rainbow magazine

RAINBOW RAINBOW RAINBOW Issue 01 Rainbow symbol

WINTER

R A I N Letter from the Editor

I think that rainbows are more than just a natural phenomenon or optical illusion. People of all ages have different impressions of rainbows, and every culture attaches different symbolic meanings to rainbows. As we grow up, we realize that rainbows are not real; they are an

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MAGA

B O W illusion, and humans can see rainbows only because we can see certain colors in the visible light spectrum. I want to focus on the symbolism of rainbows and the special and surprising meanings that are attached to them.

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Z I N E

CONTENTS The Seven Symbols of the Rainbow

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1. Joy and Vitality

05–06

2. Hope and Promise

09–10

3. Rebirth and Equality

13–14

4. Good Luck

17–18

5. Communication

21–22

6. Peace and Love

25–26

7. Death

29–30

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CONTRIBUTORS Photo contributors:

Laura Mallonee

3

Tom Harris

22–1

Rachel Paula Abrahamson

4

rdshanky

22–2

Linkun Zhen

6, 8, 10–1, 12

Linkun Zhen

23, 24

Elfi Kluck

7

Por Margarita Lázaro

26

E.vavaka

10–2

Rainbow Montessori Multicultural School

27

Shutterstock/elladoro

14–1 Albertoghizzipanizza

29–1

Josh Cripps

29–2

Linkun Zhen

30, 34

r/wallpapers

33

Kait Hanson

14–2

Darryl Dyck

15

Stephanie Gonot

16

Grmarc

18

dbking

19

Coronet Photos

20

Thanks to all photo contributors.

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Joy and Vitality

By Linkun Zhen

In many cultures, bright colors always give people a feeling of vitality.

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When people imagine a joyful scene, they usually conjure up a variety of colors in their minds to reflect the happy atmosphere.

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Hope and Promise

By Linkun Zhen

In the Bible, the rainbow is regarded as a symbol of hope and promise, when God flooded the earth to rid it of sin and evil. After the Flood, Noah left the Ark and was greeted by a rainbow shining over the ocean.

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The rainbow was said to be a symbol from God to announce to the world that there would be no more floods; this was the sign of a new day, and a promise of a better future. The rainbow, therefore, acts as a symbol of God’s promise to humankind.

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Rebirth and Equality

By Linkun Zhen

In modern society, the rainbow is a symbol of success and rebirth after human suffering and tribulation.

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Today, the rainbow is also used as a symbol of LGBTQ+ society; the colors of the rainbow reflect the diversity of the community and the full spectrum of human sexuality and gender.

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Good Luck

By Linkun Zhen

In Celtic and Irish mythology, the appearance of a rainbow is often regarded as a symbol of good luck. A rainbow signifies the promise of treasure.

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According to myth, leprechauns hide their gold at the end of rainbows for safekeeping, and if someone comes across a rainbow and gets to the end, they will find the gold, which is why some people associate rainbows with good luck.

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COMMUNI CATION

COMM U N I CA TION

By Linkun Zhen

In Greek and Norse mythology, the rainbow is said to be the gateway, path, or portal that connects the two realms of Earth, joining the two worlds and providing a path to the Gods. In Norse mythology, a rainbow was also the sign of a fallen soldier and acted as a bridge between the mortal and immortal world.

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Peace and Love

By Linkun Zhen

In some religions, the rainbow symbolizes peace after death. The rainbow is a ladder leading the dead to heaven.

In some cultures, the rainbow element in a funeral is a symbol of peace for the soul.

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LOVE

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PEACE

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In many cultures, the rainbow can be associated with almost all beautiful things.

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Death

By Linkun Zhen

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In Buddhism, the body transcends into a form known as the "Buddhist light" after death, which is a sign of one’s ascension to God.

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Rainbows can be found all over the world

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