The Quarrel of the Colors

Once upon a time the colors of the world started to quarrel. Each color said that they were the
best, favorite, most important one in the world.

GREEN said: "Clearly I am the most important. I am the sign of life and hope. I was chosen for
grass, leaves, and trees. Without me, animals would have nothing to eat. Look at nature, and you
will see that I am the best."
BLUE interrupted: "You only think about the land, but consider the sky and the ocean. Water
makes up life, drawn up by clouds into the blue sky. The sky gives space and peace. Without me,
you all would be nothing."
YELLOW laughed: "You are all so serious! I bring fun, laughter, and warmth to the world. The sun,
the moon, and the stars are yellow. Every time you look at a sunflower, the whole world smiles.
And without me, there would be no fun."
ORANGE cried: "I am the color of health and strength. I carry the most important vitamins - think
of carrots, oranges, pumpkins, mangos. Think of my beauty when I fill the sky at sunrise or
sunset! I am so beautiful that no one gives another thought to any of you!"
RED shouted, unable to contain his anger: "I am the ruler of all! I am the blood of life! I am the
color of danger and bravery. I bring fire and passion and love! I am the color of the rose, the
poinsettia, the poppy. Without me, the earth would be as empty as the moon!"
PURPLE rose up and spoke with great power: "I am the color of royalty and power! Kings and
chiefs have always chosen me. I am the sign of wisdom and authority. People do not question me,
they listen and obey!"
INDIGO then spoke, quietly but with determination: "Think of me. I am the color of silence. I
represent thought and reflection, twilight and deep water. You need me for balance and contrast,
for prayer and inner peace. You hardly notice me, but without me you are all superficial."

And so all the colors went on quarreling, each convinced of their own superiority. Soon, their
fighting became louder and louder. Suddenly there was a startling flash of bright lightning!
Thunder rolled and boomed! Rain began to pour down. The colors crouched down, close together
for comfort.
In the middle of the storm, RAIN spoke in a booming voice: "You foolish colors, fighting among
yourselves, each trying to dominate. Don't you know that you were each made for a special
purpose, unique and different? Now join hands with one another and come to me."
Doing as they were told, the colors united and joined hands. RAIN continued: "From now on,
when it rains, each of you will stretch across the sky together, in a great bow of colors, as a
reminder that you can all live in peace. This rainbow is a sign of hope for tomorrow, that we can
all get together and shine, even with our differences.
And now, whenever a good rain washes the world, the rainbow appears in the sky, reminding us
to appreciate one another.