The Subtle Beauty of Rainbows: A Divine Promise and Celebration of Diversity

Ash A Milton
Jun 29
6 min read

Rainbows have fascinated humans for generations, symbolizing both a captivating natural phenomenon and profound cultural meanings. They reflect everything from divine promises to vibrant celebrations of diversity. This post explores the rich layers of meaning behind rainbows, the science of how they form, and their essential role in social movements such as Gay Pride.

Recently I posted a message about national selfie day and asked for followers to post their favorite book cover. I used a piece of AI generated art; I thought of it as a beautiful rainbow arts and crafts book book cover.

I was overwhelmed and shocked by the responses I received in my feed from what I thought was a fun post to build community around books. I share some of these responses later in the article.

The Scientific Beauty of Rainbows

A rainbow, at its essence, is a stunning atmospheric phenomenon. It forms when sunlight bends or refracts as it passes through raindrops. Here’s how it happens:

Refraction: Sunlight enters a droplet of water and slows down, bending the light.
Reflection: The light reflects off the back of the droplet.
Second Refraction: As it exits the droplet, the light bends again, separating into its color spectrum.

You see colors in the order of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Each color corresponds to a specific wavelength of light. For instance, red has a wavelength of about 620-750 nm, while violet ranges from 380-450 nm. This natural display creates a spectacular arc in the sky, reminding us of the simple wonders of physics that accompany us daily.

Refraction: A Deeper Look at Light

Understanding the formation of rainbows invites us into a broader discussion on light. Light encompasses not only visible rays but also ultraviolet and infrared waves that are beyond human perception.

When light transitions through different mediums, it changes direction and divides into its component colors, presenting a beautiful spectrum. For instance, the speed of light in air is approximately 299,792 kilometers per second, but it slows down in water, causing refraction. This complexity invites us to reflect on life’s multifaceted nature, suggesting that deeper insights often lie just beneath the surface.

Double Rainbow and Science

A double rainbow is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs when sunlight is refracted, reflected, and dispersed in water droplets, resulting in the formation of two concentric arcs of colors in the sky. The primary rainbow, which is the brighter of the two, is formed by a single reflection of light within the droplets, while the secondary rainbow is produced by a double reflection. The colors of a double rainbow follow the order of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet, with the secondary rainbow displaying these colors in reverse order.

The science behind this beautiful display involves principles of optics, including refraction and reflection, as well as the size of the water droplets, which can affect the sharpness and visibility of the rainbows. Observing a double rainbow not only captivates the imagination but also serves as a reminder of the intricate interactions between light and water in our atmosphere.

The Rainbow as a Promise from God in the Christian Faith

In the Judeo-Christian tradition, rainbows carry deep spiritual significance. The most famous reference is in the Book of Genesis, where after the Great Flood, a rainbow appeared as God's promise not to flood the Earth again. This biblical story infuses the rainbow's imagery with hope and renewal. For many, it signifies divine mercy, turning each vibrant color into a reminder of faith and the promise of brighter days.

Biblical references, like Ezekiel 1:28 and Revelation 4:2-3, also associate the rainbow with God's glory. This perception reinforces the idea that rainbows serve as more than just a natural spectacle; they become a spiritual touchstone in moments of uncertainty.

Rainbows in Culture and Symbolism

Rainbows have found their way into various cultures. They often symbolize peace, hope, and the connection between different realms. For example, in many Indigenous cultures, a rainbow acts as a bridge linking the earthly and spiritual worlds, serving as a reminder of our bond with nature and each other.

In literature and art, rainbows symbolize unity among diverse communities. For instance, the phrase "chasing rainbows" reflects the pursuit of dreams and the beauty of striving for something greater despite life’s challenges.

This symbolism takes on new meaning within the LGBTQ+ community, where the rainbow flag represents pride and diversity. This flag has become a universal emblem, with growth in visibility noted by a 2019 study, which found that 78% of LGBTQ+ individuals reported being proud of their identity.

The Rainbow and Gay Pride

The rainbow flag, designed by artist Gilbert Baker in 1978, encapsulates the essence of diversity and inclusion. Each color holds significance; for example, blue stands for harmony, and yellow signifies sunlight. Initially featuring eight colors, the flag was simplified to six but has retained its core values.

Today, the flag flies high during pride events globally, celebrating love and acceptance in the face of adversity. For instance, the 2025Pride March in New York City attracted over 1 million attendees, reflecting the enduring spirit of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.

The rainbow symbolizes more than just colors; it’s a powerful message of resilience and solidarity, reminding us of the importance of embracing diversity in all its forms.

The rainbow flag, designed by artist Gilbert Baker in 1978

The Emotional Connection to Rainbows

On a personal level, rainbows can evoke strong feelings. They often stir memories of childhood wonder or provide solace during challenging moments. Each fleeting glimpse of a rainbow serves as a poignant reminder to appreciate the present.

These displays of color inspire creativity in many artists, poets, and musicians. For example, Claude Monet's paintings "A Rainbow over Giverny" captures the essence of nature's vibrancy. Similarly, songs like "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" express deep emotions tied to hope and longing.

The temporary nature of rainbows serves as a metaphor for life's joy arising after difficult times. Just like rainbows emerge after a storm, they remind us that happiness can follow adversity.

The Intersection of Science and Spirituality

The fascinating link between science and spirituality presents a compelling narrative around rainbows. While rainbows are rooted in physics, they also carry rich cultural and spiritual meanings.

This intersection encourages us to appreciate both the empirical wonder of nature and the faith embedded within its symbolism. Our perception of the world can embrace both scientific explanations and spiritual significance, enriching our experience of life.

By contemplating this harmony, we can better understand our surroundings. Are we merely observing light refracted through droplets of water, or are we also recognizing the spiritual messages they encapsulate?

Rainbow Are too Beautiful for Hate

Imagine my surprise when a post about sharing book covers resulted in some of the ugliest comments I have ever personally received from my fellow humans. This was all in response to the post at the beginning of this article about selfies that had an AI generated book cover with rainbow craft art.

If you have friends are relatives who are LGBTQ+, whether you agree with their choices or not, this is the level of negativity they are facing. Please remember that everyone deserves kindness.

Celebrating Diversity: A Personal Commitment

Rainbows serve as powerful reminders of the beauty of diversity, a sentiment increasingly important in our society. Belonging to a diverse community enriches experiences and fosters understanding among people from various backgrounds.

Episcopal Faith and Love

In 1976, both the House of Deputies and House of Bishops voted for a fully inclusive Episcopal Church, stating, “homosexual persons are children of God who have a full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance, and pastoral concern and care of the church.” Canon law includes “gender identity or expression” in its list of persons who are assured full access to the ministry of the church. The law further specifies that administrative forms must include options for both preferred and legal names, and for gender identity and pronoun preference. In an intentional move toward diversity. Not all Christians preach hate and judgement.

Taking Action

Taking active steps in our daily lives means more than just acknowledgment; it requires action. This can include standing up for the marginalized, advocating for social justice, or supporting inclusive policies within our communities. For instance, 67% of people in a survey by the Human Rights Campaign stated they would support businesses that openly support LGBTQ+ rights.

By promoting inclusivity and championing diversity, we echo the vibrant spectrum of the rainbow, working toward a society that celebrates every individual's unique contributions.

A Bright Future with Rainbows

The beauty of rainbows—whether seen after a rainstorm or represented in cultural symbols—connects us through a universal language of hope and diversity. They remind us not only of divine promises but also of the vibrant spectrum of identities that comprise our world.

As we continue to navigate an ever-evolving society, let us embrace the lessons from rainbows: celebrate diversity, recognize our differences, and find beauty in every moment.

In cherishing what rainbows symbolize, we can deepen our understanding of ourselves and one another, transcending barriers to create communities filled with love and acceptance.