What Does The Symbol Of The Rainbow Signify?

[idiosyncrasy]

Today we see pictures and signs of rainbows on fences, in windows and painted on walls in honour of the NHS.
Only a few years ago it was the sign of the LGBT community.
The first rainbow is mentioned in the Book of Genesis Chapter 9 v 8 - 16.
So what actually is this symbol?

[andy-hughes]

Interesting.

I have obviously noticed the link with the NHS and support workers re Covid, but assumed it was just a symbol of optimism - will be interested to hear if it is anything else.

[dannyk13]

//Only a few years ago it was the sign of the LGBT community.//
As far as I know it still is.

[Atheist]

Firstly, the rainbow is an explicable physical phenomenon, which was so inspiring thaqt humans sought an explanation for it. Knowing nothing about refraction and reflection of light, they wondered what caused it, and decided there might be some supernatural or magical power which might be trying to tell us something. So, they invented stories to make sense of the world.
I don't know what the current symbolism is meant to be, but it is often associated with a coming together of disparate things like skin colour, sexuality etc., which are considered to form a beautiful result.

[dannyk13]

One explanation here:-

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiewareham/2020/05/06/should-the-lgbt-community-call-out-nhs-appropriation-of-rainbow-flag/?sh=292e1a82d544

[Hopkirk]

Nothing against the LGBT community, but I was glad to see it being used recently for supporting key workers. It shouldn't be for their sole use.

[Peter Pedant]

gay still

I am sure that users of a rainbow motif are not thinking of Genesis ( sin of onan etc)

I am OK with it - unlike the union flag being appropriated by the far right organiations - but dont object to same using swastika or SS stormtrooper runes

[tiggerblue10]

I don't know but they are certainly a beautiful phenomena indicating the passing of dark clouds and the sun coming out. A symbol of beauty.

[Peter Pedant]

There is also another rainbow flag
washed out like it looks a particularly attentive gay has washed the rainbow flag at 100'C a few hundred times

and that is for people who think they arent included or should be included

[Paigntonian]

Methinks that, Biblically at least, it was a sign from God that he would never let the earth be subjected to a Great Flood again.

[Mamyalynne]

The Rainbow has had many outings over history, I generally see it as a sign of change and light in the future.

https://ccstp.org.uk/articles/2020/7/10/a-spectrum-of-meanings-one-contested-symbol#:~:text=A%20symbol%20of%20faith%20and,an%20ongoing%20desire%20for%20peace.

[ToraToraTora]

many signs have multiple uses to multiple organisations. Pride may use the rainbow but they don't have copyright over it.

[naomi24]

A rainbow is seen after rain. I assume it’s used, quite appropriately, as a symbol of brighter times ahead.

[barry1010]

It will always bring Bungle, Zippy and George to mind first.

[woofgang]

it has also been used to symbolise a bridge https://norse-mythology.org/cosmology/bifrost/

[jackthehat]

The LGBTQ+ flag isn't a true rainbow, it only has 6 colours (a couple featured in earlier incarnation were removed due to fabric colour-printing constraints).
It rarely appears as an 'arch' and is a colour-palette specifically designed to convey a particular meaning.
The NHS *does* seem to have adopted it as their own and it will be interesting to see if the association lasts beyond the pandemic.

[pixie374]

Optimism, I think. Works everywhere.

[Theland]

More stupid symbolism of politically correct inclusiveness.
Bring on the next fad.

[Mamyalynne]

Goodness Theland, after the help you have received recently from the NHS I would have thought a beautiful symbol of hope would please you.

[pastafreak]

I somehow doubt Theland is referring to the NHS.

[Mamyalynne]

He is both transparent and ungrateful then.