The
Rainbow Family of Living Light, sometimes known as the
"Rainbow Tribe", is an international loose
affiliation of individuals who have a common goal of trying
to achieve peace and love on Earth. Those who participate
in, or sympathize with, the activities of this movement
sometimes refer to the circle simply as the
"Family". The words: Rainbow Family in the longer
title are a reference to the families inclusiveness of all
colors, classes, races and creeds. The use of the phrase: Living Light in the
longer title is a reference to "living lightly",
or living with little mass or impact on the environment. Here's another daffy-nition: A rainbow gathering is called "rainbow"
because it takes the full spectrum of hue-manity to make it happen; it
literally 'takes all kinds' ... IOW, many hands make light work. :^) -or- Ya' know (the Rainbow) "it's made up
of light". Living Light that is.
Some rainbow family participants make the claim that the family
is the "largest non-organization of non-members in the
world". In addition to referring to itself as a
non-organization, the Rainbow Family of Living Light's "non-members" also
playfully call the movement a "disorganization".
There are no official leaders, no formal structure, no official
spokespersons, and no membership. Instead, the Rainbow
Family forms community through passivly shared "traditions"
of love for the Earth and gatherings to pray for peace. Most gatherings are loosely maintained by open, free form counsels consisting of any
"non-member" who wishes to be part of a counsel. There is no formal organization
or leadership. It is felt by many to be contrary to the
spirit of the gatherings. It is said that any one with a
belly button may consider themselves part of the rainbow
family, and that even a belly button is not really needed.
We are welcome home as one family. Rainbow "counsels" are nothing more than ad hoc discussion circles,
NOT elected legislative bodies that can decide anything for anyone who
isn't participating directly. Agreement with concensi is ever
and all-ways optional, NEVER mandatory. You have a mind of my own, and
no one may dictate to your reason... There is NO WAY that all who
gather can ever "duly appoint" anyone to any official position.
The rainbow family of living light is said to be made up
of tribes and families and people from all walks of life coming
together as one human family gathering together on the land.
Rainbow gathering are different for every one. You may find
people actively creating positive community with one
another, learning and teaching ways we can live in harmony
with nature, our mother earth, and each other and
celebrating life together.
 There have been gatherings called Rainbow Gatherings
since at least 1972, and there has been at least one large
gathering of the tribes every year in the United States on public land
around the 4th of July since then. Many gather then to pray
for peace and healing in the world. There are also
gatherings in many parts of the world, in different
countries and on various continents, there are even world gatherings as well as many
local and regional gatherings throughout the year.
Some are timed with the solstice or equinox and at other special
times and seasons throughout the year. It may be that there have been gatherings
before or since the "first" rainbow gathering in
1972 that may not have called themselves rainbow gatherings
but where of the same spirit.
The gatherings are called rainbow because they are for
all the peoples of the earth, from many families, tribes,
and nations. Some say that the Hopi people native to North
America tell a vision of a time when mother earth, the land,
air, waters, and creatures of all kinds were sick with
poisons and ill treatment by people, the children of the
white races, or more specifically the people who lived the
cultures of those who displaced the native peoples of the
Americas - not just Caucasians, would grow their hair long,
wear beads, and come together with the children of all the
nations to heal the earth.
Intentional community, respect for indigenous peoples and
culture, ecology, and spirituality are common themes with
peoples of the rainbow.
Rainbow Gatherings have always celebrated freedom of choice, encourage
diversity and have helped inform generations of people about various cultural
ideologies and Spiritual beliefs. Over the years these inclusive and freeform
gatherings have spawned several and various same type gatherings to include what
might be termed "Alternative Rainbow Gatherings". While many of these
newer Rainbow Gatherings are still in their infancy, they do share much of the
same Spirit, energy and sense of communal reverence. Alternative Rainbow
Gatherings may have had their start early on, subsequent gatherings beyond the
original invitation in 1972 might well be viewed as alternatives manifested to
recreate the love shared at the first gathering, certainly there where many
people who wanted the gatherings to continue. While all Rainbow Gatherings share
some traditions, it is only proper that different "tribes" celebrate
these blessings in different manners. Not all Rainbow Gatherings have the same
focuses nor do all gatherings enjoy the same focalizers.
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