Waterlily by Ella Cara Deloria

¶ … Waterlily by Ella Cara Deloria [...] how Waterlily changes throughout the book, and Waterlily's main relationships. Waterlily is the main character in this book about early Native American life, and it follows her life from birth to the birth of her own child and her second marriage. It is an intimate look at Sioux life and customs, including the way they honor each other and respect each other as well.

Waterlily has to change many times during this book, because she grows up, and because her circumstances change. One change comes when her mother remarries, and Little Chief becomes her real brother. In some relationships, Waterlily might have been treated like a stepchild or less than desirable, but Rainbow makes her a child-beloved, honoring her and offering her a secure and special place in the family.

Another change comes as Waterlily begins to mature. She recognizes her mother is her best friend, and appreciates her wisdom and advice. This is an important time in her life, and she has learned her mother's lessons well, because she conducts herself with honor during ceremonies, and matures enough to become respected and well liked. Realizing her friends and aunts are special, but that her mother is unique and wise is all a part of growth and maturity.

Waterlily changes after the Sun Dance ceremony as well. She becomes aware of young men, but more importantly, she becomes more introspective and self-aware. She recognizes her forward advance to the young singer was not appropriate. She is old enough to view her actions and be critical of them, and this marks a real change from young woman to woman. After the Sun Dance she is more mature and more accepting of changes in her life. She is ready for responsibility and marriage.

Finally, she changes after she leaves her home with her new husband. She is unhappy at first, but when she finds surrogate family, she feels more at ease and more accepting of her situation. He is gentle with her, and kind, and as she becomes more at ease with her situation she relaxes, and becomes a true wife and mother - ready to start a new chapter in her life.

The first main relationship Waterlily has begins with her birth and her mother, Blue Bird. Blue Bird loves her daughter, and acts as her guardian, as well. She prays for her to live when she is just a baby, and teaches her how to be a proper Teton Sioux as she grows older. In fact, she comes to increasingly appreciate her mother and her wisdom, and they develop a deep and lasting bond that continues throughout their lives. The author notes, "To Waterlily these were memorable days, for this was the time she began to like her mother best and enjoy being with her more than with the other family members" (Deloria 80). Her mother is her teacher and guide through her journey growing up, but most significant, she is her friend, which is perhaps the most important and significant aspect of their relationship.

Little Chief is another important relationship for Waterlily, as they have been friends for nearly her entire life, and brother and sister nearly as long. The author writes, "From that day when Little Chief came to visit her, the two children had been as devoted as though they were brother and sister, and now they were really that and it was no different" (Deloria 33). Throughout her life, Little Chief watches over her, protects her, and stands up for her. He is a good brother, and he also shows her what to look for in a good man, just as her stepfather does. They act as role models so she knows what to look for in a husband.

Another very important relationship in the book is her relationship with Rainbow, her stepfather. He honors her often and never treats her like a stepchild. He is always kind to her, and because of his honor and his own respect in the community, she becomes a leading and respected member of the tribe. Other men might not have treated her as well or honored her so highly, so this is an extremely significant relationship for her throughout her life.

Waterlily is honored with a "hunka" ceremony, honoring her as a beloved child of Rainbow. Since Waterlily is not Rainbow's natural daughter, this is a great honor, which is why so much detail and effort goes into the celebration, from her magnificent dress to the feast served after the ceremony is complete. The author writes, "But the "hunka" obligation had been laid on her and it was a compelling thing. Its reward was high in prestige. The hairline stripes of red which she was thereafter privileged to wear were a sign of that" (Deloria 78). Thus, the ceremony is a great honor, but it is also an obligation that will carry into the future. In our society, there is little honoring of children; in fact, even a formal adoption may not be celebrated as heartily as Waterlily's "hunka" ceremony. Society today tends to ignore the youngest and the oldest among us, and it seems modern society could take lessons from the Sioux, who understand that everyone is important to the community, regardless of age or gender.