Join us at the campfire for tales from around the world, told by storytellers of all backgrounds and creeds. From the heros and heroines of old, let us relearn and rediscover the wisdom of our ancestors. Shhh..the story begins..

Long ago, there was a time when the colors of the world began to quarrel. Each one claimed that it was the best or the most important or the most useful...or the favorite of the people.

Green declared: "Clearly, I am the most important for I am the symbol of life and hope. I was chosen as the color of grass and the leaves and the trees. Without me, all animals would die. Look out over the countryside and you will see that I am certainly in the majority!"

But then, Blue interrupted: "You think only about the Earth, but consider the Sky and the Sea. It is Water which is the basis of life and drawn up by the clouds from the deep Oceans. The Sky provides space and peace and serenity. Without me, you would all amount to nothing!"

Yellow began to chuckle. "You are all so serious," it stated. "I bring laughter, gaiety and warmth to the world. The Sun is yellow...the Moon is yellow...the stars are yellow. Every time you look upon a Sunflower, the whole world starts to smile. Without me, there would be no fun!"

At these words, Orange lost its temper. "I am the color of health and strength," it proclaimed. "I may be scarce, but I am precious for I serve the needs of human life. I carry the most important vitamins. Think of carrots, pumpkins, oranges, mangos and pawpaws. I may not be visible all the time, but when I do fill the Sky at Sunrise or Sunset, my beauty is so striking that nobody gives a second thought to any of you!"

Red could stand the discussion no longer. "I am the ruler of all of you," it shouted. "I am blood...life's blood! I am the color of danger and of bravery. I am willing to fight for a cause. I bring fire to the blood. I am the representative of passion and of love...the red rose, the poppy and the poinsettia. Without me, the Earth would be as empty as the Moon!"

Purple then rose to its full height. It was very tall and spoke with great pomp: "I am the color of royalty and power. Kings, chiefs and bishops have always chosen me, for I am a sign of authority and wisdom. People do not question me. They listen and they obey!"

Finally, Indigo decided to speak. It's voice was much more quiet than all the others, but possessed an equally determined tone: "Think of me. I am the color of silence. I am hardly noticed, but without me, you all become superficial. I am symbolic of thought and reflection. I am needed for balance and for contrast...for prayer and inner peace!"

On and on, did all the colors continue to boast and bicker, each one convinced of its own superiority. Soon, their quarreling become louder and louder until there was a startling flash of bright lightning following by the rolling boom of thunder. Rain began to pour down relentlessly. The colors crouched down in fear, drawing close to one another for comfort.

In the midst of the clamor, the colors united and joined hands. The Rain continued: "From this point on," it declared, "each of you will stretch across the Sky in a great bow of colors as a reminder that you can all live in peace. Thus, will the RainBow be a sign of hope for tomorrow!"

And so, whenever a good Rain washes the world and a RainBow appears in the Sky, it serves as a reminder that everyone should learn to appreciate the value and worth to be found in others.

A section has been added to Penumbra entitled "Rainbow Bridge," dedicated to the memory of our beloved animal companions. It features various pieces of work, whose words, it is hoped, will bring solace and comfort to those who have lost a dear little furry (or feathered or scaled...etc.) one.

It contains an area known as "BlueBird Bower" where a memorial may be placed by anyone upon request in the name of their departed pet (no species refused).

Just click on "RainBow Bridge" on the home page to access the area described.