The unpredictability of seasonal change and spring snowstorms are explained by an Ojibwe legend as eternal spirits battle over the love for a young woman. In some years, Biboon, the Spirit of Winter, gets the upper hand over Ziigwan, the Spirit of Spring, and we have an extended winter. In other years, Ziigwan gets the upper hand over Biboon and we experience an early spring. But, this year in 2018, when a late winter storm brings snow, ice and cold temperatures, we know that Biboon got in one more punch before relinquishing to Ziigwan.

Once there was a young girl raised by her parents in a small village. The young girl had reached womanhood and caught the attention of all the young men in the village. The parents were very protective of her and watched over her carefully.

A young gallant man, named Ziigwan (pronounced zee'gwun), pursued the young woman and won her love. Her parents were supportive as they recognized he was a sensitive and compassionate young man. He lavished upon her gifts of flowers and berries. The young woman was charmed by Ziigwan, and the couple eventually fell in love.

Another young man in the village, Biboon (pronounced bi'boon), was a fierce warrior and great hunter. He had much power and was feared by the people in the village. He decided to pursue the young woman in spite of Ziigwan winning her heart. Biboon challenged Ziigwan to a fight. Ziigwan accepted the challenge. The two fought fiercely, knocking down trees and shaking the earth. Ziigwan became weakened by Biboon's attacks. Eventually, Ziigwan fell to the ground and was unable to get up.

The audacious Biboon took the young woman as his own. She reluctantly went with him. Biboon was powerful and majestic, but was cruel to other people in the village. He showed no mercy on the weak and frail.

Over time, Ziigwan regained his strength. His intent was to defeat Biboon in another battle and take back the young woman for his own. Ziigwan approached Biboon. He struck him with huge force. Biboon stumbled backward, but regained his composure and began fighting Ziigwan again. As the two fought, they began to crack the ice on the lakes as they shook the ground. They fought hard.

As the fight continued, the parents of the young woman grew scared for their daughter, so they hid her near a small round lake. The weather intensified as the two men relentlessly fought against each other. Eventually, as a result of hiding near the lake, the young woman died from exposure to the cold.

Both Ziigwan and Biboon were both devastated and broken-hearted over the young woman's death. They looked at one another with eternal despise and resentment. Ziigwan struck at Biboon and the fight continued. Ziigwan is the Spirit of Spring. Biboon is the Spirit of Winter. Because the young woman died in the cold, her spirit fused with the lakes and became the white water lilies.

The sky battle continues...