Rainbows 101

“My heart leaps up when I behold a Rainbow in the sky.”
William Wordsworth

I live in a place with lots of rainbows – Portland, Oregon. When the sun breaks out in the late afternoon on a rainy day, I run to look out my kitchen window. The sunshine means that the rain has moved east and there will be a rainbow over my neighbors’ house.

Holding a Rainbow

If you went to the site with the portraits of Elizabeth I, you might have come across this painting of the Rainbow Queen.

The description says, “Elizabeth’s right hand holds a rainbow with the Latin inscription ‘Non sine sole iris’ (‘No rainbow without the sun’). The rainbow symbolizes peace, and the inscription reminds viewers that only the queen’s wisdom can ensure peace and prosperity.”

Peace Symbol

“The rainbow is an ancient and universal symbol, often representing the connection between human beings and their gods. In Greek mythology it was associated with Iris, the goddess who brought messages from the gods on Mount Olympus.

In Scandinavian mythology the rainbow was a bridge between the gods and the earth. In the Bible a rainbow showed Noah that the Biblical flood was finally over, and that God had forgiven his people. In the Chinese tradition, the rainbow is a common symbol for marriage because the colors represent the union of yin and yang.

Nowadays the rainbow is used by many popular movements for peace, the environment,and gay rights, representing the possibility of a better world in the future and promising sunshine after the rain.” – from the Learn English site on Peace symbols.

Glorys

About twelve years ago I was flying from Seattle to San Jose to teach a color workshop. As we left SeaTac airport I saw my first, and so far only, “glory”, a full circle rainbow. I was thrilled. The shadow of the plane stayed in the circle until we turned and the rainbow faded away.

This glory photo is from the beautiful British site Atmospheric Optics. Its the best place I know to learn about rainbows, water droplets and other amazing effects. I like it because its very visual (a must for me) and very easy to navigate.

Missouri Skies

I found the Wordsworth quote on photographer Dan Bush’s site. A close friend sent me the link after sharing with me her “end of the rainbow” story. It involved a very close call on the highway between Santa Fe and Taos, and then rounding a curve to see an amazing rainbow springing out of the huge rocks ahead. It was a rainbow experience she will never forget.

I’ll leave you with Dan Bush’s gorgeous rainbow photos at Elam Bend in Missouri. Be sure to go to his Conception photos also. They are all stunning! Peace be with you.