Other Treasures

Is it bad luck to open a parasol or umbrella inside?

Because parasols are used for protection from the heat of the sun, opening a parasol indoors where the sun doesn’t reach was considered to be an offence to the sun god. This goes for umbrellas too, which were originally just oil coated parasols that doubled as protection from the rain as well as the sun.

We have found that, as long as you are opening the parasol to admire it (such as checking that it goes with your outfit,) then it is not bad luck at all to open it inside. You are simply making sure the parasol is beautiful enough to show the sun god, who surely will not be offended.

© 2006 A Bit Shady