reflected or refracted

Reflected would mean the light isn't changed by them hitting anything like a mirror. It only alters the path of the light.

Refration is the same as passing through a prism and forming a rainbow. For example: Cut crystal chaneliers will refract light and splash rainbows on the walls.

In your case, I don't think either would be the correct word as the streamers you refer to could be due to, say, tree braches filled with leaves. At the breeze blows, they would make the streamers dance, but not necessarily sparkle or dazzle unless you're looking directly into one or there is dust in the air. If dust, this would mean sparkle as well. You could describe the scene like this:

The trees [or whatever is breaking up solid sunlight] shifted in the light breese and shafts of sunlight danced across the yard and shined brightly [or shining brightly] into our faces.

The choice is, of course, up to you.

Bill

they are those gold and silver ones. does that make any difference?

Thanks!

reflection is the bouncing of light off a surface, refraction is the bending of light. It sounds like you are thinking of light bouncing off the surfaces of the moving streamers and getting sent off in various directions, so reflection.

This is right up my alley. My degree is Geometric Optics (a narrowed application of the Physics of Light). Reflected would be correct, technically ... and practically. To reflect is to simply redirect the path of the light source or image. To refract is to deviate the direction of the light as it PASSES THROUGH a medium. When light is reflected, that means it is not significantly passing through the medium - in this case, the streamers are the medium. Also, when light is reflected it can be distorted but, usually, not deviated.

A medium is anything rays of light either pass through or off of which they reflected. Sometimes a medium can absorb all the light, but that is a totally different thing that has nothing to do with this discussion.

Hope that helps.

Reflection is the word, but there also might be another question within your example. Do you need to tell the reader it is sparkling and dazzling or might you simply show it with the reflected light creating dapples in the yard and such -- which you are doing anyway. Just a thought. Take care. Vern

Einstein agrees with Sideman. He called it "bending light" so it's probably safe to say he would have called it "refraction" if that were the case. Take care. Vern

And this bit of "a-cute" observation made me laugh as well. Thanks, John. Take care. Vern

Correct. To add some obfuscation to the game, if there were glass, diamond-cut sequins on the streamers, it would be 'refracted' as they twinkle with various hues when light strikes them.

Bill

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