Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
Somewhere under the rainbow
The rainbow has a long association with good causes before thanking NHS workers for their epic efforts against the coronavirus. PETER FROST charts a multicoloured history

WITHOUT doubt one of the things that has most cheered me in these generally dark days of the coronavirus has been the thousands of children who have made pictures and posters to thank the heroes of our amazing National Health Service. 

Virtually every one of them has used that most inspiring of symbols — the rainbow. 

One or two families have gone over the top a wee bit with the rainbow. Some have chalked the entire front of their house in rainbow colours and at least one has enshrined his rainbow thanks by painting the house front with long-lasting rainbow stripes in exterior paint.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
WORKING-CLASS TRADITION: East London's Kirby estate
Opinion / 31 August 2025
31 August 2025

Millions of ordinary English people of all backgrounds consider the cross their own — abandoning it, and its left-wing history that includes the peasants’ revolt, concedes vital ground to the right, argues SIMON BRIGNELL

CONFRONTING HOMOPHOBIA: (L) FCB Cadell, The Boxer, c.1924; (
Exhibition review / 21 March 2025
21 March 2025
While the group known as the Colourists certainly reinvigorated Scottish painting, a new show is a welcome chance to reassess them, writes ANGUS REID
Participants march during the 28th Budapest Pride parade in
World / 17 March 2025
17 March 2025
Ruling coalition also plans to allow cops to use facial recognition software to fine attendees