WICASA/WINYAN

MAN-WICASA (wee-cha-sha)

WOMAN-WINYAN (wee-yah)

Wiċasa and Wiƞyan are often translated “man and “woman” without a complete explanation of the terms. They imply a position of honor. Wiƞyan means a woman has achieved a good education, maturity, and responsibility. The same is true for a Wiċasa (wiċa, “a male.” Ṡa, “adornment.” A man is no longer hoksila (boy) and a woman is no longer wiċinċala (girl) when they exhibit these qualities. It also means when you make a decision, you follow thru with it. Traditionally, a young man or woman must reach this status before they marry or before they plan to start a family. The outcome of that marriage is the sole responsibility of these two individuals. They have no one to blame for failures but themselves because they are Wiċasa and Wiƞyan.

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