dúhy

Dúhy is a Czech word that translates to "rainbows" in English. Rainbows are a 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. It takes the form of a multicoloured arc.

The phenomenon of dúhy is most often observed in the sky after a rain shower when the sun begins to break through the clouds. The colours of a dúha appear in a specific order, following the spectrum of visible light: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. This order is determined by the wavelengths of light and how they are bent by water droplets.

While the scientific explanation of dúhy involves optics and atmospheric physics, they have also held cultural and symbolic significance in many societies throughout history. In Czech culture, as in many others, dúhy are often associated with hope, good fortune, and promises. They are frequently depicted in art, literature, and folklore.

The appearance of a dúha is dependent on specific conditions, including the presence of water droplets in the air and a light source, typically the sun, positioned behind the observer. The intensity and clarity of a dúha can vary depending on the size and concentration of the water droplets and the angle of the sunlight. Occasionally, a fainter, secondary dúha can be seen above the primary one, with its colours reversed.