Brocken spectre; Brocken bow
A rare atmospheric optical phenomenon seen in mountains, where a magnified shadow of the observer is cast onto clouds, often surrounded by a rainbow-like halo. In Japanese, it is associated with the descent of Amida Buddha (来迎) and considered an auspicious sign.
I was deeply moved to see a Brocken spectre while climbing the mountain.
Standard kanji spelling for this term.
Mixed kana-kanji spelling, also seen.
From 御 (honorific prefix) + 来迎 (raigō, 'the descent of Amida Buddha to welcome the dying'). The optical phenomenon was interpreted as a manifestation of Amida's welcome.