Find a Rainbow Day

National Find a Rainbow Day, observed on April 3, is a wonderful opportunity to remember that the rainbow is associated with great joy and nostalgia for childhood. However, children don’t need to remember anything—this holiday, with all its colors, is always alive in their hearts. It’s also a perfect occasion for them to learn more about the rainbow.

History

The exact origins of this holiday are hard to trace. However, it likely exists because people have a universal love for rainbows—perhaps the most accurate definition of this day’s meaning. Parents can take this opportunity to teach their children the basics of light refraction and simply marvel at this small, everyday miracle.

How to Celebrate

A classic experiment to create a rainbow, which can be done any time of the year, is quite simple. For this experiment, you will need: a transparent glass beaker filled with water and sunlight. It’s best to perform the experiment in the evening or morning when the sun is low in the sky. Stand with your back to the sun so that the rays illuminate the container. Slowly raise or lower the glass until a rainbow appears. The rainbow can be large or small and is best seen against light surfaces.

An outdoor garden experiment with a hose is another way to create a rainbow, especially enjoyable for children in the countryside. Wait for a sunny day, then take the children outside. To create the rainbow, use a garden hose to produce a steady spray of water droplets. Stand with your back to the sun, turn on the water, and raise or lower the hose until you see a rainbow. This activity is best done in warm weather, as children will likely want to touch the rainbow and play in the water.

Another experiment involves water, paper, a mirror, and modeling clay:

1. Fill a small container with water.
2. Attach a mirror to the container using modeling clay. Half of the mirror must be submerged in water, and the other half above water, or the experiment will not work.
3. Place the container on a windowsill or another spot exposed to direct sunlight.
4. Take a sheet of paper and hold it above the container, trying to catch the rainbow.

The position of the paper and mirror can be adjusted. You can experiment with shadows and use mirrors of different sizes, allowing for exploration of various natural processes in a playful manner. If you’re lucky, you might even see a secondary rainbow, which is light bouncing off the prism multiple times. The secondary rainbow surrounds the first one and appears paler.

When is Find a Rainbow Day in 2025?

Find a Rainbow Day is observed on April 3 each year.

Observations