Around two weeks ago, A's phone rang at 3 A.M. His cousin was calling with heartbreaking news: his grandpa had passed away. We rushed to catch the earliest flight possible and arrived at his hometown around 10 A.M. Although the air was damp and sticky—the sky was cloudy, the burial was scheduled at 1 P.M.. I couldn't help but wonder why it took that long to lay someone to rest #iykwim—but who am I to judge anyway. When the time came, people stand up and began reciting duas, just then the light drizzle fell. I dashed into the house, grabbed my umbrella and opened it. Suddenly I realise some gaze were fixed towards me. Moments later, the drizzle turn into a downpour, and we hadn't even made it to the cemetery yet. Later that night I found out what had really happened.
They were trying to put you as a scapegoat, A said.
For what?
For the heavy rain falls earlier.
How was that even possible?
According to a local belief, opening an umbrella when the sky is cloudy, is said to invite the heavy rain to pour
... *so shocked I lost words*
and its black
Would that make any different if I opened a white umbrella instead?
No, but people were pointing at you, A's wife, for opening an umbrella in such weather.
Is there any scientific research regarding to this? is there any correlation between someone opening up umbrella causing a heavy rain falls? Correlation doesn't equal causation either.
Listen, they don't get that as much as you don't get klenik.
I was left in disbelief.
I mean, broooo it's 2025 already and you guys still believe this stuff?!
Yepp, I came from different part of Java and yep, I had confirmed this thing to my friends and none of them heard about this superstition either. I even googled it—but nothing. Friends who lives in the city nearby also confirmed that around that time its raining cats and dogs. To this day, this whole umbrella thing still doesn't add up to me.
I took that as a serious accusation; it implied that I dishonored grandpa's funeral for causing the heavy rain, for ruining the funeral ceremony. Some said "when in Rome, do as the Romans do". Well, I guess I won't be setting foot in that part of Rome ever again.
