DECORATED UMBRELLAS.

Western Star, Issue 2220, 8 July 1898, Page 5

DECORATED UMBRELLAS.

In Eastern countries the parasol or ombrella has always been used as a symbol of royalty, and upon all State occasions it is borne over the heads of the rulers or chiefs. These State umbrellas are made of the richest materials, and are frequently oovered with precious stones. When the Prince of Wales visited India some years ago, it was found necessary for him to be placed beneath a golden umbrella in order that the people might easily recognise his person. The Prince brought home with him a number of curious umbrellas which had been presented to him. Among these was one covered with blue aafcin woven with gold and covered with pearls, and some covered with the feathers of the rarest tropical birds. The Phoenix umbrella is the State umbrella of the Chinese, and is always used in the Imperial processions, of which it forms a most important feature. Other umbrellas, almost as large, but not so magnificent, are used by mandarins when on their visits.

On these occasions there is quite a long procession of servants and soldiers, and the umbrella is borne in front of the mandarin to denote his importance and dignity. The chiefs of Africa are particularly fond of umbrellas, and upon any special occasion you will bo sure to see it produced with great state and ceremony. Some years ago when we went to war with the King of Ashantee, our troops under Sir Garnet, now Lord, Wolseley, having captured tho chief town, entered King Koffee's palace, and among the things they found there was a handsome sword, which had been presented by Queen Victoria to a former King of Ashantee, and a large number of umbrellas, Borne of which were very handsome, one being of black and scarlet velvet in alternate squares, which Sir Garnet Wolseley, upon his return, presented to the Queen.