What is History/reasons behind the 'bad luck' assocaited with opening
umbrellas indoors?

Dear keithyb-ga;

Thank you for allowing me an opportunity to answer your interesting question.

Unfortunately the precise origin for the superstition is unknown, just
as the origins of many such superstitions over time seem to just fade
into obscurity. The most likely explanation can be found in Charles
Panati?s book, EXTRAORDINARY ORIGINS OF EVERYDAY THINGS

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0060964197/103-8062880-2699055?v=glance

?Many superstitions are reflections of our prejudices or ignorance,
but a few are actually pragmatic. Opening an umbrella indoors is an
example of the latter breed. An open umbrella, especially one of the
earliest models, could be very dangerous indoors. It could knock over
a valuable object, its spokes could poke someone in the eye, or it
could cause a minor but unpleasant accident that might lead to
conflict. Rather than court this kind of
"bad luck," a handy superstition was created.?


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Tutuzdad-ga


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Umbrella, indoors, superstition, origin

You might enjoy an explanation from a US 1935 Radio Show.
According to the programme it originated in Ancient Rome. A woman
named Drusilla was admiring her looks in the mirror and opened an
umbrella to check it matched her complexion and clothing. Upon this,
the wall of her house suddenly collapsed, killing her.
I have searched for any other reference to this incident without
success. Perhaps it was a little piece of invention by the show's
writers. Anyway it is worth a listen even if it's just for the novelty
of listening to early Radio.

Cyber 49 ? Old Time Radio
Origins Of Superstition from 1935
Half way down the page click on '1935 opening an umbrella'
You will need Real Player to hear the 13 minute show.
http://209.151.137.58/Cyber49er/otr_OriginsOfSuperstition.html

answerfinder-ga

Here's another story:

"In 1682, the ambassador from the King of Batam presented Prince
Rupert with Two Great Umbrellas, and although most probably a
coincidence, within a few months Prince Rupert was Dead and the
Kingdom of Batam was in decline. For a long time after, the King of
Batam?s Umbrellas became a byword in England and this incident may
have given rise to the superstition that it was unlucky to open an
umbrella indoors."
http://www.oakthrift.com/history.htm