Symbolism of the Rainbow
Across the world, the rainbow is a spiritual symbol [1] of hope and the power of the gods.
In the Book of Genesis, after the great flood, God said, 'I set my bow in the clouds to serve as a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.' [2]
The rainbow is a sign of hope; it is a promise to never destroy the world by a great flood again. This is true in other traditions, including the Lakota people of North America. [3] Modern symbolism of the rainbow has expanded from the theme of hope to also encompass inclusiveness and diversity. [1]
Rainbow Dragons
A rainbow-colored dragon is quite uncommon. The exception is the Rainbow Serpent, or Rainbow Snake, found in traditions across the world. The Rainbow Serpent devours people and vomits them back up, symbolizing death and rebirth.
Some dragons are associated with the rainbow in other ways. For example, the Aztecs said that the dragon god Quetzalcoatl could be seen flying across the sky in the form of a rainbow.
Rainbow dragons are inherently connected to the weather, specifically the rain, since the natural manifestation of the rainbow is after a rainstorm.
Dragons of Fame: Quetzalcoatl, Aido Hwedo / Dan Ayido Hwedo, The Rainbow Serpent
All of the dragon graphics on this page were created by Donna Quinn.
Footnotes
- Color Psychology and Spirituality
- Genesis 9:13
- Erdoes 498
For more information on footnotes and references, please see the bibliography.
