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. This is cultural appropriation, and it’s harmful to Native communities.
Is it unethical to burn white sage?
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 cultural importance and authenticity of the ritual and prayer — simply, it’s cultural appropriation.
Can non indigenous people smudge?
However, it’s important to remember that not every Indigenous person will say yes or believe it’s ok for non-Indigenous people to smudge and cleanse their homes. You must respect that. Different Indigenous peoples are all at different parts in their healing journey.
What is the cultural significance of white sage?
For many of these cultures, white sage went by the name “Sacred Sage.” It was used to get rid of any unwanted persisting energies, to ask the spirits for blessings, prosperity, protection and more. In many native cultures, plants are more than living things, they have a soul, a spirit, and sage was no different.
Is White Sage ethical?
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. This is cultural appropriation, and it’s harmful to Native communities.
Is it disrespectful to use Palo Santo?
But wait — is using palo santo cultural appropriation? If you’re using it in a quasi-spiritual way without proper knowledge or training, yes, probably. Indigenous and Latin American people have developed a cultural heritage around many different types of herbal healing and spiritual ceremonies.
What is the difference between white sage and regular sage?
The key distinction is in how the two species are used. While common sage is often used in cooking, white sage is more commonly used in incense rituals and as a fragrant plant. This is because white sage exudes a much more intense, tart and resinous scent. Another distinguishing feature is the leaves.
What should you not do when smudging?
Also, take care not to inhale too much of the smoke. “Although saging is a great way to clear your apartment or office of stagnant and possibly negative energy, it is best not to inhale it directly,” says licensed acupuncturist and certified herbalist Irina Logman, L.Ac., MSTOM.
What religion is white sage?
White sage: the perfect illustration of Chumash religion. One practice was frequently observed throughout the territory and across all groups: the ritual smudging of white sage (salvia apiana).
Why do Native Americans use white sage?
Considered a sacred herb by Native American people, white sage is used for purification and protection purposes. Many people follow the ancient Native American tradition of smudging, which is believed to clear away negative energies.
Is white sage a sacred herb?
Healing with White Sage:
Native Americans don’t just used white sage for smudging, however. This sacred herb has been a traditional part of many aspects of daily life.
What cultures use smudging?
While sage is commonly associated with smudging and several Native American, First Nations, Inuit or Métis cultures may use forms of sage that are local to their region, the use of sage is neither universal, nor as widespread as many believe.
Is it ethical to use Palo Santo?
Local farmers and indigenous families who depend on Palo Santo farming for their livelihood typically uphold sustainable and ethical harvesting practices. They only take what’s needed, never deplete an area, only take wood from trees that have fallen naturally, and regularly plant new Palo Santo trees.
Is there ethical Palo Santo?
In 2006, Peru placed Bursera graveolens under protection, prohibiting the cutting of live trees and allowing only for the collection of naturally fallen or dead trees”. This regulation ensures that Palo Santo wood sourced from Peru has been harvested through sustainable and ethical means.
What is the origin of burning sage?
Native Americans and other indigenous peoples have burned sage for centuries as part of a spiritual ritual to cleanse a person or space, and to promote healing and wisdom. It’s been used since the time of the ancient Egyptians and Romans to treat digestive issues, memory problems, and sore throats.
Can you listen to music while smudging?
“All of my friends and I approach our smudging rituals slightly differently because like any self-care ritual, it’s personal.” If something is calling to you or feels missing from your experience, feel free to adapt and adjust. “I love to play music and dance while I smudge.
Should I sage myself before or after shower?
You can shower yourself in the sage after you’ve cleansed the room. Cup your hands over the stick so they receive the smoke and wave it over your skin and body to rid yourself of any toxicity. After you’ve completed your cleansing ritual, extinguish the stick using a cup of water or tap it out using your bowl.
What natives use white sage?
The Cheyenne use the white sage in their Sun Dance and Standing Against Thunder ceremonies (Hart 1976). Other tribes who used white sage include the Arapaho, Comanche, Gros Ventre, Creek, Navaho, Tewa, and Ute (Nickerson 1966, Carlson and Jones 1939, Hart 1976, Thwaites 1905, Denig 1855, Elmore 1944, Robbins et al.
Does it matter what kind of sage you use?
Understand what sage to buy
“The type of sage you want to buy is called ‘California White Sage’ or ‘White Sage Smudge Stick. ‘ Do not use the regular old sage in your kitchen. You want to buy high-quality, ethically cultivated sage.
Can you burn white sage in your home?
You can also light and burn sage to improve odor, fragrance, and mood. Simply waft sage smoke in and around your home. You can place the bundle in a fireproof bowl or burner and allow it to smoke for a while.
How do indigenous people use Sage?
Sage, depending on the particular culture, can be used in medicine pouches, spread over the floor of a sweatlodge, wrapped around sacred implements, used for healing, used to make bad spirits sick, purify people and dwellings, healing and calming.