Known for lighting up the sky after thunderstorms, rainbows have long symbolized the idea of new life and good things to come. In the midst of the current COVID-19 pandemic, we all need to be reminded that there are still good things coming. So it’s only fitting that a group of individuals started a Facebook group called 518 Rainbow Hunt – Spreading Rainbows Worldwide as a way for those who are quarantined to spread joy simply by crafting a rainbow and hanging it in their window or business. This small gesture has created joy around the globe and a sense of solidarity during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
If you’re looking for a surefire way to spread some cheer this spring, join the group so you and your kids can get in on the fun. “The group started because our creator, Kristyn Dayter, saw a similar idea on Facebook from the Italian communities as they were hit hard by this devastating virus,” says one of the group members, Kimberley Cowles. “[Kristyn] felt we could all use
rainbows and cheer in our lives on a daily basis, as we all began to shelter in place within our communities here in the 518.” With more than 110,000 members, it’s quickly become a beacon of hope during a difficult time. And it’s not just limited to those in New York: The group includes active members from Scotland, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Iceland, Colombia, Germany, and more.
Have your kids put their creative energy to good use by making a rainbow of your own. When it comes to design inspiration, the sky’s the limit–literally. From driveway chalk to multi-colored lights strung around trees in the front yard to paper mache, people are getting creative as they make rainbows sure to brighten someone’s day. Once you have your rainbow in your windows, snap a photo to share with the group and tag the street and neighborhood where the house is located. (Avoid adding your house number so people actually have to embark on a real hunt to find it.) Use the hashtag #518RainbowHunt so others can easily find your rainbow when searching. There are other tags that are popular like #rainbowhunt as well. You can even add yourself to the Google Map!
And the next time your kids are in need of some fresh air, embark on a rainbow hunt of your own to see how many rainbows you can glimpse in the surrounding areas. It’s an interactive and uplifting way to make the most of your time in quarantine–and be reminded of all the good things yet to come.