I love rain. I especially love summer rain. Last night I sat outside as the heat of the day was fading and rain drops began to fall. This caused me to think about my love for rain. Then a rumble of thunder echoed off the mountains. A literal perfect storm in my life. So, why do I like rainstorms? As I thought about why I like rain, I enjoyed the feeling of the cool rain drop as they fell on my head and arms. I just sat there in the light rain fall for a few moments letting my mind wonder about. what is it about rain?
Some people see rainy days as something gloomy sand sad. Many songs portray rain as something to be avoided. The Carpentier's song "Rany Days and Moneys" is how some people view rainy days. Even from a young age many school children learn “rain, rain, go away come aging another day”. In film rain is a trope to convey depression or sadness. Now I understand it's not fun being cold and wet, if you find yourself caught out in a storm. Wet cloths and soggy socks are things to be avoided for sure. Curling up with a book while it rains is the dream of many. It as if we want nothing more than to hind from the world as raindrops fall. This is illustrated in the image of people darting from shelter to shelter usually accompanied by squeals and screams. As if we are all made of sugar and will melt. It is even held that being wet in the rain cases colds. Many movies will have someone open a door and be shocked to see someone in the rain completely soaked and will, exclaimed "come in! a come! in you will catch your death”. All this to say I understand a dislike for rain, or rainy days. But there is something I feel is missing.
One of my favorite historical details is the story of when the first Continental Congress of the American Colonies met June 1776 in Philadelphia. As the members of the congress debated the idea of independents from the British crown. Although what was said in that meeting was not recorded, those in attendance described the seen. As John Adams—one of the delegates from Boston— rose to present the case for independence. The room was silent, the windows of the chamber were opened to help alleviate the June heat. As Mr. Adams spoke laying out the case for separation, the sound of rolling thunder could be heard. A cooling rain began to fall. As if all The Mighty was adding his stamp of approval to Mr. Adams case for a birth of a new nation. Now, I may be romanticizing a bit.
However just as rain can be used to convey sadness it is also used to convey romance. Scenes like those in the “Notebook” or the classic musical “Singing in the Rain”. It seems when characters in a story fall so deeply in love, they need to express their feeling no matter the cost. Even rain won't stop them. The Iconic image or Gene Kelly hanging from a light post as the rain falls is a perfect example, as he sings “Let the stormy clouds chase, everyone from the place, come on with the rain I’ve a smile on my face”. There is beauty in rainfall. Just as there is beauty in expressing love to and for another person. It’s as if in those moments the human heart swells like the clouds do. Weighed down by the impending rain, until it can’t be held back any longer. But again, I’m romanticizing. But isn't that the point?
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