Often thought of as a beautiful snake charmer, protector, and seductive indigenous African water spirit, Mami Wata is widely celebrated to honor the essential and the sacred nature of water. It is also widely believed that She often have depictions that were influences by the lore of ancient European mermaids, Hindu gods and goddesses and Christian saints later in Her history. To add further complexities to Her lore it is said that She can often be a shapeshifter appearing as a Papa Wata from time to time. Mami Wata is a symbol of fertility, healing, protection for women and children, guardianship of sea creatures and a protector of natural environment.