Rainbows serve a variety of symbolic functions across Matelo Kaloje, but rainbow symbolism can generally be divided into two categories: symbolism in
Ringshadow (and polar) areas, and symbolism in non-ringshadow (mostly tropical) areas.
Symbolism in Ringshadow Areas
In the northern hemisphere, northern temperate regions are subjected to signifcant darnkess due to ringshadow. This creates conditions somewhat similar to polar regions that recieve little to no light due to the axial title of
The World. Some cultures attribute rainbows as
The Sun's attempt at creating arches of color and light to oppose the
World's Arch, and as such many of these cultures call rainbows "Sun Arches", as they come with the dispell of the rain and the return of the sunlight.
This oppositional nature also manifests in depictions of the Fae Queens, with the
Summer Queen often having a rainbow worked into her headdress and the
Queen of Air and Darkness having the
World's Arch covering her eyes. Other traditions attribute the rainbow to
Raven, who's feathers were rainbow until
Raven Stole the Sun, blackening his feathers and transferring the rainbow to the Sun. In those stories, the duality of rainbows and the planetary rings is maintained, as the rings are often an attempt to block the sun from the world or return the sun to the Chieftan, and the rainbows are the sun's attempt to support Raven's decision.
Symbolism in Non-Ringshadow Areas
In sunnier regions, rainbows are still incredibly important. The
Rainbow Serpent is a recurring motiff in some culutres, and rainbows generally are seen as a symbol of luck from the gods, dispelling rain which, in some areas, can cause massive flooding. Other regions see rainbows as a symbol of mockery; in particularly dry regions, rain is rare, and as such agricutlre is challenged. Rain is then a blessing, and the rainbow's appearance after the rain is a symbol of good luck ending. Either way, rainbows are a symbol of divine fortune, good or ill.
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