THE legend of the water lily, one of the best known in Brazilian folklore, belongs to the northern culture as it was born in that region of the country.
She explains the origin of the aquatic plant that is the symbol of the Amazon.
According to this indigenous and Amazonian legend, the water lily is originally an Indian woman who drowned after leaning in the river to try to kiss the moon's reflection. For the Indians, the moon was Jaci, with whom the Indian was in love.
Jaci used to date the most beautiful Indian women in the region. Naiá, who would later be transformed into the water lily, was one of those Indians who waited anxiously for the encounter with the god.
The Indian women that Jaci was dating were taken to heaven and turned into stars. Although the tribe warned Naiá that she would stop being an Indian if she was taken by Jaci, she was in love and, as time passed, she wanted to meet him each time.
One night, sitting by the river, the image of the moon was being reflected in the water. So, appearing to be in front of Jaci, unconsciously Naiá leans over to kiss him and falls into the river, awakening from the illusion.
However, despite her efforts, she is unable to save herself and drowns.
Upon learning what had happened to Naiá, Jaci was very moved and for that reason wanted to pay tribute to her. Instead of turning her into a star like he did other Indian women, he turned her into an aquatic plant, the water lily, which is known as the water star.
If you want to know more about our rich folklore, read:
- Legends of Brazilian Folklore
- Indigenous Legends
- Legends of the North Region that you need to know
- Northeast Region Legends You'll Love
- Unmissable Legends of the South Region
- Fantastic legends from the Midwest region
- Legends of the Southeast that you can't miss
- Legend of Cassava
- Guarana Legend
- legend of cuca
- Legend of Acutipupu
- Alamoa Legend
- Legend of Jurupari
- The exciting story of the açaí legend
