Happy woman in yellow dress holding an umbrella indoors for National Open An Umbrella Indoors Day.

National Open an Umbrella Indoors Day challenges the age-old superstition that opening an umbrella indoors brings bad luck. This quirky holiday encourages people to test this belief while promoting rational thinking over superstition.

Quick Facts

  • When is it?: March 13th annually
  • Tagged as: Unofficial Holiday, Fun Holiday
  • What’s the hashtag?: #NationalOpenAnUmbrellaIndoorsDay #OpenThoseUmbrellas
  • When was it founded?: 2003
  • Who founded it?: Thomas Edward Knibb of Frederick, Maryland

History

The holiday was created to challenge the ancient superstition about indoor umbrella use. The belief originated in ancient Egypt, where umbrellas were sacred objects used for sun protection. Opening them indoors was considered disrespectful to Ra, the sun god.

Timeline

• 1000 BC: Egyptians create first umbrellas
• 1750s: Jonas Hanway popularizes umbrellas in England
• 2003: National Open an Umbrella Indoors Day established

Dates by Next Year

YearDateDay
2025March 13Thursday
2026March 13Friday
2027March 13Saturday

Observed

The day is celebrated by deliberately opening umbrellas indoors and observing if any bad luck follows. People often share their experiences on social media and discuss the origins of various superstitions.

Fun Facts About Umbrellas

• Ancient Egyptian umbrellas were made from lotus leaves and feathers
• The word “umbrella” comes from the Latin word “umbella”
• Early Victorian umbrellas were dangerous to open indoors due to their metal spokes

Quiz

  1. Who founded this holiday?
  2. What year was it established?
  3. Which ancient civilization started the superstition?
    (Answers: 1. Thomas Edward Knibb, 2. 2003, 3. Ancient Egyptians)

FAQs

• Is it really bad luck to open an umbrella indoors?
No, it’s just a superstition.
• How should I celebrate?
Simply open an umbrella indoors and document any supposed “bad luck.”

Importance of National Open an Umbrella Indoors Day

This holiday serves as a reminder to question baseless superstitions and promote rational thinking while having fun in the process.

Related

• World Umbrella Day
• National Superstition Day
• National Weather Observer’s Day