A counter-culture collective known for its free-spirited gatherings in remote forests to promote peace, love, and harmony.
The Rainbow Family of Living Light, commonly known as the Rainbow Family, is a unique and influential counterculture group that has been a part of the American social landscape since the early 1970s. Born out of the ideals of peace, love, and harmony that characterized the 1960s, this loosely affiliated group has become known for its annual Rainbow Gatherings, which draw thousands of participants to remote outdoor locations across the United States and beyond.
Origins and Founding Principles
The roots of the Rainbow Family can be traced back to the tumultuous late 1960s, a time of significant social and cultural upheaval in the United States. The group’s formation was heavily inspired by the 1969 Woodstock Festival and the anti-war, pro-love movements of the era. In 1970, a group of counterculture youth in Oregon began discussing the idea of creating a large-scale gathering focused on peace, love, and connection with the earth.
Two key figures in the early development of the Rainbow Family were Barry “Plunker” Adams and Garrick Beck, whose vision was shaped by their experiences at events like the Vortex I music festival in Portland, Oregon. They sought to create a non-political, non-denominational group of like-minded individuals who could come together in the spirit of community and shared values.
The Rainbow Gatherings
Rainbow Gatherings are the heart of the Rainbow Family’s activities. These events, which typically last for several weeks, are temporary intentional communities held in outdoor settings, often in national forests or other public lands. The main gathering in the United States occurs around July 4th, with regional and international gatherings held throughout the year.
Organizing a Rainbow Gathering is a grassroots effort, relying entirely on volunteers. Information about upcoming gatherings is spread through informal networks, word of mouth, and increasingly, through online forums and social media. The location of each year’s gathering is often kept secret until shortly before the event to minimize interference from authorities and to protect the chosen site.
At the gatherings, participants create a temporary infrastructure that includes communal kitchens, medical facilities, and sanitation systems. Food is provided free of charge, with an emphasis on vegetarian meals. The events are alcohol-free, although the use of cannabis and psychedelics is common among some attendees.
A central feature of Rainbow Gatherings is the focus on spiritual and personal growth. Various workshops, ceremonies, and activities are offered, ranging from meditation and yoga to music and art. The gatherings often incorporate elements from various spiritual traditions, creating a unique blend of practices and beliefs.
The concept of the Rainbow Gathering materialized into reality in July 1972, when the first official event was held in Colorado’s Roosevelt National Forest. This inaugural gathering far exceeded the organizers’ expectations, drawing an estimated 20,000 participants. The success of this first event set the stage for what would become an annual tradition, with gatherings held in different locations each year.
Structure and Organization
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Rainbow Family is its intentional lack of formal structure. The group operates without official leaders, membership rolls, or spokespersons. This non-hierarchical approach reflects the Rainbow Family’s commitment to egalitarianism and rejection of traditional power structures.
Decision-making at Rainbow Gatherings occurs through a consensus process in councils, where all attendees are welcome to participate. This unique organizational model has been studied as an example of large-scale, consensus-based decision-making in action.
Environmental Stewardship
Environmental consciousness is a core value of the Rainbow Family. Gatherings emphasize leave-no-trace principles, with extensive efforts made to clean up and restore sites after events. Participants are encouraged to minimize their impact on the land and to respect the natural environment.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite its ideals of peace and harmony, the Rainbow Family has faced numerous challenges and controversies over the years. The large number of attendees at some gatherings has occasionally resulted in environmental damage, leading to conflicts with local authorities and environmental groups.
Health and safety concerns have also been raised, with incidents of disease outbreaks due to poor hygiene reported at some gatherings. There have also been occasional violent incidents, including rare cases of serious crimes, which have raised safety concerns.
The Rainbow Family’s use of public lands without obtaining permits has led to legal challenges and confrontations with law enforcement. In response, the U.S. Forest Service has developed specific protocols for managing Rainbow Gatherings, including deploying incident management teams to oversee public safety and resource protection.
One of the most significant points of contention surrounding the Rainbow Family has been the issue of cultural appropriation. The group has faced criticism for its use of Native American symbols and rituals, which many Indigenous groups consider exploitative and disrespectful. Some Native American leaders have issued statements and cease-and-desist orders against the Rainbow Family’s practices on sacred lands, leading to ongoing discussions about cultural sensitivity within the community.
Evolution and Diversification
Over the decades, the Rainbow Family has evolved and diversified. While maintaining its core principles, the group has seen generational shifts and the emergence of various subgroups and regional variations. Some long-time participants have established more permanent intentional communities inspired by Rainbow principles, extending the group’s influence beyond the temporary gatherings.
What began as an American phenomenon has spread internationally. Rainbow Gatherings now occur in countries around the world, each with its own unique flavor while adhering to the core Rainbow principles. These international gatherings have helped to create a global network of like-minded individuals committed to the Rainbow Family’s ideals.
As the Rainbow Family approaches its sixth decade, it faces new challenges in the modern era. The rise of social media and digital communication has changed how information about gatherings is shared, sometimes leading to larger-than-expected turnouts and increased scrutiny from authorities. Additionally, the group must navigate the balance between maintaining its countercultural roots and adapting to changing societal norms and expectations.
Despite the controversies and challenges, the Rainbow Family continues to attract a diverse array of participants, from long-time members to curious newcomers. The gatherings remain a significant countercultural phenomenon, reflecting broader societal tensions between mainstream norms and alternative lifestyles.
For many attendees, Rainbow Gatherings provide a unique space for exploring alternative social structures, connecting with nature, and building community. The events offer a temporary escape from the pressures of modern life and an opportunity to experiment with different ways of living and relating to others.
image via Wikimedia
