The rainbow flag, as seen in the image, has been the official emblem of the city of Cusco since 1978, proudly representing the capital of the Inca Empire. During the Inca era, the rainbow held a profound connection to the deity Ccuichi or K’uychi, considered one of the assistants to Inti, the Sun God, and the principal deity in Inca theology.
In the intricate tapestry of Inca symbolism, the rainbow was more than just a colorful arc; it embodied a divine connection and cosmic order. The significance was so profound that attire adorned with the rainbow motif was a privilege reserved for the elite. Only the most distinguished rulers of the Empire had the honor of donning garments embellished with the radiant hues of the rainbow.
The Temple of the Sun in Cusco, also known as Qorikancha, boasts a hall dedicated to the God Kkuychi, aptly named the Rainbow Temple (Templo de Arco Iris).
Among the elite, there existed a firm belief that the appearance of a rainbow heralded auspicious events. However, for the common indigenous people, their relationship with this phenomenon was more nuanced. While they worshipped the rainbow, a simultaneous sense of fear surrounded it. Among ordinary folks, a prevalent belief emerged: if you spotted a rainbow, it was crucial to keep your mouth shut, lest you invite tooth decay. Pregnant women, on the other hand, harbored fears that a rainbow could cast a curse on their unborn child, resulting in the birth of a child with a harelip—a belief that persists even among some contemporary Peruvians.
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