The Golden Land of Myanmar is full of color, whether natural or manmade. This color is enhanced to some extent by all manner of umbrellas and parasols. The Pathein parasol for one is simply enchanting, with its beautiful design containing sort of artistic paintings on them. The umbrella is just a personal item, helping to protect one from the sun or the rain. It is essential in a tropical country with a good rainfall but in Myanmar, the role of the umbrella runs from mundane to the most sacred, as the ornamented finial on our pagodas and temples is also called Htee (Umbrella). In times of yore, the umbrella was part of the royal regalia, or symbol of rank. It still is a symbol of high honor in Myanmar monastic life.
|
