On the theme of rain: Do you know the history of the umbrella?

You're likely using a more than 3,000-year-old Chinese invention today, though it had a slightly different purpose at first...

The umbrella you're often pulling out of the closet to protect you from the rain, was in fact invented over 3,000 years ago and intended to protect you from the sun.

It does indeed still have a shade function, particularly in Asian countries, but for those of us that get caught in the occassion downpour, it's adopted a different function.

The first umbrella of its kind was thought to be made of bamboo, palm leaves or bird feathers, and first used across Egypt, China and India.

However, over time they have become waterproofed and water-resistant. It is thought that the Chinese first used oil-soaked silk in order to do this, before then developing the style into oil and lacquered paper.

The umbrella became an increasingly popular item across Europe by the 1600s, predominantly used as a feminine accessory, as a parasol. In 1710 a patent was taken out for the folding umbrella.

It wasn't really until the 1800s however, that the rain-purposed umbrella came about. Still, at first it was only an item nobles or royalty had access to.

Thankfully, it's an item we all have access to widely in the UK and Ireland, crucial considering our regular wet weather.