In February its cold in most areas, so probably if you need an umbrella today it's not to shade yourself from the sun.  Today is a good time to find that umbrella in the closet or wherever it may be, and make sure your prepared for the next downpour.  If you don't have an umbrella, today is a perfect day to find the perfect one that can provide shelter from the sun during the warmer months as well as keep you dry during the rainy days.

Every year over 33 million Umbrellas are sold in the United States.

The umbrella is a wonderful invention and has been people from the rain and sun for over 4000 years.  It was first discovered in Asia but there are also drawings that show umbrellas in use in Greece and Egypt also. Back in those days, the sun was seen a more of threat than the rain, and so the device was used more to provide shade and shelter from the harsh sun rays of the day. The Chinese however are given credit for the first group of people to use lacquers and wax to waterproof their umbrellas for additional protection from the rain.  The first umbrellas in England were seen more as a fashion accessory and crafted with fine and exotic materials such as wood, whalebone and alpaca hides. Today Umbrellas can be seen all over the world and come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors.