Meaning & Analysis
A rainbow appearing in the sky during the evening is an indicator that good weather will follow. This is based on the principle that for a rainbow to be seen in the evening, the sun must be in the west, meaning the rain clouds are in the east and moving away.
Insights
Hope after Hardship
The proverb suggests that a positive sign at the end of a difficult period (the 'day') signals a peaceful and positive future. The rainbow after the rain symbolizes hope and recovery after a struggle.
Optimistic Beginnings
It can be interpreted as a principle that a positive conclusion to any event or phase of life bodes well for what is to come. It encourages an optimistic outlook based on favorable closing signs.
Reward Follows Turmoil
The proverb implies that beauty and peace (the rainbow and fair weather) are often the direct result of preceding turmoil (the rain). It frames difficulty not just as something to be endured, but as a necessary precursor to a positive outcome.
Scientific Observation
The proverb is rooted in meteorological science: an evening rainbow, with the sun in the west, indicates that the rain showers causing it are in the east and moving away, thus heralding clearing skies. This empirical basis lends it practical credibility beyond its metaphorical weight.
Biblical Symbolism
Culturally, the rainbow is a powerful symbol of divine promise and hope, most notably from the biblical story of Noah's Ark. This imbues the proverb with a deep sense of optimism and reassurance, suggesting that periods of hardship are followed by reconciliation and peace.
Folk Meteorology
As a form of folk wisdom, the proverb reflects a universal human desire to find order and predictability in the natural world. It transforms a beautiful natural event into a tool for forecasting, providing psychological comfort and a sense of control over future uncertainty.
Rhetorical Devices
Symbolism
The rainbow serves as a potent symbol for hope, beauty, and divine promise, while 'fair weather' symbolizes peace, tranquility, and positive outcomes.
Prophetic Tone
The use of the word 'portends' lends the proverb a formal, almost prophetic tone, elevating a simple folk observation into a statement of predictive wisdom.
Causal Structure
The proverb is structured as a clear cause-and-effect statement (Observation A leads to Outcome B), which makes it memorable and easily applicable as a rule of thumb.
Transcription
Quotations
The rainbow denotes fair weather.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.