Rainbow and our Belief

Have you ever seen “Rainbow”?

I think, no one say “No”.

Ah! Yes, it’s a phenomenon that occurs after the rain.

Our Thai words for “Rainbow” is “Rung Gin Nam”.

Rung means 7 colors of the rainbow

Gin means eat or drink

Nam means water

When we see Rung Gin Nam, we think, Rung, which we compare with something that is alive, is drinking water after the rain.

I believe that each country has its own belief about the rainbow and there are many stories or theories to explain the birth of the rainbow.

For Thailand, our ancient people believed that the rainbow was created by angel. Rainbow is alive, sacred, and mysterious. Therefore, our ancient people forbid us not to point our fingers at the rainbow, otherwise, our fingers would disappear.

When I was a child, I didn’t understand why my parent forbided me not to do that, but, I followed their instruction strictly even though I would love to point my finger to the beautiful rainbow to persuade my friends to see it with me.

When I grew up, I can learn that the real reason why they forbid us not to point our fingers at the rainbow is as to avoid any danger of our fingers to pierce the eyes of others.

As after the rain stop, we usually see the rainbow. And when many children gather together cheerfully to see the rainbow, they may point their fingers at the rainbow and accidentally hurt the eyes of others. That’s why this is forbidden.

Or, if the rainbow occurs in the East, we believe that there will be good things occur. (For me, I think, no matter where it occurs, good things will occur, for sure!)

How about your belief about rainbow?

p.s. I took photos of the rainbow over the city from the express way near Bangkok a few days ago.