umbrella
Unicode: 2602
Description
An umbrella with raindrops falling on it, depicted in black or blue outlines, often with a handle.
Group:
Travel & Places > sky & weather
Status:
unqualified
Emotion:
Typically represents rainy weather, protection from rain, or sometimes a gloomy or melancholic mood.
Backstory
The umbrella emoji (☔) is part of the original set of emojis introduced in Unicode 1.1 in 1993, making it one of the earliest and most fundamental symbols in digital communication. Its origin predates the widespread popularity of emojis and is rooted in standard typographic symbols for weather conditions.
Usage Examples
- Weather update: 'It's going to rain all day ☔'
- Preparing for wet weather: 'Don't forget your umbrella ☔'
- Expressing a desire for rain: 'We need some rain! ☔'
- Figurative protection: 'Under their protective umbrella ☔'
Cultural Differences
Western culture:
Commonly used to indicate rainy weather forecasts, a desire for rain (e.g., during drought), or simply the act of using an umbrella for protection.
East Asian culture:
Can also symbolize protection or shelter. In some contexts, umbrellas are associated with farewells or parting ways, as the Chinese word for 'umbrella' (sǎn, 伞) sounds similar to 'scatter' or 'separate' (sàn, 散).