Vietnamese Culture Dictionary

The Meaning of Umbrella in Vietnamese History & Society

Posted on by Stephen
Leaving with an umbrella in the morning, coming back home in the evening
09
May

In the past, only the well-to-do used umbrellas.

Under-umbrella Mandarin in old Vietnam
Under-umbrella Mandarin in old Vietnam

Common saying: Sáng vác ô đi, tối vác về (leaving with an umbrella in the morning, coming back home in the evening): an allusion to colonial civil servants.

Stephen