ABSTRACT
This chapter contains the historical narrative of Rainbow Gatherings’ birth in the US. The chapter describes the political and cultural background of the movement, founding events, and main developments regarding the US Rainbow Family networks. The most central historical and cultural context for the Rainbow phenomenon is the countercultural shift of the 1960s and early 1970s in the US, and the related political, religious, and cultural changes. After recounting this, the chapter tells the story of the US Rainbow Gatherings and how they got started, focusing on the perspective of the people active in the planning and organizing processes. The chapter finishes with a short description and timeline of Rainbow movement's international migrations and traditions of themed Rainbow Gatherings.
