For many years, Thai people have used umbrellas to shelter from both rain and strong sunshine, and perhaps the most distinctive of all umbrellas seen in Thailand are those made in Bo Sang Village in Chiang Mai Province in the North of the country.
This village is renowned, among Thai and foreign tourist alike, for the uniqueness of its umbrellas, which are exquisitely painted on cotton, silk and Sa paper, making them very popular products.
Umbrella making is regarded as the main occupation of all households in Tambon Bo Sang, San Kamphaeng District. Apart from generating a sizable income, this form of livelihood has also helped form bonds between local family members, as all of them can join hands in making this unique handicraft.
Consequently, the traditional art of umbrella making and painting, has been preserved and passed on from the distant past to the present day.
By tradition, local villagers use an open area under their houses as workshops for making the umbrellas that are fashioned from either cloth or Sa paper. Popular colors are red, pink and yellow. There are also small, colored, hanging balls around the brims of Bo Sang Umbrellas. The colorful designs make umbrella stand out, and they are often patterned with traditional Thai illustrations, such as floral and foliage designs.
Finished umbrellas are dried in the open space around the house, attracting passing tourist to stop by and buy them as souvenirs.
The Bo Sang Umbrella Fair takes place in January each year at the Bo Sang Umbrella Handicraft Center, featuring cultural shows and demonstrations of umbrella making, which is an ancient craft reflecting Thai wisdom passed on from generation to generation.
