Looking up after a rainstorm to see the gentle, glowing colors of a rainbow is a magical moment.
The shimmering spectrum of color against the sky makes us stop for a moment and remember how beautiful and amazing our world really is.
Today, we know how white light is refracted and split into different colors, which is pretty amazing on its own, but cultures all around the world have long found meaning and magic in this beautiful phenomenon.
In both Greek and Norse mythology, the rainbow was the bridge that connected the earthly realm with the divine. To Australian aboriginal people, it's the snake-bodied diety of water. And in the Bible, it's a symbol of God's promise.
And we still love them today. That's why you can find the always pleasing spectrum of colors decorating all kinds of things, including summery hairdos and even humble box fans. They're a symbol of joy, love, and diversity.
When we came across this rainbow legend, though, we found an instant favorite.
Although its origin is unknown, it's circulated the globe for many years. It's most often entitled "Quarrel of the Colors," and attributed to Native American folklore.
No matter its origin, its lesson is one that we should all be reminded of now and again. Read on to check it out!
'Quarrel of the Colors,' A Native American Origin Tale (Author Unknown)
"Once upon a time, the colors of the world started to quarrel. All claimed that they were the best, the most important, the most useful, the favorite."
'Green said...'
"Clearly I am the most important. I am the sign of life and of hope. I was chosen for grass, trees, leaves. Without me, all animals would die. Look over the countryside and you will see that I am in the majority."
'Blue interrupted...'
"You only think about the earth, but consider the sky and the sea. It is the water that is the basis of life and drawn up by the clouds from the deep sea. The sky gives space and peace and serenity. Without peace, you would all be nothing."
'Yellow chuckled...'
"You are all so serious. I bring laughter, gaiety, and warmth into the world. The sun is yellow, the moon is yellow, the stars are yellow. Every time you look at a sunflower, the whole world starts to smile. Without me there would be no fun."
'Orange started next to blow her trumpet...'
"I am the color of health and strength. I may be scarce, but I am precious for I serve the needs of human life. I carry the most important vitamins. Think of carrots, pumpkins, oranges, mangoes, and pawpaws. I don't hang around all the time, but when I fill the sky at sunrise or sunset, my beauty is so striking that no one gives another thought to any of you."
'Red could stand it no longer. He shouted out...'
"I am the ruler of all of you. I am blood — life's blood! I am the color of danger and of bravery. I am willing to fight for a cause. I bring fire into the blood. Without me, the earth would be as empty as the moon. I am the color of passion and of love, the red rose, the poinsettia and the poppy."
'Purple rose up to his full height. He was very tall and spoke with great pomp...'
"I am the color of royalty and power. Kings, chiefs, and bishops have always chosen me for I am the sign of authority and wisdom. People do not question me — they listen and obey."
'Finally, Indigo spoke, much more quietly than all the others, but with just as much determination...'
"Think of me. I am the color of silence. You hardly notice me, but without me you all become superficial. I represent thought and reflection, twilight and deep water. You need me for balance and contrast, for prayer and inner peace."
'...Suddenly there was a startling flash of bright lightening. Thunder rolled and boomed...'
"Rain started to pour down relentlessly. The colors crouched down in fear, drawing close to one another for comfort…"
'In the midst of the clamor, Rain began to speak...'
“You foolish colors, fighting amongst yourselves, each trying to dominate the rest. Don’t you know that you were each made for a special purpose, unique and different? Join hands with one another and come to me.
“Doing as they were told, the colors united and joined hands…”
'The Rain continued...'
“From now on, when it rains, each of you will stretch across the sky in a great bow of color as a reminder that you can all live in peace. The rainbow is a sign of hope for tomorrow.”
"And so, whenever a good rain washes the world, and a rainbow appears in the sky, let us remember to appreciate one another."
—Story found at Native American Wisdom
Please SHARE if you think everyone could learn from this beautiful rainbow legend!
