The other day I was surprised to see a Chinese lady walking down the street with an umbrella, why was I surprised? Well, it was a sunny day, clear blue skies and not a drop of rain in sight!

　　When I proceeded to question my Shanghainese friend about the nature of this strange sight, she looked at me quizzically and answered simply, "It's to protect against the sun, of course!". Of course, how obvious!

　　Many years ago in Britain, "ladies" used parasols to protect their porcelain complexions against the sun's rays. At that time, pale was seen to be beautiful and desirable, while a tan was something to be avoided at all costs. Then like now, it was all to do with the issue of wealth and status. In those days, pale skin showed that the lady was wealthy as she could rest indoors rather than venturing outside, whereas darker skin indicated that the woman worked outside in the fields all day.

　　Since then the situation in Britain has been reversed, today's women strive to achieve a "healthy" golden tan, as it shows that they have the means to be able to visit hotter, foreign climes (or at least a sun bed). For foreigners like myself, it is therefore a little surprising to learn that here in China women still go to whatever lengths possible to preserve their "whiteness".

　　Wandering down supermarket aisles, you come across several creams and lotions with added "whiteners" and while trying to buy foundation I was frustrated to find out the colours ranged from "ivory" through to "fair", with not a hint of anything for a lightly tanned complexion!

　　This endeavour to remain pale is perhaps due to similar reasons to those that existed in Britain when fair was beautiful, but maybe also because Chinese women, like most others around the world, are becoming increasingly beauty conscious and keen to stay looking as young as possible.

　　We all know the damaging effect of UV light on the skin but for many Westerners, the trade off withshavingsan all-year tan is worth it. The summer months in Shanghai last for much longer than the occasional day of sunshine you may get in Britain, so here you also don't find the "mad dash" to catch the first few rays of summer!

　　The Shanghainese ladies certainly seem to have got it right, as looking around many do seem to retain their youthful beauty, but old habits die hard and I know that next time the sun's out, I'll be right out there waiting.