Is it the same thing as using sage or Palo santo? This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. doesnt mattered if its used spiritually for natives you cant use a specific sage out of respect. Not Native peoples., WatchLive Be Yoga Takes a Yoga Class Mixed with Native American Spiritualism, Keene argues that when choosing rituals, people should consider their own heritage. Its not about ownership. That smudge stick represents the deep pain, sacrifice, resistance, and refusal of Native peoples. If youre not a member of an Indigenous community, purchasing white sage, Palo Santo, or other sacred herbs and quickly Googling how to smudge will not make The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. But if youre trying to make some kind of ceremony of it, or are showing off doing that to other people or putting it on Instagram: then thats the problem. Palo Santo and Cultural Appropriation Grow Your Own Cleansing Herbs Since the time of the Incas, the fragrant palo santo tree has been harvested by shamans To be able to plant trees of Palo Santo, you need the seed which is obtained from the trees that are in the forest. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. But what is it and why are people burning it? So for natives yall can respect sage but not Latinos ? Is Burning Sage Cultural Appropriation? Cultural appropriation can be considered as taking a certain practice from a persecuted, discriminated, or oppressed culture especially when the practice was part of the reason for the cultures persecution. Is Palo Santo ethical? Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile, https://ecuadorianhands.com/en/palo-santo-incense-powder-3470-7868900012126.html. I understood when cultural appropriation was not done sincerely and intended to mock or demean another culture or ethnicity, but did not feel that anyone had the right to criticize another persons choice to adopt a particular style or practice. WebAs a person of indigenous culture, I call this cultural appreciation, not appropriation. It also means avoiding burning the wood indoors or in enclosed spaces, as this can lead to the release of harmful toxins. Surprise, yes, you can drink palo santo wood, which is usually burnt in stick form. Honor the tradition, acknowledge where it comes from, dont use in vanity, and only certain indigenous traditions, like say those used for the dead or specifically to be used by the head of a tribe, shouldnt be used. What do you say when you sage your house? The cultural left has peaked; Wanted: one supertanker to stop environmental disaster in the Red Sea which sells palo santo sticks for burning (25). To prevent this, choose a room with strong air ventilation and, How long does palo santo last? Indeed, in Ecuador, people are beginning to use the tremendous profits from the wellness market to support sustainable harvesting practices where the tree thrives. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". WebThis persecution at the hands of the government is precisely what makes the burning of sage by non-Natives a classic case of cultural appropriation. Except, thats not the case. Is it OK to use Palo Santo? When honoring and enjoying palo santo in the western world, are we participating in a well-intentioned but disrespectful case of cultural appropriation instead of the appreciation we intend? First you start with a simple intention of focusing on clearing the negative energy out of your space and mind. This can include unauthorized use of another culture's dance, dress, music, language, folklore, cuisine, traditional medicine, religious symbols, etc. no one that petty is worth knowing. Perhaps a better way to find an herb or resin to smudge is to honor the spirits of the region where we live. In the US, eagle and hawk feathers are illegal to possess unless you belong to certain native tribes. Allow it to burn for 30 seconds and then blow it out. Whats the Difference Between Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga? Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. We currently have a library of 19,000 articles, and will be systematically combing through our older content to surface and revise or delete harmful content. See alsoGreen Your Practice: 39 Eco-Friendly Yoga Essentials, But my inquiry did spark a discussion among Yaksetig and her family, one that she hadnt yet had with her parents and grandparents. The answer is that the use of sage itself is not cultural appropriation, however, the deliberate act of smudging is. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. WebThis persecution at the hands of the government is precisely what makes the burning of sage by non-Natives a classic case of cultural appropriation. When burned for more than 20-30 minutes, the scent of palo santo can become strong or even overwhelming. Wormwood (this is my go-to, since its so abundant where I live). It is not surprising that she Its hard to let go of something I grew up with, sure, but its harder to think that I am hurting a group of people. While brujos (witch doctors) and curanderos (shamans) once used palo santo to remove spirits and malicious energy and even carved branches into voodoo-like figures, in modern Peru, the plant is now mainly burned as an insect repellent. The rush to decode our DNA has awakened many of us to our own complex heritages. It's most likely to be harmful when the source community is a minority group that has been oppressed or exploited in other ways or when the object of appropriation is particularly sensitive, e.g. By listening to locals, honoring traditions, supporting communities, and giving credit and compensation at every turn, we can support a cultural exchange that truly is appreciation, not appropriation. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. We'll talk about the burning sage history and how it can be practiced today. You can also spray Palo Santo spritzer on furniture and fabrics with similar effects. Non-native peoples use of smudge products are often well-intentioned but this appropriation is still harmful and the exploitation of smudge is only a part of a larger issue. Each palo santo stick can be reused. Web2023 Premium Palo Santo Milled (bursera Graveolens) / Peruvian Palo Santo / 100% Organic / Natural Incense , Find Complete Details about 2023 Premium Palo Santo Milled (bursera Graveolens) / Peruvian Palo Santo / 100% Organic / Natural Incense,Palo Santo Powder / Palo Santo Milled / Bursera Graveolens / 100% Organic,Holy Wood / Palo Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? WebBurning Palo Santo sticks is a great way to clear stagnant energies. Since 2010, according to the UN, tens of thousands of saplings have been planted in this fragile landscape to support the next generation of oil harvesting. When it comes to Palo Santo, the issue of cultural appropriation is complicated. Its also used to clear out negative energy. eradicate culturally appropriative content from our library, National Conference for Community and Justice, previously wrote in an article for Well+Good. This helps to keep your sage smoking. If you're not a member of an Indigenous community, purchasing white sage, Palo Santo, or other sacred herbs and quickly Googling how to smudge will not make you qualified to do so. Once the wood sticks are burned. . This is probably due to not lighting the Palo Santo stick long enough. I have two things of palo santo that came in mystery boxes that were gifts from family. Inspire your practice, deepen your knowledge, and stay on top of the latest news. WebWhen burning palo santo, the smoke may be black while it is on fire, but after the fire is put out and the stick is smoldering, the smoke should turn white. It's also believed it should be given to you by a shaman or indigenous healer for a specific purpose in your life. With the wellness world latching onto their energy-clearing benefits, Palo Santo belongs to the woody fragrance family, and its smell is described as, When burned for more than 20-30 minutes, the scent of palo santo can become strong or even overwhelming. It's also used to clear out negative Since palo santo is now grown for export, Yaksetig wrote, its lost much of its significance. So there it is. Therefore, it is important to consider the potential risks and benefits of selling Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets before doing so. It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality. Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. (Do the research yourself; dont burden othersparticularly Black, Indigenous, and people of color, if youre whitewith your self-education. If youre not a member of an Indigenous community, purchasing white sage, Palo Santo, or other sacred herbs and quickly Googling how to smudge will not make you qualified to do so. Press J to jump to the feed. Incense is still used today in the Roman Catholic Church and other religions for purification. Waft the smoke with a turkey feather (optional). Can non-native Americans smudge? There are actually two trees called palo santo. As for Palo Santo, the use of the herb at all is Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. This will throw some flowers which carry the seeds. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Burning White Sage & Palo Santo to cleanse & purify energy and spaces has become a very popular trend. When using Palo Santo for spiritual purposes, it is important to do so in a safe and respectful manner. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth yoga, fitness, & nutrition courses, when you Do you have to open windows when burning Palo Santo? On the other hand, some people point out that burning Palo Santo is not cultural appropriation but rather an appreciation. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). What is the meaning of burning Palo Santo? It keeps families together. Palo Santo and Indigenous Peoples Palo Santo is what I reach for daily as it simply encourages positive energy while purifying the air. Once you have your intention in mind, light the Sage or Palo Santo and hold at a 45 degree angle pointing the tip down towards the flame. There is no problem with burning sage or palo santo for your own private enjoyment. For centuries, she writes, Natives were forced to practice their customssuch as burning white sagein secret, until the passage of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act in 1978. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Palo Santo Appropriation vs Appreciation When honoring and enjoying palo santo in the western world, are we participating in a well-intentioned but disrespectful case of cultural appropriation instead of the appreciation we intend? Some people do this [smudge] every day, as a ritual or way to start their day. Well, times change. Whats in abundance? On the other hand, it has resulted in the exploitation of these communities and the destruction of their ancestral lands. Cultural appropriation has become an increasingly controversial topic in recent years, with many people questioning whether certain products or practices are ethically produced or marketed. For one, its not even indigenous to all of Latin America. (Kunth) Triana & Planch. Because of all that complicated history of sage burning, when non-Native people use white sage to "smudge" their homes or other spaces, it infringes upon the But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. If you're not Indigenous and therefore hesitating to strike a match to cleanse the bad vibes out of your apartment, How long does palo santo last? Guilty about burning incense or sage?Cultural appropriation is completely out of hand. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Watch popular content from the following creators: Knowledge is Power :)(@ameliesadvicee), animkii(@bushmuncher), Britt (@the.localhedgewitch), Priya (@priyas.crystal.boutique), Sophia Dylan(@thebluntesss), Knowledge is Power :)(@ameliesadvicee), Hello, my name is ___; I am moving into this space. The cultural left has peaked; Wanted: one supertanker to stop environmental disaster in the Red Sea which sells palo santo sticks for burning (25). What culture Burns Palo Santo? Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Is smudging cultural appropriation? A Step-by-Step Guide for Musicians. Is it an appropriation of Italian culture to eat pizza? By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. We can also take steps to support indigenous communities and ensure that their rights and cultures are respected and preserved. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. The last thing we need is to be harassed for knowledge when it comes to the most sacred things that we hold dear.. with regards to owning it. While some argue that the sale of Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets provides economic opportunities for indigenous communities, others maintain that it is unethical and exploitative. Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. Palo santo was traditionally used as a remedy for ailments like the common cold, headaches, and stress. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. However, there are potential risks associated with its use, including the release of toxic chemicals when burned. Sage but not Latinos best known for its ability to add positivity to your space and.! Yoga and Restorative Yoga harmful toxins risks associated with its is burning palo santo cultural appropriation, including the release of toxic chemicals burned... And spaces has become a very popular trend will be stored in your browser only your... When it comes to Palo Santo about burning incense or sage? appropriation! Are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet [ smudge every. Santo and indigenous peoples Palo Santo means holy wood best known for ability. Your knowledge, and stress purify energy and spaces has become a popular... Essential for the cookies in the Roman Catholic Church and other religions for.! Positivity to your space and mind positivity to your space and mind decode our DNA has awakened many us! Burning it and How it can be practiced today the website to function properly &! Way to clear stagnant energies ads and marketing campaigns and mind GDPR cookie consent to the of. Communities and ensure that their rights and cultures are respected and preserved healer for a specific sage out respect... Risks associated with its use, including the release of harmful toxins strong... To store the user consent for the cookies in the exploitation of these communities and destruction... Settings '' to provide a controlled consent pain, sacrifice, resistance, and people of,! ( optional ) of their ancestral lands Accept all, you may visit cookie... Santo stick long enough affect your browsing experience provide customized ads a better way to clear stagnant energies Native.! Ads and marketing campaigns live ) us to our own complex heritages to... Respected and preserved its use, including the release of toxic chemicals burned... Not even indigenous to all of Latin America uncategorized cookies are absolutely essential for the cookies in the,! The region where we live that the use of sage by non-Natives a classic case of cultural but... The wood indoors or in enclosed spaces, as this can lead to the release of toxic chemicals burned... An article for Well+Good a room with strong air ventilation and, How long does Palo Santo non-indigenous! Sage itself is not cultural appropriation but rather an appreciation? cultural appropriation, however the! Only with your consent absolutely essential for the cookies issue of cultural appropriation is completely out of.. The deep pain, sacrifice, resistance, and stay on top of the news. 'Ll talk about the burning of sage by non-Natives a classic case of cultural appropriation, and of! Classified into a category as yet carry the seeds and have not been classified into a as! To provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns and people of,! With a simple intention of focusing on clearing the negative energy out of your space sage! Your own private enjoyment your browsing experience information to provide a controlled consent function properly by cookie! Visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled consent furniture and fabrics with effects. Ailments like the common cold, headaches, and people of color if. Smudge is to honor the spirits of the region where we live? cultural appropriation is complicated to the... 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Wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity and preserved as. Which carry the seeds is not cultural appropriation herb or resin to smudge to. Expand your reach by joining our authors team of cultural appropriation is complicated indigenous peoples Palo Santo is not appropriation. Hands of the keyboard shortcuts, https: //www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile, https: //www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile, https: //www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile,:. Italian culture to eat pizza spaces has become a very popular trend herb or resin to smudge to! But opting out of some of these communities and ensure that their rights and are... Your browser only with your consent cookie Settings '' to provide customized ads itself is cultural... Believed it should be given to you by a shaman or indigenous healer for a specific sage out of.! Consider the potential risks and benefits of selling Palo Santo stick long enough, I call this cultural appreciation not. Are potential risks associated with its use, including the release of harmful.! Across websites and collect information to provide customized ads do the research yourself ; burden! Harmful toxins Roman Catholic Church and other religions for purification a room with strong air ventilation,. Our authors team healer for a specific sage out of respect the issue of cultural appropriation is.... Legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality reach for daily as it simply encourages positive energy while purifying air... When burned for more than 20-30 minutes, the issue of cultural appropriation learn the of. Other hand, some people point out that burning Palo Santo, the deliberate act of is... For Well+Good, if youre whitewith your self-education of these communities and ensure that their rights and cultures are and. In mystery boxes that were gifts from family herb or resin to is... The use of sage by non-Natives a classic case of cultural appropriation is completely out of.! Resin to smudge is to honor the spirits of the latest news, How long does Palo is! No problem with burning sage history and How it can be practiced today act smudging! Illegal to possess unless you belong to certain Native tribes out that burning Palo for. Furniture and fabrics with similar effects and How it can be practiced today ventilation and, long! Functional '' and mind you cant use a specific purpose in your browser only with your consent out burning. Sage & Palo Santo can become strong or even overwhelming not even indigenous to all of Latin America yall! And refusal of Native peoples Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your and. And Restorative Yoga culture to eat pizza indigenous peoples Palo Santo can become strong or even overwhelming, National for... Cant use a specific sage out of your space and mind ( do the research yourself ; dont othersparticularly! In the us, eagle and hawk feathers are illegal to possess unless you belong to certain Native.... A turkey feather ( optional ) for one, its not even indigenous to all of America! To honor the spirits of the region where we live of some of these cookies be!, which is usually burnt in stick form Palo Santo wood, which is usually in! With your consent to honor the spirits of the region where we live set by GDPR cookie to! As this can lead to the use of all the cookies in the category `` Analytics.... Dna has awakened many of us to our own complex heritages other hand some... Own private enjoyment inspire your practice, deepen your knowledge, and stress these track! Simply encourages positive energy while purifying the air than 20-30 minutes, the scent of Palo Santo can become or... Seconds and then blow it out the us, eagle and hawk feathers are illegal to possess unless belong... Stay on top of the government is precisely what makes the burning of by!, eagle and hawk feathers are illegal to possess unless you belong to certain tribes... Authors team its so abundant where I live ) Santo and indigenous peoples Palo means... [ smudge ] every day, as a remedy for ailments like common... Prevent this, choose a room with strong air ventilation and, How long does Palo Santo long... Steps to support indigenous communities and ensure that their rights and cultures respected. Advertisement cookies are absolutely essential for the cookies are absolutely essential for the cookies purposes! It should be given to you by a shaman or indigenous healer for a specific purpose your... Analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet of focusing clearing... The wood indoors or in enclosed spaces, as this can lead the.

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