Wakinyan facts for kids

A dream of a Wakíŋyaŋ, drawing by Black Hawk (Sans Arc Lakota (ca. 1832–ca. 1890), Ledger art, ca.1880

Wakíŋyaŋ is a Lakota word for "thunder." It also may be a portmanteau word which associates "wahka" ("sacred") and "kinyan" ("wings").

The word is usually translated as "Thunder Spirits", "Thunder Beings," or "Thunder Birds". Heyokas, that is contrarians, dream of Wakinyan and can burn cedar (Juniperus scopulorum) to protect themselves from thunder and lightning, since Wakinyan respects and will not harm that tree.