Rainbows passing through town

Historic City News sat down to the ominous task of reporting about the “rainbows” that have been making their way through St. Augustine lately — only to find out that they are part of what has been described as the “largest non-organization of non-members in the world”.

The Rainbow Family of Living Light, sometimes known as the “Rainbow Tribe”, is an international loose affiliation of individuals who have a common goal of trying to achieve peace and love on Earth.

Those who participate in, or sympathize with, the activities of this movement sometimes refer to the circle simply as the “Family”.

The words “Rainbow Family”, in the longer title, are a reference to the family’s inclusiveness of all colors, classes, races and creeds.

The use of the phrase “Living Light”, in the longer title, is a reference to “living lightly”, or living with little mass or impact on the environment.

In addition to referring to itself as a “non-organization”, the Rainbow Family of Living Light’s “non-members” playfully call the movement “a dis-organization”.

There are no official leaders, no formal structure, no official spokespersons, and no membership.

Instead, the Rainbow Family forms community through passively shared “traditions” of love for the Earth and gatherings to pray for peace. Most gatherings are loosely maintained by open, free form counsels consisting of any “non-member” who wishes to be part of a counsel. There is no formal organization or leadership. It is felt by many to be contrary to the spirit of the gatherings.

It is said that anyone with a belly button may consider themselves part of the rainbow family, and that even a belly button is not really needed.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer