The rainbow is a favourite subject in drawings. Especially with children aged 3-8 and especially girls. This does not go unnoticed by educators either: several times a week I get the question: ‘what does a rainbow actually mean?’

A good reason to tell you that seems to me ☺️

The rainbow

It is a symbol that regularly appears in the drawings of children aged around 3-8. And as said: mostly in girls.

Besides the symbolic value that I describe below, it is important to remember that symbolism also has a personal value. For example, a child may see a rainbow while driving and draw it.

In addition to this personal value, a rainbow has the following meaning:

It symbolises a period of transition and change. Children often draw them during periods when a lot is happening or changing. In the early years, a lot happens, children go from home to kindergarten. From kindergarten to elementary school. Many changes take place.

But also changes at home make children draw more rainbows. For example, a move or divorce.

Does a child draw the bow wider high in the sky? Then the symbolism is often linked to transition and change.

When it is drawn as an arc around something or someone, it has more of a protective or shielding symbolism. You often see this in drawings of sensitive children, who want more peace and quiet or need more space for themselves. Or, for example, when children feel that something vulnerable or precious needs extra protection. Like a rainbow over a house.

And finally, rainbows are about hope. Hope for change and other, perhaps better, times.

Recognisable?