The umbrella is a very common object. It keeps the ______ and the sun off the people. Most umbrellas can be folded up（折叠）so it is ______ to carry them.

However，the umbrella was not always as ______ as it is now. In the past，it was a symbol of importance. Some African countries still use umbrellas in this ______.Someone carries an umbrella and walks behind the king or the important person.

Umbrellas have a long history. People in different parts of the world began to ______ umbrellas at different times. The Chinese had them more than 3，000 years ago. From there，umbrellas ______ to India and Egypt. In Greece and Rome，______ wouldn't use them. They believed umbrellas were only for women.

England was ______ the first country in Europe where common people used umbrellas against rain. The weather there is very ______ and umbrellas are very useful.

Everybody uses umbrellas today. The next time you _______ one, thinking that for centuries only great men and women used them, you'll feel you are the important person, too.