July 1 marks the date that the Chinese invented sunglasses in the year 1200. They were the province of the wealthy and were used not so much for protection from the sun, as for hiding their expressions.
Actually, Inuit “sunglasses”, although not made of glass, pre-date the Chinese invention – going back to prehistoric times and were probably very useful against sun glare.
Sunglasses have appeared on famous faces throughout history.
And they have other important uses, as well.
Gunsmoke and Knitting 