The Rainbow Covenant

The Rainbow Covenant

These days it seems that rainbows are everywhere. They are used for secular causes such as Pride or with stories of Leprechauns and their pot of gold; and have you been in a toy shop lately? It seems every unicorn; magical creature is endowed with some type of rainbow symbol. It is very easy to take Rainbows for granted. Christianity has its own rainbows too. However, the origins of the Rainbow as a symbol is firmly rooted in the Catholic religion. Not as some gesture of gamesmanship or fiction, but as a beautiful Covenant between God and mankind.

There are seven colours in the Christian rainbow. On a basic level Six of the colours stand for the Six days of Creation and the Seventh stands for God’s Day of rest. However, in more detail each colour has a different meaning.

Red – Represents the blood of Christ, sacrifice, and redemption.
Orange – Often associated with endurance and strength.
Yellow – Symbolizes God’s glory, joy, and presence.
Green – Stands for growth, new life, and restoration.
Blue – Reflects heaven, the Word of God, and divine truth.
Indigo – Linked to deep contemplation, the Holy Spirit, and spiritual wisdom.
Violet (or purple) – Represents royalty, priesthood, and the majesty of God.

They can also be interpreted as the Seven spirits of God. These are seen as gifts of the Holy Spirit to help Catholics live a life more focused on God.
Red - Spirit of the Lord
Orange - Spirit of Wisdom
Yellow - Spirit of Understanding
Green - Spirit of Counsel
Royal Blue - Spirit of Might
Indigo - Spirit of Knowledge
Violet - Spirit of the Fear of the Lord

This is a beautiful thing and a wonderful symbol of God’s creation. However, its history in the church goes back to the early days, all the way back to Genesis. After the Great Flood, at the beginning of the post-antediluvian age, when the flood waters had subsided and it was safe to walk on the firmament (Earth) again. God made a covenant with Noah and mankind, that he would never again flood the Earth and destroy everyone. This is in Genesis 9:

God said to Noah and to his sons with him: "See, I am now establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you: I will establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all bodily creatures be destroyed by the waters of a flood;" God added: "This is the sign that I am giving for all ages to come, of the covenant between me and you and every living creature with you: I set my bow in the clouds to serve as a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Genesis 9: 8-13

There are a lot of colours in Christian symbols, even today the logo of the Jubilee year 2025 has different colours in the sails. However, apart from the symbolism of the rainbow images. It helps to remember that an actual rainbow, the rainbow you see in the sky. Is the original Rainbow Covenant of God. This is why Rainbows appear after it rains and when the sun shines. It is a reminder from God that even though it was raining, his Rainbow Covenant with mankind is forever in place.

When I bring clouds over the earth, and the bow appears in the clouds, I will recall the covenant I have made between me and you and all living beings, so that the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all mortal beings. Genesis 9: 14-15

In such a colourful secular world it is easy to take rainbows for granted. We must not forget its origins. So, the next time it rains on a sunny day, look up and see God’s Rainbow which is a constant reminder of his Covenant with us since the dawn of time; and maybe share that knowledge with others looking at the sky in wonder.