dúha

Dúha is a Slovak word meaning rainbow. It refers to the meteorological phenomenon that is caused by reflection, refraction and dispersion of light in water droplets resulting in a spectrum of light appearing in the sky. The rainbow takes the form of a multicolored arc. Rainbows appear in the sky when the sun shines on to droplets of rain. The shape of the rainbow is a perfect arc, but the appearance of the phenomenon is usually limited to a single point on the sky. The colors of the rainbow are always in the same order, appearing as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. This order is due to the different wavelengths of light that are bent at different angles. In Slovak folklore and culture, the dúha often symbolizes hope, good fortune, and a bridge between worlds. It is a common motif in art, poetry, and songs. The word itself is derived from the Proto-Slavic word for "water" and "arch" or "bow". While the scientific explanation of the rainbow is consistent, the cultural interpretations and emotional responses to the sight of a dúha can vary.