Colors of Many Meanings

What do you associate with rainbows? The answers are surprisingly diverse among various cultures.

In Native American traditions, rainbows symbolize a bridge between the earthly realm and the spirit world. They are a pathway for ancestors or spirits, signifying protection and guidance.

In Irish folklore, a pot of gold awaits at the end of a rainbow. Emphasizing the notion of fortune and the pursuit of dreams, rainbows link rewards and perseverance.

In Asian cultures, rainbows are seen as omens of harmony and positive change. They signify the union of yin and yang, embodying balance in life’s dualities.

In Mediterranean regions, rainbows symbolize peace and unity. Ancient Greek texts celebrate rainbows as a sign of goodwill among gods.

In Greek mythology, Iris, the goddess of the rainbow, functioned as a messenger of the gods. To the Greeks, rainbows reflect the relaying of messages between divine forces and humanity.

In Norse mythology, rainbows are a burning bridge reaching between Earth and Asgard, the realm of the gods. A rainbow signifies accessibility to divine wisdom and protection against chaos.

Finally, in Hinduism, the rainbow is a manifestation of the divine and a bridge between mortal and spiritual realms. It symbolizes the connection between humanity and the gods, offering blessings and hope.

The Shot

Last month I was in Alaska to photograph fall colors. We encountered quite a bit of rain during the first half of the trip. But breaks in the clouds led to interesting atmospheric events and photographic possibilities.

On September 10, near Delta Junction, Alaska, the sun was at our backs. When a shaft of light briefly broke through the clouds, the distant rain created a beautiful double rainbow.

The primary rainbow always has more intense colors and luminosity. It also has the classic “Roy G. Biv” (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet) color sequence with red on the top and blue on the bottom.

The secondary rainbow has a cool twist. The colors are reversed (Vib G. Yor?). In addition, it’s higher and lighter in color than the primary one. If you ever see a social media double rainbow image and both rainbows are Roy G. Biv, you’ve been hoodwinked by an AI created fake.

The beautiful double rainbow brought a sense of serenity and gratitude to my being. After composing and taking my image, I just stood there appreciating nature’s beauty until this ephemeral sight abruptly vanished as the sun went behind the clouds.

Thanks for looking,

Chuck Derus Zenfolio | Chuck Derus