Lentorama 2013: There's a Name for That

Day 18: umbraculum

The umbraculum is what it sounds like - an umbrella. In its first use it was used to provide shade for the pope, but over time became a symbol of both the pope's authority over the church and the pope's temporal role as a monarch (not surprisingly, that came about during the Borgia pope era). There was a time when the umbraculum had bells on it so people would know the pope was coming, which I kind of wish was still the case. 

Basilicas are presented with an umbraculum when elevated to that status, with the colors and fabric indicating if its a minor or major basilica.

Of particular interest now is that the Vatican coat of arms changes when there is no pope to feature an umbraculum with silver and gold keys. Check it out for yourself (note: the coat of arms will have changed back when a pope is elected, so act now!).