Umbrella of the State") is considered the most sacred and oldest of the royal regalia. The king can sit under it only after the completion of the coronation rites (the umbrellas for the prince and the unconsecrated king have fewer tiers).
Beauty rules the world
A little later, umbrellas became popular in Ancient Greece, then in Rome, but here they lost their majestic meaning, women began to use them, appreciating all the comforts of such a device.
The umbrellas in the Japanese tradition deserve special attention. Having come to Japan through Korea during the Asuka period (538-710), this accessory became not only a symbol of luxury, but also an object of art. True, its materials - light wood and oiled paper, unfortunately, did not allow to serve for a long time and preserve the beauty of the most ancient samples for posterity. However, Japanese classical painting allows us to enjoy the harmony of Japanese umbrellas. Judging by these pictures, the Japanese umbrellas served to protect not only from the sun.
Supreme power symbol
However, the European rulers in the Middle Ages did not forget this courageous and majestic symbol and were in no hurry to transfer it into female hands. The umbrella as insignia served the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire, the Venetian doges and, possibly, the kings of Sicily. Since the 13th century, the umbrella appears among the attributes of papal power and becomes one of the important symbols of the Vatican.
The most interesting evidence has survived - the description of the entry of Pope John XXIII into the city of Constance in 1414, made by Ulrich of Richenthal. A sensation among the local public was caused by an unusual object, which was solemnly carried after the Pope. Since the townsfolk did not know what it was, the structure was called a huge hat:
It can be seen that this detail of the ceremony impressed the author so much that later a miniature illustration was even made for this moment:
I must say that, since elderly people have always become popes, things that serve for the convenience of ceremonies and movement (for example, papal stretchers) were really important and gradually became the official symbols of the pontiff. An umbrella with yellow-red stripes - (,) later even appeared on the personal coats of arms of the popes and the symbols of the Vatican. Today, the Umbraculum is part of the Camerlengo coat of arms of the Holy Roman Church (the "division" that administers the property and income of the Holy See), as well as the period ("inter-government" while a new pope is elected), since at this time Camerlengo exercises temporary dominion.
In addition, the Pope grants the Umbraculum or “St. Canopy "to churches when they are promoted to the" rank "of the Basilica minor. After that, an umbrella of red and yellow silk is displayed next to the altar, and on holidays it is carried out in processions.
So, opening an umbrella above you in the rain, you can rightfully feel like a real pharaoh, supreme pontiff, or, at worst, the ruler of Babylon, because this thing has a really rich and glorious past.
The umbrella on the coat of arms is far from the only oddity of the Vatican rulers. Read on: 25 curious facts about people who for Catholics are representatives of God on Earth.
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