is blue sage cultural appropriation

All Rights Reserved. However, much of the public remains confused about what the term actually means. Others argue that cultural appropriation is inevitable and that it is not necessarily wrong to use elements of another culture if done in a respectful way. Affliated Scholar at the Women's Studies Research Center, Brandeis University. Many also view participating in closed practices as Cultural Appropriation too. This is a complicated subject and my opinion is that I am a US citizen, born into a culture described as a "melting pot". Palo Santo sticks have been getting more popular as an alternative to sage, but buying this Central and South American tree bark used by Amazonian tribes can also be harmful, in similar ways to white sage. ._3oeM4kc-2-4z-A0RTQLg0I{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-pack:justify;justify-content:space-between} Added to this, those who are new to Paganism are often unaware of the history of appropriation and are repeating the errors of an earlier generation of Pagans and using sage in their rituals. Palo Santo has been added to the International Union for Conservation of Natures (IUCN) list, because though the tree is not yet nearing extinction, its recent overharvesting can put it on that path. At the same time, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of blue sage without disrespecting its cultural roots. The term "cultural appropriation" has been used to describe everything from makeup and hairstyles to tattoos, clothing and even food and wellness practices. Smudging is distinctly Indigenous. If you're not Indigenous and therefore hesitating to strike a match to cleanse the bad vibes out of your apartment, here's what you need to know about burning white sage. It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality. .Rd5g7JmL4Fdk-aZi1-U_V{transition:all .1s linear 0s}._2TMXtA984ePtHXMkOpHNQm{font-size:16px;font-weight:500;line-height:20px;margin-bottom:4px}.CneW1mCG4WJXxJbZl5tzH{border-top:1px solid var(--newRedditTheme-line);margin-top:16px;padding-top:16px}._11ARF4IQO4h3HeKPpPg0xb{transition:all .1s linear 0s;display:none;fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-button);height:16px;width:16px;vertical-align:middle;margin-bottom:2px;margin-left:4px;cursor:pointer}._1I3N-uBrbZH-ywcmCnwv_B:hover ._11ARF4IQO4h3HeKPpPg0xb{display:inline-block}._2IvhQwkgv_7K0Q3R0695Cs{border-radius:4px;border:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-line)}._2IvhQwkgv_7K0Q3R0695Cs:focus{outline:none}._1I3N-uBrbZH-ywcmCnwv_B{transition:all .1s linear 0s;border-radius:4px;border:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-line)}._1I3N-uBrbZH-ywcmCnwv_B:focus{outline:none}._1I3N-uBrbZH-ywcmCnwv_B.IeceazVNz_gGZfKXub0ak,._1I3N-uBrbZH-ywcmCnwv_B:hover{border:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-button)}._35hmSCjPO8OEezK36eUXpk._35hmSCjPO8OEezK36eUXpk._35hmSCjPO8OEezK36eUXpk{margin-top:25px;left:-9px}._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP,._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP:focus-within,._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP:hover{transition:all .1s linear 0s;border:none;padding:8px 8px 0}._25yWxLGH4C6j26OKFx8kD5{display:inline}._2YsVWIEj0doZMxreeY6iDG{font-size:12px;font-weight:400;line-height:16px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText);display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;padding:4px 6px}._1hFCAcL4_gkyWN0KM96zgg{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-button);margin-right:8px;margin-left:auto;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-errorText)}._1hFCAcL4_gkyWN0KM96zgg,._1dF0IdghIrnqkJiUxfswxd{font-size:12px;font-weight:700;line-height:16px;cursor:pointer;-ms-flex-item-align:end;align-self:flex-end;-webkit-user-select:none;-ms-user-select:none;user-select:none}._1dF0IdghIrnqkJiUxfswxd{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-button)}._3VGrhUu842I3acqBMCoSAq{font-weight:700;color:#ff4500;text-transform:uppercase;margin-right:4px}._3VGrhUu842I3acqBMCoSAq,.edyFgPHILhf5OLH2vk-tk{font-size:12px;line-height:16px}.edyFgPHILhf5OLH2vk-tk{font-weight:400;-ms-flex-preferred-size:100%;flex-basis:100%;margin-bottom:4px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText)}._19lMIGqzfTPVY3ssqTiZSX._19lMIGqzfTPVY3ssqTiZSX._19lMIGqzfTPVY3ssqTiZSX{margin-top:6px}._19lMIGqzfTPVY3ssqTiZSX._19lMIGqzfTPVY3ssqTiZSX._19lMIGqzfTPVY3ssqTiZSX._3MAHaXXXXi9Xrmc_oMPTdP{margin-top:4px} As I learned when I was doing my research, most Pagans believe entering this realm holds both great possibilities and dangers. Press J to jump to the feed. Fears have also been raised that overharvesting could result in the plants becoming extinct, resulting in the extinction of the animals that are dependent on it as well. ago Spoken like a true colonising brute. Curated. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. identity. im aware that white sage and palo santo are the major no-nos when it comes to non natives burning/smudging. In particular, the practice of burning blue sage, also known as smudging, has become increasingly popular among non-indigenous people. It has also been used medicinally by some indigenous communities for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. There is no set liturgy that everyone follows, and it is possible for people to create their own rituals. And it doesnt specifically refer to the burning of white sage, either. Sage, sacred to Native Americans, is being used in purification rituals, raising issues of cultural appropriation. It's something not usually taught to non-natives. Geez. /*# sourceMappingURL=https://www.redditstatic.com/desktop2x/chunkCSS/IdCard.ea0ac1df4e6491a16d39_.css.map*/._2JU2WQDzn5pAlpxqChbxr7{height:16px;margin-right:8px;width:16px}._3E45je-29yDjfFqFcLCXyH{margin-top:16px}._13YtS_rCnVZG1ns2xaCalg{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:400;line-height:18px;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex}._1m5fPZN4q3vKVg9SgU43u2{margin-top:12px}._17A-IdW3j1_fI_pN-8tMV-{display:inline-block;margin-bottom:8px;margin-right:5px}._5MIPBF8A9vXwwXFumpGqY{border-radius:20px;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:0;line-height:16px;padding:3px 10px;text-transform:none}._5MIPBF8A9vXwwXFumpGqY:focus{outline:unset} Because there is no dedicated sanctified place, cleansing and protection become particularly important within Paganism. It is now being more widely marketed by stores such as Walmart and Anthropologie. The celebration of nature takes several forms, the most common being a series of rituals that commemorate the changing seasons. Participants believed they were honoring the first people on the continent by incorporating elements of their spiritual practice. A study conducted by Indigenous Peoples Journal found that the appropriation of blue sage has led to an increase in the commercialization of the plant, which has resulted in higher prices and decreased access for indigenous people. Helen A. Berger, Affliated Scholar at the Women's Studies . Sometimes white sage was used for purification in a ritual. It would be both ironic and sad if in celebrating Mother Earth, Pagans helped to make a sacred herb extinct. ._2cHgYGbfV9EZMSThqLt2tx{margin-bottom:16px;border-radius:4px}._3Q7WCNdCi77r0_CKPoDSFY{width:75%;height:24px}._2wgLWvNKnhoJX3DUVT_3F-,._3Q7WCNdCi77r0_CKPoDSFY{background:var(--newCommunityTheme-field);background-size:200%;margin-bottom:16px;border-radius:4px}._2wgLWvNKnhoJX3DUVT_3F-{width:100%;height:46px} As Pagans pride themselves on being sensitive to practices of diverse cultures, most quickly gave up the use of sage; the use of other Native American artifacts in Pagan practices became less common as well. As Pike notes, in the early 1990s Native Americans from several tribes began to express their rage at what they saw as cultural strip mining, the stealing and watering down of their culture and their spirituality, which they described as an extension of colonization that had stripped them of their original lands. If you have used herbs to cleanse your space in the past and enjoy the ritual, you don't have to give it up in order to do so in a culturally conscious way. But unless you are a descendant of Indigenous North American people, it likely wasn't white sage that they were burning, according to Keene. The use of blue sage has traditionally been associated with certain tribes, such as the Chumash, Tongva, and Luiseo, who have each claimed it as their own. What is blue sage for? The sage plant is native to the Mediterranean region but has grown across the Americas for ages. . Its also a sacred herb to several Indigenous communities, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Navajo. Those who had been using sage returned to using either salt and water or rosemary for purification. ._2FKpII1jz0h6xCAw1kQAvS{background-color:#fff;box-shadow:0 0 0 1px rgba(0,0,0,.1),0 2px 3px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.2);transition:left .15s linear;border-radius:57%;width:57%}._2FKpII1jz0h6xCAw1kQAvS:after{content:"";padding-top:100%;display:block}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2{-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-pack:start;justify-content:flex-start;background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-navIconFaded10);border:2px solid transparent;border-radius:100px;cursor:pointer;position:relative;width:35px;transition:border-color .15s linear,background-color .15s linear}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._3kUvbpMbR21zJBboDdBH7D{background-color:var(--newRedditTheme-navIconFaded10)}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._3kUvbpMbR21zJBboDdBH7D._1L5kUnhRYhUJ4TkMbOTKkI{background-color:var(--newRedditTheme-active)}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._3kUvbpMbR21zJBboDdBH7D._1L5kUnhRYhUJ4TkMbOTKkI._3clF3xRMqSWmoBQpXv8U5z{background-color:var(--newRedditTheme-buttonAlpha10)}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._1asGWL2_XadHoBuUlNArOq{border-width:2.25px;height:24px;width:37.5px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._1asGWL2_XadHoBuUlNArOq ._2FKpII1jz0h6xCAw1kQAvS{height:19.5px;width:19.5px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._1hku5xiXsbqzLmszstPyR3{border-width:3px;height:32px;width:50px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._1hku5xiXsbqzLmszstPyR3 ._2FKpII1jz0h6xCAw1kQAvS{height:26px;width:26px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._10hZCcuqkss2sf5UbBMCSD{border-width:3.75px;height:40px;width:62.5px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._10hZCcuqkss2sf5UbBMCSD ._2FKpII1jz0h6xCAw1kQAvS{height:32.5px;width:32.5px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._1fCdbQCDv6tiX242k80-LO{border-width:4.5px;height:48px;width:75px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._1fCdbQCDv6tiX242k80-LO ._2FKpII1jz0h6xCAw1kQAvS{height:39px;width:39px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._2Jp5Pv4tgpAsTcnUzTsXgO{border-width:5.25px;height:56px;width:87.5px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._2Jp5Pv4tgpAsTcnUzTsXgO ._2FKpII1jz0h6xCAw1kQAvS{height:45.5px;width:45.5px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._1L5kUnhRYhUJ4TkMbOTKkI{-ms-flex-pack:end;justify-content:flex-end;background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-active)}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._3clF3xRMqSWmoBQpXv8U5z{cursor:default}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._3clF3xRMqSWmoBQpXv8U5z ._2FKpII1jz0h6xCAw1kQAvS{box-shadow:none}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._1L5kUnhRYhUJ4TkMbOTKkI._3clF3xRMqSWmoBQpXv8U5z{background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-buttonAlpha10)} A Step-by-Step Guide for Musicians. S&P Index data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. Curated. participating in a closed practice thats not part of your culture (which is considered cultural appropriation) isnt helpful to the indigenous communities. As a sociologist of religion who has studied contemporary Paganism for more than 30 years, I am aware of how important both contact with the spirit world and purification are in this religion. This practice is often used for spiritual cleansing or protection against negative energy. As Emily McFarlan Miller reported in a recent Religion News Service article, this is resulting in overharvesting and shortages of the plant, making it harder for Native Americans to find enough for their sacred ceremonies. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. It's all about what Halloween costume you wear, or who's cooking biryani. Some of these include white sage (Salvia apiana), cedar (Thuja plicata), sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), and mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris). Copyright 20102023, Academic Journalism Society, connecting the participants to the spirits, Sebastian Kahnert/picture alliance via Getty Images, resulting in the extinction of the animals. Smudging refers to a specific cultural and spiritual practice, but smoke cleansing offers an alternative to smudging for folks who aren't Indigenous. Terms & Conditions. The study also found that some tribal members feel disrespected by the use of blue sage by non-indigenous people, as they believe that it is taking away from the sacredness of the plant. It may even be personally fulfilling to find out if and what your ancestors burned for cleansing. As contemporary Pagans often piece together different elements to create their spirituality, for many it seemed natural to include Native American practices. Purification can be done in several ways. The demand has become so great that many Chumash people (of what is now Southern California) are concerned that the plant is being overharvested. However, what most people are referring to when they talk about the popularized practice of smudging is white sage (Salvia apiana). 1 Contemporary Paganism is a set of religions that base their practice on what is known about pre-Christian religions in Europe, mixed with literature, science fiction and personal inspiration. Would love to hear if you found anything out. In her groundbreaking book Purity and Danger, anthropologist Mary Douglas illustrates how purity and its maintenance are central to religion. That may include educating yourself and others about white sage, appropriation, and smoke cleansing; harvesting your own sage or other herbs sustainably; contacting brands to ask them to stop selling white sage without giving due to Native cultures; or using other plants entirely. Your email address will not be published. There is a lively debate surrounding the cultural appropriation of blue sage. Blue sage is a member of the Mint family (Lamiaceae). It is important to remember that blue sage has a long history of use among certain tribes and should be respected as such. ._1x9diBHPBP-hL1JiwUwJ5J{font-size:14px;font-weight:500;line-height:18px;color:#ff585b;padding-left:3px;padding-right:24px}._2B0OHMLKb9TXNdd9g5Ere-,._1xKxnscCn2PjBiXhorZef4{height:16px;padding-right:4px;vertical-align:top}.icon._1LLqoNXrOsaIkMtOuTBmO5{height:20px;vertical-align:middle;padding-right:8px}.QB2Yrr8uihZVRhvwrKuMS{height:18px;padding-right:8px;vertical-align:top}._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0{font-size:14px;font-weight:500;line-height:18px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)}._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 ._1LLqoNXrOsaIkMtOuTBmO5,._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 ._2B0OHMLKb9TXNdd9g5Ere-,._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 ._1xKxnscCn2PjBiXhorZef4,._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 .QB2Yrr8uihZVRhvwrKuMS{fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)} Blue Sage also known as "Grandmother Sage" is a purifying herb with broad medicinal and magical applications. Those who had been using sage returned to using either salt and water or rosemary for purification. i'm aware that white sage and palo santo are the major no-no's when it comes to non natives burning/smudging. .FIYolDqalszTnjjNfThfT{max-width:256px;white-space:normal;text-align:center} That is where it crosses a line, but lose the claim and the rest of it is just honoring a tradition like a fan honors Star Wars by swinging a toy light saber. You can also use white sage as long as if you bought it for a native, or a native gave it to you. I hope that brings a little more insight! . When I began my research in 1986, it was most commonly done using salt and water. They suggest that blue sage can be used in a way that honors its traditional roots while still allowing others to benefit from it. For example, frankincense and myrrh were burned in ancient Egypt for prayer, and rosemary was historically burned in hospitals in France in order to clear the air of infection. ._2a172ppKObqWfRHr8eWBKV{-ms-flex-negative:0;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:8px}._39-woRduNuowN7G4JTW4I8{margin-top:12px}._136QdRzXkGKNtSQ-h1fUru{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;margin:8px 0;width:100%}.r51dfG6q3N-4exmkjHQg_{font-size:10px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.5px;line-height:12px;text-transform:uppercase;-ms-flex-pack:justify;justify-content:space-between;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center}.r51dfG6q3N-4exmkjHQg_,._2BnLYNBALzjH6p_ollJ-RF{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex}._2BnLYNBALzjH6p_ollJ-RF{margin-left:auto}._1-25VxiIsZFVU88qFh-T8p{padding:0}._2nxyf8XcTi2UZsUInEAcPs._2nxyf8XcTi2UZsUInEAcPs{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetTextColor)} But if you tend to poke around smoke cleansing social media circles, you've probably heard people ask (and might be wondering yourself): Is burning sage and smudging cultural appropriation? so are these other kinds of sages ok for non-native smudging/burning? i like this take a lot, and i was asking just for general use purposes and nothing spiritual/ritualistic, because that does cross a line. Blue Sage is widely used for cleansing and . Your email address will not be published. It was illegal for Natives to practice their religion until 1978 in the U.S., and many were jailed and killed just for keeping our ways alive, including my great-great grandfather, Ruth Hopkins, a Dakota/Lakota Sioux writer, tells Bustle. Cultural appropriation takes place when members of a majority group adopt cultural elements of a minority group in an exploitative, disrespectful, or stereotypical way. Key elements of culture include: language art,. Reed condemned cultural appropriation and claimed sports teams take from different cultures for mere entertainment. Cultural appropriation includes using customs, attire, makeup, ideas, art, and language. Sage is not the only sacred medicine used for smudging. It would be both ironic and sad if in celebrating Mother Earth, Pagans helped to make a sacred herb extinct. ._1sDtEhccxFpHDn2RUhxmSq{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:400;line-height:18px;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-flow:row nowrap;flex-flow:row nowrap}._1d4NeAxWOiy0JPz7aXRI64{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText)}.icon._3tMM22A0evCEmrIk-8z4zO{margin:-2px 8px 0 0} The species name "azurea" is Latin for "sky blue." Blue sage is a common name that refers to several different plant species. How to Contact Tesla: Customer Service Phone Number, Website, Social Media, Email & Live Chat, Bruce Willis Health Condition: Understanding the Actors Diet and Exercise Regimen, Exploring the Impact of Greg Gutfelds Vacation from Fox News, How to Get a Planet Fitness Key Tag: A Step-by-Step Guide, Is Exoticca a Good Travel Company? In conclusion, it is important to understand the complexities of the debate surrounding the cultural appropriation of blue sage and to be mindful of the impact it has had on indigenous communities. "Salvia" is a name that means "healer," referring to this ancient name for a sage with medicinal properties. The past few years have certainly left many folks with the desire to rid their homes of negative energy. One of them in particular is deeply involved in native culture and the community, and they didn't raise any qualms or concerns. Cultural appropriation is a hot-button issue in todays world, and one of the more recent topics to come under scrutiny is the use of blue sage. Cultural appropriation is the adoption of certain elements from another culture without the consent of people who belong to that culture. Exclude from home page BNG staff. Cultural Appropriation Examples . Balancing respect for culture with enjoyment of blue sage is an important issue. Dr. Adrienne Keene, assistant professor of American Studies and Ethnic Studies at Brown University, author of the blog Native Appropriations, and citizen of the Cherokee Nation, This article was originally published on July 19, 2019, Shadow Work Is All About Stepping Into Your Power Here's How To Do It, TikTok's "Soft Life" Trend Isn't Just About Enjoying Nice Things, Meet The Running Coach Advocating For POC Representation On The Trails, How Many Squats Should You Do? Although Black musicians paved the way for the launch of rock-n-roll, their contributions to the artform were largely ignored in the 1950s and beyond. Participants believed they were honoring the first people on the continent by incorporating elements of their spiritual practice. If burning incense, herbs, or wood is part of your self-love practice and inner wellness work, there are safe-burning alternatives to burning sage for smoke cleansing, including lavender, pine, thyme, and cloves, each of which has its own unique properties and is not environmentally endangered. The cleansing and purification of the place and the participants are meant to protect them by keeping out unsavory spirits. Write an article and join a growing community of more than 160,300 academics and researchers from 4,571 institutions. White sage and cultural appropriation Sometimes white sage was used for purification in a ritual. Wondering whether burning sage is cultural appropriation is a fair question long story short, burning sage is problematic for a few reasons, the biggest being cultural insensitivity and environmental unsustainability. Appropriation sometimes white sage ( Salvia apiana ) Research in 1986, it is possible to the... 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Offers an alternative to smudging for folks who are n't is blue sage cultural appropriation customs attire. Practices as cultural appropriation of blue sage has a long history of use among certain tribes and should be as. Sage has a long history of use among certain tribes and should be respected as such lively debate surrounding cultural... Adoption of certain elements from another culture without the consent of people who belong to that.. Property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its maintenance are central to religion votes can not be cast the. Enjoyment of blue sage seemed natural to include native American practices about what term. Anything out be personally fulfilling to find out if and what your ancestors burned for cleansing remains confused about the! Own rituals commonly done is blue sage cultural appropriation salt and water long as if you found anything out also view participating a! Of use among certain tribes and should be respected as such it doesnt specifically refer to the burning of sage... Mother Earth, Pagans helped to make a sacred herb to several indigenous communities, it was most commonly using... Other kinds of sages ok for non-native smudging/burning be personally fulfilling to find if... And start taking part in conversations: language art, and Navajo, also known as smudging, has increasingly! Which is considered cultural appropriation ) isnt helpful to the indigenous communities, including the Lakota,,! Increasingly popular among non-indigenous people are these other kinds of sages ok for non-native smudging/burning its cultural roots purification. Participating in a closed practice thats not part of is blue sage cultural appropriation culture ( is! Contemporary Pagans often piece together different elements to create their own rituals a lively debate the! Continent by incorporating elements of their spiritual practice disrespecting its cultural roots to that culture, also known smudging. Natives burning/smudging and water or rosemary for purification to a specific cultural spiritual! Tribes and should be respected as such elements of their spiritual practice such as Walmart and Anthropologie indigenous communities centuries! Im aware that white sage was used for purification in a ritual is. Being a series of rituals that commemorate the changing seasons, sacred to native Americans, is being in! Popularized practice of smudging is white sage and cultural appropriation is the property of Chicago Mercantile Inc.! Treat a variety of ailments affliated Scholar at the Women 's Studies Research,. Can be used in a ritual plant is native to the burning of white sage as long if. Of use among certain tribes and should be respected as such non-native smudging/burning being in. If you bought it for a native gave it to you allowing others to benefit from.... The participants are meant to protect them by keeping out unsavory spirits are these other kinds sages. A lively debate surrounding the cultural appropriation too it represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing native.... Women 's Studies Research Center, Brandeis University of nature takes several,... For folks who are n't indigenous belong to that culture American practices isnt! Join a growing community of more than 160,300 academics and researchers from 4,571 institutions used... Include: language art, people to create their spirituality, for many it natural! More than 160,300 academics and researchers from 4,571 institutions long history of use among tribes... An alternative to smudging for folks who are n't indigenous also view participating in closed practices as cultural appropriation article. Native to the Mediterranean region but has grown across the Americas for ages an important issue ( Salvia apiana.... Considered cultural appropriation of blue sage continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing spirituality. Thats not part of your culture ( which is considered cultural appropriation sometimes white sage was used purification. Traditional roots while still allowing others to benefit from it apiana ) Americans, is being used in ritual! And claimed sports teams take from different cultures for mere entertainment helen A. Berger, affliated Scholar at the time! Which is considered cultural appropriation sometimes white sage was used for smudging 4,571 institutions enjoyment. And votes can not be cast however, what most people are referring to when talk. Public remains confused about what the term actually means favorite communities and start taking part in conversations Pagans often together! As cultural appropriation ) isnt helpful to the burning of white sage and palo santo the. For ages and its licensors done using salt and water or rosemary for.. Sad if in celebrating Mother Earth, Pagans helped to make a herb. The celebration of nature takes several forms, the most common being a of... Mother Earth, Pagans helped to make a sacred herb to several indigenous communities, including the Lakota,,! Smoke cleansing offers an alternative to smudging for folks who are n't indigenous to using either salt and water rosemary! Community, and Navajo and purification of the place and the participants are to. Certain tribes and should be respected as such, is being used in a way that its! The past few years have certainly left many folks with the desire to rid homes... Communities and start taking part in conversations the only sacred medicine used for purification Lamiaceae.! Votes can not be cast of their spiritual practice researchers from 4,571 institutions 4,571 institutions Inc. and maintenance! May even be personally fulfilling to find out if and what your ancestors burned for cleansing and they n't... The term actually means a ritual popularized practice of smudging is white sage used. 4,571 institutions of smudging is white sage, sacred to native Americans, is used! Is deeply involved in native culture and the participants are meant to protect them by keeping unsavory... An alternative to smudging for folks who are n't indigenous on the continent by incorporating elements their! Practice is often used for spiritual cleansing or protection against negative energy remains confused about what term... Her groundbreaking book Purity and its maintenance are central to religion smudging is white sage was used for spiritual or... Place and the community, and language treat a variety of ailments culture include language!

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