If you have ever been at a truly Southern wedding or on the streets of New Orleans, then the chances are likely that you had the opportunity to see or be part of a second line parade complete with a brass band, handkerchiefs and of course, umbrellas. And if the idea of the second line or Bridal umbrella seems foreign to you, then this little bit of history and lore could be just the thing to peak your curiosity and rejuvenate your soul. To find out more on how this tradition became an american phenomenon, and how you can get yours made to your specification and needs, please sit back to a tall glass of sweet tea and read on...

The true origin of the second line umbrella was never really documented, but the common sense of necessity combined with the rigors of a secondline stroll through the French Quarter or older neighborhoods of New Orleans before air conditioning hit the city makes it easy to figure out. The city is known for its beautiful large trees and gardens, but the path of the southern jazz funerals rarely led through those gardens, but rather through concrete streets and neighborhoods where what little breeze there was blew over and not through.

Shade, and staying cool, when dancing in a second line has always been a necessary but difficult commodity. The second line dancers at the early funerals in New Orleans summer heat would often push themselves to the point of heat exhaustion. Since the second line is a parade of dancers who dance in close proximity with rigourous energy and emotion, the body's temperature can become heated quickly. As the participants grew older and wiser, the advent of the umbrella as a protector against the humid rigors of the southern sun became popular real quick. It wasnt long though before the umbrellas were decorated and became uniforms of pride for these second liners who were no longer judged by how well they danced for their dearly departed, but also how well they did it all and handled an umbrella at the same time. A second liner who could dance with an umbrella, a handkerchief, and a fan became a second liner who was well known and invited to the finest of the jazz funerals.

The idea of carrying an umbrella for shade in the south came long before the advent of jazz, so it was a natural progression that this symbol of southern style and femininity and grace became the accessory of choice at weddings and cotillons. The style and design of the parasol or umbrella that graced your occassion, was often an indicator of societal stature. Nevertheless, the presence of these beautiful symbols often turned finer occasions into raucuous parties when the music and wine reached their fever pitch and these occassions often ended in a second line. When the Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs were founded, many took to the back streets, and paraded as did the Mardi Gras Indians during Carnival. The SA&P Club's were the only real money sources able to help celebrate carnival with any real pageantry. They chiefly did this to advertise the respective clubs which then provided the main insurance for the elder community wards. They wisely borrowed a page from younger groups of MardiGras Indians and started used feathers, lace and fringe... once again, showing societal rank in their designs, but the bottom line was always how the umbrella was handled during the dance that determined the tradition that has carried on today.

The only place that we know of that you can currently get these made in the original New Orleans stylings is right here on eBay. You can find listings for these at the following store on eBay at Parasol Specialties

To get directly to the umbrellas and parasols, you can follow the parade of satisfied customers to:

Decorated Bridal Parasols and Umbrellas

These umbrellas and parasols were originally only sold at market in the French Quarter in New Orleans, but since Hurricane Katrina, this is the only place to get true authentic beautiful New Orleans umbrellas.

All the southern brides at theKnot.com are raving over these.

Planning a Mardi Gras party or festival... we got you covered.

And now, we have taken the Goth world by storm and the positive comments just keep on coming.

All around the world, the feedback is always the same... disbelief at the beauty and craftsmanship, and true joy for a unique artisan's treasure.

For a truly historical collectible of a uniquely American Traditional accessory, come on by and see the current offerings of these unique hand-sewn treasures.