*| The Lady and her Parasol|*

Parasol’s and the end of an Era
of charm and feminity as once was.

It was in the mid 1800’s that the popularity of the parasol rose to new heights. The parasol had long ago been known to originate in the East Indies. In the mid 1700’s it made its way to America. By the middle of the 19th century almost all American women owned two silk or chiffon parasols of white and black. The difference between the classes made no difference where etiquette was concerned. And the same fell true for the bonnet, gloves and parasol which no self-respecting lady would find herself without. Those were just a must for all ladies young and old, rich or poor.

The skin of a lady was to be soft and fair. Not like that of a working woman. The lady of the 19th century didn’t want to look like one who worked outdoors. Most women wore bonnets to protect their skin from the sun. When there came a time when bonnets were only fashionable for more mature and older women and the hats of the day had decreased in size, then the parasol soared to a new height of popularity in the world of fashion for the Victorian Lady. This parasol became an accessory as important as shoes, gloves and hats.

We are indeed speaking of the parasol not the umbrella. Men in the rain carried umbrellas. Ladies dared not be caught in the rain as to show others they afforded not a carriage or the means to travel. However, they carried their parasols with a dainty sense of pride on those many sunny days.

Parasols were made to look very feminine. The fabrics used in its construction were silk and chiffon and some other fine fabrics that would be considered quite elegant such as feathers, etc. and the like. Its handle was made with a very rich and fine wood or delicate porcelain. It was indeed an expensive item to purchase in those days, costing almost $10 at times. But as it was essential that a lady have one in order to complete her wardrobe she wasted no time in obtaining them. The parasol made a lovely gift to a lady from her gentleman caller.

I must mention that the parasol was used as a means of communication just as the fan may be used in flirting or conveying a message to a gentleman. The parasol revealed much about the lady’s heart when with prospective gentlemen callers. The genteel expressions could be seen conveyed from behind the slight twirl of her parasol. Just the same she could use it to hide her emotional expression or to cover up any imperfection she wished not to be seen.

I so enjoy admiring what the Victorian lady did in order to express her femininity. Nowadays, many women don’t want to be associated to the dainty and demure female of such as the Victorian Era. There were many aspects of the Victorian Era that held women with little or no regard as to their position in politics and such. But gaining a place and status among the voting population didn’t have to erase the femininity of a woman. However, as the Era came to an end many things changed for the Victorian Woman. Her clothing styles changed indeed to make it more comfortable, of course, which I have no argument. She began to work outside and among the man’s world. This too, changed her fashion. Gone were the bonnets, gloves and finally the parasol. As the old classic movie says….they were GONE WITH THE WIND.

As I said, I enjoy admiring what the Victorian lady did in order to express her femininity. She boasted and prided herself in her natural attributes. She was not ashamed to be womanly and feminine. She was not this way by training only but the natural affections of heart and mind esteemed her to be a true lady. It is no wonder that men held such high regard and respect for his lady and the prospect of courting for means to marry. And by the same token it is no wonder that a lady went to so much trouble to be so fine and dainty but to charm the man of her dreams. The man she wanted to be with for the rest of her life.

Like many aspects of this ever charming Era, the parasol is gone but not forgotten.