Rainbow Connection Paths of Reconciliation in the Garden of Freedom

A personal note: When I conceived the idea of the rainbow for the Peace Monument in 2012, I was already aware of the deep symbolic power of this sign. It represents the covenant between God and humankind and the hope for reconciliation and peace in our often divided world. It is my vision that people come together here to experience spirituality and encounter. The rainbow in the Friedensmal must still be assembled from countless tiny glass mosaic pieces. Each piece represents someone who wishes to be part of the 'Rainbow Connection' (song at the end of the page). Together, we can form this symbolic bridge.

The Rainbow is a potent symbol of profound spiritual significance in both Jewish and Christian traditions. As described in Genesis 9:8-17, it represents God's comprehensive covenant with all life on Earth—a foundational concept that extends far beyond humanity. This meaning is deeply embedded in our culture, reminding us of God's fidelity and the universal order that structures all life.

In recent times, this symbol has been embraced and reinterpreted by various movements, notably the LGBTQ+ community. The appropriation of a religiously significant symbol raises important questions: To what extent does reinterpreting such a fundamental religious symbol constitute an overstepping of boundaries? Can the use of such a symbol, without considering its original meaning, be seen as a form of cultural appropriation or even symbolic violence?

The Friedensmal, with its 'angel wings' that delineate the Garden of Freedom

It is important to acknowledge that many people find the adoption of the rainbow problematic. They see it as a disregard for their spiritual traditions and values. At the same time, we live in an era of revaluation of values, where traditional meanings are often reinterpreted or displaced. This leads to tensions and challenges that cannot be ignored.

We must ask ourselves: How can we deal with such conflicts in a pluralistic society? Is it possible to create space for different interpretations without displacing the original meaning? A sincere dialogue on these issues is necessary. Only through open, respectful conversations can we achieve a deeper understanding of each other and explore possible paths of coexistence.

The rainbow could serve as a metaphor for the diversity of our society, but also for the challenges that this diversity brings. It reminds us that true inclusion and respect can only be achieved through mutual understanding and recognition of different perspectives. At the same time, we must not forget that there are natural orders and spiritual laws that influence our lives and our moral well-being.

A 26-meter ring is being prepared for the rainbow of glass mosaic

Ultimately, it is about finding a path that respects both the traditional spiritual meanings and newer interpretations, without ignoring the tensions and challenges that this process entails. We must be aware of the risk that departing from these natural and spiritual orders can lead to an alienation from fundamental values. Only by recognizing and preserving these orders can we build a harmonious and respectful society.

It is noteworthy and often overlooked that the rainbow in the Jewish-Christian tradition actually displays seven colors, while the rainbow used by the LGBTQ+ movement has six colors. Additionally, the latter is often shown in reverse order. This distinction opens up the possibility of coexistence of the symbols, as they are fundamentally different representations.

However, there is also a problem: Many people are unaware of these differences and mistakenly assume they represent the same symbol. This lack of education can be seen as a form of obfuscation or even deliberate misleading. By not clearly communicating these differences, ambiguity remains, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts. It is therefore of great importance to actively educate about these distinctions. Only through transparent information can we create a true understanding of the various meanings and origins of the symbols. This would not only promote respect for the original spiritual significance but also preserve the integrity of newer interpretations.

Rabbi Mendelson places the TurningPoint with the inscription 'Chai' - i. e. alife - at the center of the Friedensmal

The conscious or unconscious omission of this clarification can be seen as a form of symbolic violence, as it dilutes and possibly disrespects the meaning and history of the original symbol. An open discussion about these differences and their meanings is a crucial step toward fostering genuine mutual understanding and respect in our society. In doing so, we must comprehend diversity in its full depth—far beyond sexual orientation or ethnic differences. It is about recognizing that each person lives within their own unique experiential world. Neurodiversity, or the natural variation in the functioning of the human brain, is a fundamental reality that must be embraced by our collective consciousness.

This realization has the potential to fundamentally change interpersonal interactions. It challenges us to move away from simplistic interpretations of others' actions and instead engage in authentic contact. It is about sensing the truth in others with openness and empathy. This approach could represent a significant step in the evolution of human consciousness—moving away from superficial categorizations toward a deeper understanding of human diversity in all its complexity.

We may once again understand that the bonds that hold people and our culture captive lie in the spiritual realm. Only there can they be untied: "The truth will set you free." The seven-colored rainbow serves as a reminder of God’s enduring fidelity to humanity, regardless of the state of the world.

At the conclusion of the inauguration of the Turning Point for Life, the skies open up with a heavy rain. Then, after the great downpour over the Peace Monument...

… two beautiful Rainbows appear in the sky

Final Thoughts: The rainbow in the Friedensmal symbolizes more than just a beautiful natural phenomenon or a modern political sign. It is a universal symbol that can teach us much about our relationship to the world, to other people, and to ourselves. By exploring its various meanings within the context of the Friedensmal, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of life and the value of peace and reconciliation.