Vitória-Régia - Brazilian

My story begins in a cozy village nestled deep within the heart of the Amazon rainforest, where the air hummed with the songs of colorful birds and the scent of damp earth. My name is Naiá, and more than anything in the world, I loved the moon. Every single night, I would sneak out of my hut just to gaze at his silvery face, so bright and beautiful in the dark sky. The elders in my village told a fascinating story that the moon, whom they called Jaci, would sometimes come down to Earth. They said he would choose the most beautiful girl and turn her into a sparkling star in his sky kingdom. Oh, how I wished he would choose me! I dreamed of shining beside him forever, a tiny light in his vast, dark blanket of night. This is the story of how that powerful wish came true, but in a way no one ever expected. It is the myth of the Vitória-Régia.

Night after night, I followed the moon's path, convinced that one day I could finally touch him. I would run through the thick forest, my feet barely making a sound on the soft ground. I climbed the tallest hills I could find, my arms reaching up, up, up, hoping to be closer to his silver light. 'Jaci!' I would call out, but only the rustling leaves and the chirping crickets answered. He always seemed so far away, a silent jewel in the sky. But I never gave up hope. One evening, the forest was especially still and quiet, as if holding its breath. I walked until I came to a lake so calm and clear it looked like a giant mirror for the sky. And there, floating on the dark water, was the most perfect reflection of Jaci I had ever seen. He looked so close, so real! My heart leaped with a wild joy. I truly thought he had finally come down from the sky just to meet me. Without a second thought, I reached out my hands to embrace his beautiful, shining face and stepped into the cool, dark water, wanting only to be with him forever.

As I sank into the water's embrace, I felt not coldness, but a gentle warmth spreading through me. From high above, Jaci the moon had seen everything. He was touched by my love and how devoted I was, but he knew he couldn't turn me into a star. He told me later, in whispers on the breeze, that stars are cold and very far away from everything. He wanted me to stay close to the warm waters of my home. So, he gave me a different kind of starlight. He transformed me into a beautiful, giant flower with huge, round leaves like a floating green moon. My petals were as white as his light, and I was given a sweet perfume that fills the night air. He named me Vitória-Régia, the star of the waters. Now, my flowers only open at night, so I can lift my face to the sky and gaze at my beloved Jaci as he travels across the heavens. This story reminds us that love can transform us into something beautiful and new. It lives on today in the Amazon, where my giant lily pads float on the rivers, inspiring artists, poets, and anyone who looks at the moon and sees a little bit of magic.