April showers not only bring May flowers, but they also create the perfect conditions for rainbows during the month of April. That’s probably why April 3rd is National Find A Rainbow Day—a day when everyone is encouraged to go outdoors and find a rainbow. What will be at the end of that rainbow? We don’t know, but according to popular legends, there could be pots of gold or even other worlds. Although that’s unlikely, it’s still a great excuse to head outdoors, get some fresh air, and see if you can spot your own rainbow.

Facts About Rainbows

Unfortunately, we were unable to find any information about who established National Find A Rainbow Day. However, we did discover a lot of fun and interesting information about this colorful natural phenomenon. Let’s take a look at some of these rainbow facts before we discuss how to celebrate this holiday.

• In Latin, “arcus pluvius” means “rainy arch”—the Ancient Romans’ name for the rainbow.
• Speaking of the Ancient Romans, they believed that rainbows were a path created by the goddess Iris.
• Rainbows feature in many myths and religions around the world.
• The Rainbow Bridge is a collection of poetic works that tell of an otherworldly place where pets go after death.
• Rainbows that occur by the light of the moon are aptly named moonbows.
• Rainbows occur when white light is split into its different colors on the spectrum by water droplets.
• Rainbows don’t actually have stripes; the color gradation is continuous.
• The human mind perceives the stripes in the rainbow.
• Bifröst is the mythical bridge that connected Midgard (Earth) with Asgard (the realm of the gods) in Norse mythology.

Children’s Books About Rainbows

Reading a book about rainbows is also a great way for parents to spend this holiday with their children. There is a surprisingly large collection of books that are either about rainbows or feature rainbows in their stories. Below are a few of them.

• A Rainbow of My Own by Don Freeman
• The Rainbow Book by Kate Ohrt
• Curious George Discovers the Rainbow by H.A. Rey
• Rainbow Stew by Cathryn Falwell
• Encyclopedia of Rainbows: Our World Organized by Color by Julie Seabrook Ream

Observing National Find A Rainbow Day

Observing this holiday is as simple as going out and looking for a rainbow. However, if it hasn’t rained in a while, finding a natural rainbow might be difficult, so you might have to create your own. You can do this using a garden hose and some sunlight, or you can purchase a prism that splits white light into different colors. You can also spend the day watching The Wizard of Oz or by making rainbow-themed food. And while you’re celebrating this holiday, don’t forget to use the hashtag #NationalFindARainbowDay to let everyone know you’re participating in this colorful celebration.