This celestial spectacle, known as a solar or sun halo, is a rare occurrence, gracing the skies with its breathtaking beauty only under specific atmospheric conditions.
When ice crystals suspended high in the atmosphere align just right, they act as prisms, refracting sunlight and creating a magnificent circular halo around the sun. It’s as if nature has crafted a crown for the mighty star that sustains life on our planet.
In folklore and myth, the halo around the sun often signifies mystical occurrences or impending changes. Its appearance is seen as a bridge between the earthly and the divine, prompting tales of magical realms and celestial guardians.
Even today, amidst our scientific understanding, the sight of a sun halo continues to stir our souls, reminding us of the enchantment beyond our everyday existence.
Spiritual Meaning of Rainbow around the Sun
Observing a rainbow around the sun is not merely a spectacle for the eyes but a profound experience that resonates deeply within the human spirit, touching upon the realms of spirituality and symbolism that transcend cultural boundaries.
Across diverse spiritual paths and cultural traditions, the appearance of a rainbow encircling the sun carries significant spiritual implications, often invoking themes of hope, renewal, and divine communication.
- Indigenous cultures
Rainbows have been revered as sacred symbols in many indigenous cultures worldwide, bridging the earthly and spiritual realms.
The appearance of a rainbow around the sun is often interpreted as a powerful sign from the ancestors or the divine spirits.
Among Native American traditions, for instance, the rainbow is seen as a manifestation of the Great Spirit’s presence, symbolizing blessings, protection, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Encircling the sun is believed to signify a time of spiritual awakening or a message of guidance from the higher realms.
- Ancient Civilizations
Similarly, the rainbow was associated with deities and cosmic forces in various ancient civilizations, such as the Mayans, Incas, and Aztecs. Its appearance around the sun was seen as a celestial event of great significance, heralding a period of transformation or the fulfilment of prophecies.
These cultures interpreted such phenomena as omens of change, inviting people to reflect on their spiritual paths and embrace the opportunities for growth and renewal.
- Eastern Spiritual Traditions
In many Eastern spiritual traditions, including Hinduism and Buddhism, rainbows also hold symbolic importance.
They are often depicted in religious art and texts as bridges between the earthly and divine realms, representing the path to enlightenment and the union of opposites.
When seen around the sun, rainbows are interpreted as auspicious signs, indicating divine blessings or the presence of enlightened beings.
- Christianity, Judaism, and Islam
Across Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, the rainbow carries profound symbolism rooted in the Abrahamic narrative of the flood. In the biblical story of Noah’s Ark, God sent a rainbow as a sign of the covenant between Himself and humanity, promising never to destroy the earth with a flood again.
Therefore, the appearance of a rainbow, particularly around the sun, is viewed as a reminder of God’s mercy, grace, and faithfulness, offering hope and reassurance in times of adversity.
- Contemporary Spiritual Practices
In contemporary spiritual practices, such as New Age spirituality and holistic healing modalities, rainbows are often associated with energy centres (chakras) and the alignment of body, mind, and spirit.
When a rainbow forms around the sun, it’s interpreted as a harmonizing of cosmic energies and a message from the universe to embrace one’s true essence and purpose.
Scientific Explanation of Sun Halos
Here’s how it works in simple terms:
Ice crystals:When there are high-altitude clouds made of tiny ice crystals, sunlight can pass through them.
Refraction:When sunlight enters these ice crystals, it bends or refracts. This happens because light travels slower in ice than in the air.
Prism effect:The bent sunlight inside the ice crystals acts like a prism, splitting white sunlight into its component colours—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet—like when you shine light through a glass prism.
Halo formation: The refracted sunlight exits the ice crystals at different angles, creating a circle of light around the sun. This circle forms the halo, often seen as a colourful ring around the sun.
Rainbow effect:Sometimes, if the ice crystals are just right, the refraction can produce a full rainbow effect, with all the colours visible in a circular pattern around the sun. This is similar to how rainbows form after a rain shower, but in this case, it’s ice crystals instead of raindrops.
Historical Beliefs and Legends
- Scandinavia
In Norse mythology, the rainbow was known as Bifröst, a bridge connecting the mortal realm (Midgard) to the realm of the gods (Asgard).
As per legend, Bifröst was described as a glowing rainbow bridge that could only be traversed by the gods and the souls of the worthy fallen warriors. The appearance of a rainbow around the sun was believed to signify the presence of the gods or a divine message, with Bifröst serving as a symbol of hope and the connection between humanity and the divine.
- New Zealand
Rainbows hold great spiritual significance among the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand. According to Maori mythology, rainbows are the celestial pathway the God Tāne uses to descend from the heavens to the earth.
The appearance of a rainbow around the sun was seen as a manifestation of Tāne’s presence or a message from the divine realm. It was also believed that encountering a rainbow during a journey brought blessings and protection, guiding travellers safely to their destination.
- Chinese Mythology
In Chinese mythology, rainbows were associated with the celestial realm and were believed to be the bridge used by deities to travel between heaven and earth.
The appearance of a rainbow around the sun was considered an auspicious sign, symbolizing harmony between the yin and yang forces and the balance of cosmic energies.
According to legend, the rainbow was also seen as a pathway for deceased ancestors to return to the celestial realm, bringing comfort to the living and ensuring a peaceful transition to the afterlife.
- Hawaiian Culture
In Hawaiian mythology, rainbows are revered as the embodiment of the goddess Hina, associated with the moon and fertility.
According to legend, Hina created rainbows to symbolize her beauty and power, adorning the skies with vibrant colours to bring joy and prosperity to the islands.
The appearance of a rainbow around the sun was seen as a celestial dance performed by Hina, inviting blessings and abundance to the land.
It was also believed that witnessing a rainbow around the sun granted protection and good fortune to those who beheld it.
- Arctic
Among the Inuit people of the Arctic regions, rainbows were seen as mystical phenomena associated with spirits and the supernatural.
According to Inuit folklore, the appearance of a rainbow around the sun was believed to be the work of the moon spirit, who used colourful ribbons to weave a bridge between the earthly and celestial realms.
This celestial pathway was thought to guide the souls of the departed to the afterlife, ensuring their safe journey to the spirit world.
The rainbow around the sun was thus regarded as a sacred symbol of transition and transformation, marking the passage from one realm to another.
Symbolism of Rainbows in Various Cultures
- Greek and Roman Mythology
In ancient Greek and Roman cultures, rainbows were associated with the messenger gods Hermes and Iris, respectively.
Hermes was believed to use rainbows as pathways to deliver messages between the gods and mortals, while Iris was considered the personification of the rainbow itself.
In art and mythology, rainbows often symbolized communication, bridging the gap between the heavens and the earth.
They were also seen as symbols of promise and divine intervention, representing hope and renewal after strife or hardship.
- Native American Traditions
Among various Native American tribes, rainbows held symbolic significance in rituals and ceremonies. For example, the Navajo people regarded rainbows as bridges between the physical and spiritual worlds, often incorporating rainbow motifs into their sand paintings and tapestries. In Lakota culture, the appearance of a rainbow during the Sun Dance ceremony was interpreted as a message from the spirits, guiding participants on their spiritual journey and affirming their connection to the natural world.
- Japanese Culture
In Japanese folklore and art, rainbows were often depicted as divine guardians or protectors. The Japanese God of rainbows, Ame no Uzume, was revered as a deity of joy and celebration, often depicted dancing beneath rainbows to bring happiness and prosperity. In traditional Japanese art, rainbows were commonly depicted alongside deities or auspicious symbols, symbolizing good fortune and divine blessings.
- African Traditions
In many African cultures, rainbows were symbols of transformation and spiritual growth. For example, among the Zulu people of South Africa, rainbows were seen as manifestations of ancestral spirits, guiding the souls of the departed to the afterlife. In Nigerian folklore, rainbows were associated with the trickster deity Eshu, who used them as pathways to traverse the celestial realm.
- Celtic Mythology
In Celtic tradition, rainbows were often associated with magical beings and supernatural phenomena. According to Celtic folklore, leprechauns were said to hide their pots of gold at the end of rainbows, leading to the popular legend of the “pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.”
In Celtic art and symbolism, rainbows were often depicted as symbols of protection and luck, adorning talismans and amulets to ward off evil spirits and bring blessings to the wearer.
How to Observe a Rainbow around the Sun Safely?
Use Protective Eyewear:Never look directly at the sun, even when a halo or rainbow surrounds it. Doing so can cause permanent eye damage. Instead, use certified solar viewing glasses or filters to observe the sun safely. These glasses block harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation, allowing you to view the sun without risking eye injury.
Indirect Observation:One safe way to observe sun halos or rainbows is through indirect methods. You can use a pinhole projector or a solar telescope with proper solar filters to project an image of the sun onto a screen or piece of paper. This lets you view the halo or rainbow without looking directly at the sun.
Early Morning or Late Afternoon:The best times to observe sun halos or rainbows are during the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower in the sky. At these times, the angle of the sunlight passing through the atmosphere is more conducive to the formation of halos or rainbows.
Look for High-Altitude Clouds:Sun halos are often formed by the refraction of sunlight through ice crystals in high-altitude cirrus clouds. Keep an eye out for thin, wispy clouds that appear at 20,000 feet or higher altitudes. These clouds can create beautiful halos or rainbows around the sun.
Avoid Staring Directly at the Sun:Even with protective eyewear, it’s important to avoid staring directly at the sun for extended periods. Take frequent breaks and limit your observation time to prevent eye strain and fatigue.
Final Words
In cultures spanning the globe and across centuries, the appearance of a rainbow encircling the sun has sparked awe and inspired profound interpretations.
From indigenous traditions to major world religions, this celestial phenomenon continues to resonate as a symbol of hope, renewal, and divine communication.
Whether viewed through the lens of mythology, spirituality, or science, the rainbow around the sun serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between humanity and the cosmos.
Its significance transcends cultural boundaries, inviting us to contemplate our place in the universe and embrace the beauty and wonder surrounding us.
