Why Paint a Rainbow in Your Window (+ how they're bringing hope during COVID-19)

We all need a little happy right now, don’t we? Well I have an idea how we can bring some to our own families…and for passers-by.

But why rainbows? Where’d this idea come from?

When Caronavirus began really spreading through Italy and much of Europe, I started noticing photos of rainbows in windows and doorways, in shoppe windows and hanging from balconies.

Curious about them, I read several articles from folks around the world talking about how these mostly hand-drawn arcs of happiness would often be paired with phrases like “andrà tutto bene” (everything will be alright), as a reminder that we will get through this and that things will get better.

As we’re now stuck/safe in our own homes here in the States, I noticed rainbows of hope (as they’re now called) drifting this way, too. So in solidarity, we painted our own version in our bay windows last weekend (as seen in the photos above).

Because I thought you’d love this idea, too…and maybe want to create your own, I thought I’d share some of my favorites (both from friends + strangers across the globe).

Let’s continue searching for hope, joy, community, and encouragement through this strange and difficult season.

Oh! And in case you’re curious, I painted ours with acrylic craft paint (this can be cleaned off with a wet sponge and a razor blade for any tough-to-remove spots). But others included above are created using tissue paper or streamers and double sided tape. So easy!

What a beautiful and happy reminder that we’re all in this together!

If you end up doing your own, I’d LOVE to see them! Just tag me on Instagram so I can repost! (@terea.swanstrom.anderson)

And if you loved those cute rainbow-inspired crafts up above, head here and here (but scroll around, she has TONS of fun stuff on her site!)

Stay healthy, friends!!

Teresa

p.s. Find more inspiration using the hashtags #rainbowofhope #windowrainbow #followtherainbow #rainbowtrail