Rainbows (& Butterflies)
In keeping in line with backstory on the children’s book What Do You See? As you may remember this book was in response to my niece’s answer to a question. Which was that her daughters were at a stage of learning their colors. My response was this children’s books about colors. How do I take the idea of learning colors and wanting to infuse a strong sense of self-esteem? What to do? After much pondering the ideas would begin to percolate. For the colors why not use something that consolidates the primary colors? The rainbow. So what else would be supportive of learning about self-acceptance? A memory floated up from an old Ted Talk. Where the speaker had a young lady, of college age look in a mirror and say “Hello, beautiful.” And asked her to do that every morning going forward. Not in an ego, look at me aren’t I great sort of way. But as a self-acceptance, I’m fine just the way I am kind of perspective.
This then reminded me of an additional memory that comes from of a teacher I know who has shared the idea that women are whole beings when healthy. Whole beings! My mind immediately goes to what does that mean and how about we begin a conversation early on about that. In my mind let’s cultivate that. Within a seed, within the caterpillar is the makings of an oak tree or butterfly. It’s inevitable. If little girls understand and embody their wholeness, from the get go, the future may be a brighter place. So taking these three concept, blending them together and trying to simplify through rhyme the story came together. I am grateful to the wonderful, inventive illustrator, Anne Di Martino, whose vision and sense of fun shines through in the illustrations in this story.
I wanted to share some of my findings as I explored Rainbows and its origins. Living in Hawaii, rainbows can be a daily occurrence. In fact the weather conditions can support daily rainbows. Whether it’s an arch over the mountains, or a rainbow from ocean to land. They all have their name in 'ōlelo, the Hawaiian language. I like to look for connections. My niece was born and raised here so there was that added connection. She saw rainbows where she lived on the windward side where there were always mauka (mountain) showers.
As you may know a little or a lot about rainbows, I think it warrants some coverage so we’re on the same sheet of music so to speak. Some of my findings with some research provided by a few sources additionally from National Geographic, Wikipedia and the University of Hawaii.
Did you know? Scientifically, a rainbow is an optical and meteorological phenomenon resulting from the refraction, internal reflection, and dispersion of light in water droplets. This interaction produces a spectrum of light visible in the sky, manifesting as a multicolored arc.
Did you also know? The colors of a rainbow, span from red to violet, with red appearing on the outer part (due to its having a longer wavelength), orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo (in the middle) and violet (on the inner part due to its shorter wavelength).
The history and significance of rainbows stretch across both mythological traditions and scientific understandings. The stories of rainbows weave a diverse cultural fabric across the globe that captures human fascination and imagination with its natural phenomenon.
In mythology, rainbows have been revered and imbued with profound meanings across all cultures:
The Navajo see the rainbow as the path of holy spirits and frequently depict it in their sacred sand paintings.
Māori mythology narrates the tale of Hina, the moon, who created a rainbow to facilitate her mortal husband's return to Earth.
Hindu mythology, the rainbow is envisioned as an archer's bow used by Indra, the god of thunder and war, to shoot arrows of lightning.
In the Christian faith the symbol of the rainbow in Genesis represents God’s promise not to have another flooding of the entire earth. Genesis 9:12-15 (NIV)
The interplay between rainbows in cultural mythology and their scientific explanation reflects humanity's enduring fascination and evolving understanding of this natural wonder. From symbols of gods' promises and communication between worlds to the scientific principles of light and optics, rainbows remain a source of inspiration, curiosity, and awe.
The Hawaiian perspective on rainbows is deeply embedded in both the cultural and natural aspects of the islands. Reflected in the many types of rainbows, and the words and phrases represented in the Hawaiian language. Rainbows are of profoundly significant cultural importance in Hawaii,
In Hawaiian mythology, rainbows symbolize transformation and serve as pathways between Earth and Heaven, akin to many cultures around the world.
The variety of rainbows, including Earth-clinging rainbows (uakoko), photo by Tamara Manley
The standing rainbow shafts (kāhili),
photo by Kait Hansen
The barely visible rainbows (punakea),
photo by Kahea Bencke
and the moonbows (ānuenue kau pō)
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