Living within the Rainbow

The dictionary defines a rainbow as:

"An arc of spectral colors, usually identified as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet, that appears in the sky opposite the sun as a result of the refractive dispersion of sunlight in drops of rain or mist."

That's the scientific explanation. But what does a rainbow mean to the average person? First of all, for most of us the rainbow is a delight for the eyes. I cannot recall ever seeing a face that did not light up at the sight of a rainbow. Taking it a step further by exploring meaning or symbolism of this phenomenon could depend on which culture we were raised in. There are countless myths, legends and stories relating to rainbows from all parts of the world.
The Pot of Gold at the end of the rainbow is generally attributed to Irish folklore, but actually originates in East German Selesia and Poland - it promises the fulfillment of hopes and wishes ...
Both Navajo and and ancient Norse people have always considered the rainbow a bridge between the Sky people and the Earth people, a bridge between heaven and earth - between the physical and the non-physical realities, a path that has been lost to the earth people ...
In Chinese culture a rainbow can represent union, the symbolic merging of Yin and Yang, the male and female principles.
Even in the ancient Tarot of Rider and Waite the rainbow represents fulfillment of one's desires and wishes.
For the ancient Greeks, the rainbow was Iris, a messenger of the Gods - shooting across the sky in record speed and leaving a multi colored rainbow trail - again suggesting a link between gods and humans.
There are many more symbolical references to the rainbow, but one more needs to be mentioned: It is said that God promised Noah there would be no more floods... A Negro Spiritual has put this message in a few meaningful words :

God gave Noah the Rainbow Sign
No more Water
The Fire next Time

For me the rainbow is simply a thing of wonder and beauty, one of Life's Extras. It is not essential for daily living, but certainly a reminder of hope, joy and happiness, an extra that can satisfy the soul's hunger for beauty and inspiration. When I am out with my camera - maybe just after a storm - beholding a rainbow becomes a truly serendipitous event - a bridge between the necessary and the Ultimate.

                                                                                                     

Do only two things in Life                                
    The necessary
    and
    The Ultimate

                                            Dr. Svami Purna