The history of the oild paper umbrella

  When we talk about the oiled paper umbrella, everyone will think about Me-Nong. Oiled paper umbrella has already become a symbol which represents Mei-Nong culture. In the early time of Mei-Nong, umbrella is not only use for sunshad or raining, but also use as essensial things in the wedding. Because in Chinese, "paper" sounds like "son". In the wedding, to bride, give the umbrella means to bless she can pregnant quickly. In addition, in the word of "umbrella" in Chinese, there are many "people" in the the word. That means people bless this new couple will get more and more people from the wedding. And when you open the umbrella, the umbrella will become a big circle. that means people bless the new couple have a wonderful life. Because in Chinese, "circle" sounds like "wonderful".

  The technique of oiled paper umbrella was recommand from Japan. And invited master to teach skill from China. In 1960s, this is the time that the oiled paper umbrella reached the high peak. There were more than twenty factories of producing the umbrella in Mei-Nong and produce more than 20,000 umbrellas each year. But after the industry was developed rapidly, the chemical material unbrella replaced the oiled paper umbrella. Because the plastic umbrella was more cheap, convenient, durable and easy to carry than the oild paper umbrella.
  But after 1970, Taiwan's economic became better and better. This situation brought tourism alive. This also made the oiled paper umbrella alive. The umbrella became a souvenir instead of the original functions.

sorce:
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