look news india
The appearance of black umbrellas in solemn ceremonies like funerals is not just a coincidence. You must have also seen black umbrellas in the hands of people in cemetery scenes in Hollywood and foreign films. At first glance it may seem just a means of protection from bad weather or rain, but there are surprising cultural and spiritual beliefs about this simple umbrella in different corners of the world, especially in China and Britain.
Umbrellas have a deep connection to spirit and yin energy in China.
In Chinese traditions, an umbrella is not only considered a thing to protect from sun or water, but it is also seen as connected to the supernatural and spiritual world. According to old folk beliefs, an umbrella absorbs rain water and stores the moisture within itself. This moisture is considered a symbol of ‘yin energy’ i.e. mysterious or negative forces in Chinese culture. This is the reason why even today in many Chinese families, keeping an open umbrella inside the house is completely prohibited.
Farewell to the deceased and protection of the soul from sunlight
In some parts of China, there is a custom of raising a black umbrella over the dead body or its photograph at the time of last farewell. The popular belief behind this is that the bright and direct light of the sun can be painful for the soul of the deceased. In such a situation, this black umbrella acts like a shield and keeps the soul safe. Apart from this, gifting an umbrella to someone in China is also considered very inauspicious, because there the umbrella is considered a sign of separation and distance in relationships.
Britain’s unpredictable weather and the unique tradition of ‘brolly’
Unlike China, in Britain and European countries the reason for carrying a black umbrella at a funeral is entirely practical. Britain’s weather is notorious for its unpredictability, where even when it’s sunny, it suddenly starts raining heavily. In such a situation, so that the last farewell ceremony in the cemetery can be completed without any hindrance, people keep umbrellas with them, which is also called ‘Brolli’ in the local language. With time, this practical need has now become a serious tradition of showing respect there, hence even when the weather is clear, people are seen wearing black clothes and holding black umbrellas in their hands.