J_N THE numerous myths and 
legends about flowers, the water lily, under the 
name of lotus, has received considerable attention. 
Ancient authors wrote of its rich symbolism and 
mystical attributes .... To the Brahmans and 
Egyptians, the water lily had a religious symbol¬ 
ism. In their theology, the story of creation is 
that of a water lily appearing upon the surface 
of a great sea, bearing the Supreme—the sun-god 
—whose radiance dispersed the dimness from over 
the waters and caused the earth to emerge out 
of the sea. In both India and Egypt the plant 
was looked upon as being especially protected by 
the gods .... In Greek mythology, the water 
lily symbolized eloquence and beauty and its origin 
was attributed to a beautiful nymph named Lotus, 
who was changed into a water lily .... The 
water lily is not only surrounded by the rich 
symbolism of the East, but there are legends about 
it that have originated in our own country. 
From a tribe of American Indians that inhabited 
the hilly shores of an eastern lake comes the leg¬ 
end telling of the brave young chief, Wayotah 
(Blazing Sun), and Osseetah (The Bird), the 
fairest maid of all the tribe. The maid loved this 
splendid warrior and was expected to wed him, 
but she had already made a secret vow to the 
Great Spirit and could not obey the will of her 
heart. She tried to avoid Wayotah, but he, un¬ 
daunted, continued to pursue her. To escape him 
she plunged from a high projecting cliff into the 
waters below. Wayotah leaped in after her, but 
all in vain—she had disappeared. Overnight, lilies 
appeared floating on the water. The prophet of 
the tribe explained that the bed of water lilies 
was Osseetah—because she remained true to her 
vow she was changed in death to a new form. 
The white petals are the emblem of her pure 
heart; the gold they enclose is the symbol of her 
faith and love. Thus, to the American Indian, 
the water lily is the symbol of good 
faith and purity of heart. 
