Wakan Tanka facts for kids
Wakan Tanka is a very important idea in Lakota spirituality. The Lakota people are a Native American tribe. Wakan Tanka is often called the "Great Spirit" or "Great Mystery." It means the sacred or divine power.
This term describes the special power that lives in everything. It's like saying everything, from animals to rocks, has a holy part. The word wakȟáŋ means "holy" or "sacred." The word Tȟáŋka means "Great" or "large." So, Wakan Tanka means "Great Sacred" or "Great Holy."
Before Europeans came, the Lakota people saw Wakan Tanka as a group of sacred beings. Their ways were mysterious, which is why it was called the "Great Mystery." Some people, like activist Russell Means, say that Lakota spirituality is not about just one god. Instead, it's about many sacred parts that make up the Great Mystery.
Similar Names in Other Languages
Other Native American tribes have similar names for this important idea. In some Siouan languages, like Omaha-Ponca, Ioway-Otoe-Missouri, Kansa, and Osage languages, it is known as Wakanda. In the Quapaw language, it is called Wakatakeh.
See also
In Spanish: Wakan Tanka para niños
