Umbrellas are a unique part of traditional Indian festivals. Customarily they were used to shade the king and important dignitaries when they would visit the common people. Thus, on the feast of the Epiphany, many vivid and lavishly decorated umbrellas are carried through the streets before they came to rest in the church compound.
Only in India have I seen such beauty in ritual, tradition, spiritual practices, and celebrations for Catholics festivals. Most people don't know it, but Christianity was in India far far earlier than Europe, America, and many other parts of the world. St. Thomas the apostle brought Christianity to India where he was eventually martyred. Not only is Christianity deeply rooted in India, but it is devoutly practiced there.
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