In many ancient cultures, people wondered about the origin and meaning of rainbows. In Greek mythology, it was believed that rainbows were a bridge between the heavens and Earth, symbolized by the messenger goddess Iris. According to Norse mythology, the rainbow was a pathway traveled by the gods. These stories helped people make sense of the rainbow's mystery and attributed it to divine forces.
There are also various myths about what lies at each end of a rainbow. In Irish folklore, a leprechaun, a mischievous little creature, guards a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. However, the rainbow is constantly moving, making it impossible to actually find its end and get the gold. Another belief suggests that reaching the end of a rainbow grants you a wish. It is said that if you can find the spot where the rainbow touches the ground, you can make a special wish that might come true.
Today, we know that rainbows are formed when sunlight passes through water droplets in the air. When sunlight enters a raindrop, it bends, or refracts, as it changes speed. This bending separates the sunlight into its different colors. The refracted light then reflects off the inside of the raindrop and exits in the form of a rainbow.
The rainbow holds a special significance as a symbol of diversity, inclusion, and pride within the LGBTQ+ community. In 1978, artist Gilbert Baker designed a rainbow flag, and it has become a powerful symbol of LGBTQ+ rights. The colors of the rainbow flag are vibrant and diverse, just like the individuals it represents. Each color carries its own meaning: red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, blue for serenity, and violet for spirit.
