closed umbrella
Unicode: 1F302
Description
A dark, stylized umbrella with a slight angle, typically depicted open. Some platforms show raindrops or a stormy sky in the background.
Group:
Travel & Places > sky & weather
Status:
fully-qualified
Emotion:
Often conveys a sense of protection, preparedness, or being sheltered from difficulties. Can also symbolize gloom, rainy weather, or melancholy.
Backstory
The umbrella emoji was introduced in Unicode 6.0 (2010). Umbrellas have a long history as tools for protection from sun and rain, and have evolved into cultural symbols of protection and weather.
Usage Examples
- Expressing rainy weather: 'Don't forget your umbrella today! ☔'
- Symbolizing protection: 'I'll always be your umbrella. ☔'
- Referring to 'bad' forecasts: 'Looks like a ☔ day ahead.'
Cultural Differences
Western culture:
Frequently associated with rain, bad weather, or 'saving for a rainy day.' Can also symbolize elegance or mystery.
East Asian culture:
In some contexts (like Japanese culture), umbrellas are also associated with traditional dance, festivals, or even the yokai 'Kasa-obake' (a haunted umbrella).