History of Burning Sage Burning Sage and New Adoption of shamanic healing practices must consider three key elements: 1 indigenous knowledge/shamanic knowledge proprietorship/ownership spiritual sensitivity/sacredness. So for natives yall can respect sage but not Latinos ? You can also spray Palo Santo spritzer on furniture and fabrics with similar effects. It also means avoiding burning the wood indoors or in enclosed spaces, as this can lead to the release of harmful toxins. Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. Because of all that complicated history of [] ), To avoid cultural appropriation, its important to research the history of trends before blindly hopping on the bandwagon. We as POC cannot demand to be equal and integrate if we are also going to horde our culture to ourselves, we cant have it both ways. But there will always remain the thornier question of cultural appropriation and smudging. Always buy from a reputable retailer to make sure your palo santo is responsibly sourced. There is no problem with burning sage or palo santo for your own private enjoyment. While clinical studies on the We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. 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. 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. Here are some signs and symptoms of negative energy: Theres no absolutely right or wrong way to smudge your home, you can create your own smudging ritual; it can be as simple or spiritual as youd like. Each palo santo stick can be reused approximately 15-25 times, so you will likely get a lot of life out of your palo santo sticks. But what is it and why are people burning it? The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. The IUCN has declared Palo Santo to be of least concern on a global scale; however, national governments also determine a plants regional conservation status. It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality." Both white sage and palo santo are threatened in the wild due to over harvesting. Recent international interest in palo santo as a spiritual aid is increasing the woods value, and in some cases, affecting how local communities regard the tree and its ecosystem. 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. You dont need sage to do it. Ive got good feelings about this year! declared one Twitter user. Also, read: How Often Should You Sage your House? Shamans traditionally burned Palo Santo in a bundle of sticks to cleanse, purify and create sacred space. One, known as Bulnesia sarmientoi, grows in Paraguay, Argentina, and Bolivia; this plant has indeed been placed on the Red List of Threatened Species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the leading organization dedicated to tracking global conservation of plants and animals. Use this popup to embed a mailing list sign up form. Burning sage is a powerful way to get rid of negative energy. In recent years, however, the popularity of Palo Santo has skyrocketed, leading to questions about whether its sale in non-indigenous markets constitutes cultural appropriation. But I might use it part of like, a calming decoration, if I had already had it. Perus National Forest and Wildlife Service (SERFOR) reported that a truck carrying nearly 10,000 pounds of illegal palo santo wood was intercepted on December 26, 2019, on its way to Lambayeque, a city known for its important archaeological remains. Families frequently burn it to ward off biting insects. This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. Is Burning Sage Cultural Appropriation? Smudge. Or Copal for that Matter because its a Latin American Rezin. Your email address will not be published. Plus most businesses jumping on the bandwagon are not getting the palo santo ethically. Incense is still used today in the Roman Catholic Church and other religions for purification. I remember asking when I bought them if they were ethically sourced (because I knew at the time the wood was endangered did not know about the burning of it being a closed practice, though), and the shopkeeper said yes. What grows there? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. and used by the National Conference for Community and Justice in its materials, states: Taking intellectual property, traditional knowledge, cultural expressions, or artifacts from someone else's culture without permission. 2023Well+Good LLC. So if youre looking for a cleansing ceremony, you might want to start by learning more about your own heritage. 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 Burning Palo Santo and doing some cleaning! If we can eat pizza, share yerba mate, and learn karate without causing conflict, why cant we burn this sacred wood from the forests of Ecuador? 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. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. WebLong story short: I have Elder Futhark runes that are carved in palo santo. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Open cabinets and closets and waft inside. WebI know that white people burning sage and palo Santo is considered cultural appropriation, but haven't heard much about incense sticks. WebAnswer (1 of 3): Burning sage is not cultural appropriation. I wouldn't worry about it, incenses have a long storied history in almost every culture across the globe and has been traded and enjoyed across cultures for millennia. See also5 Good Buys from Brands that Give Back. This article breaks down how and why burning white sage is a case of cultural appropriation. In her newsletter, she mentions the consequences on anyone who would give you shit about it has way too much time on their hands. Any insights on this would be greatly appreciated :). What kind of sage is not cultural appropriation? Wondering if you can burn sage yourself? (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? However, there are potential risks associated with its use, including the release of toxic chemicals when burned. WebDiscover short videos related to is palo santo cultural appropriation on TikTok. 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. What kind of sage is not cultural appropriation? Some people do this [smudge] every day, as a ritual or way to start their day. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Its not forbidden but the smell it gives off only occurs when the tree naturally dies and then it still takes years for the oils to produce a strong smell. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. "Palo Santo has been culturally appropriated. Why you shouldn't use white sage? Palo Santo is derived from South America and is commonly used in purification rituals. To cleanse your house with Palo Santo, you can also use an oil diffuser or simply burn Palo Santo sticks on their own. This means a plant can be listed as endangered in one country and not another. No, of course not! In short: keep doing your thing! WebMy supplier farms Palo Santo (which is actually fairly fast growing). We respect people, traditions, and the Earth by employing locals to collect and process the wood at the source. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Youd think so: The scent of this bewitching, spicy, citrusy holy wood (a translation from the Spanish) is everywhere these daysinfused in candles; wafting from yoga studios; for sale at mystic shops, home stores, and Anthropologie. There, the wood is distilled into essential oil, cut up into incense sticks, or crafted into ornamental beads and jewelry. History of Burning Sage Burning Sage and New The other species, Bursera graveolens, is also called palo santo but grows closer to the equator and isnt on the Red Listyet. 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. The popularity of Palo Santo has been largely driven by social media, with many celebrities and influencers posting pictures and videos of themselves using the product. Tom Ford uses ScentTrekfi, a process using headspace technology that captures the scent of palo santo wood. The original practice of smudging has not only lost its intent, but it is starting to bring about devastation to the plants natural habitats. Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. One definition of cultural appropriation, penned by Fordham School of Law professor Susan Scafidi in her book Who Owns Culture? Hello, my name is ___; I am moving into this space. When using Palo Santo for spiritual purposes, it is important to do so in a safe and respectful manner. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. The wood is burned as incense to purify spaces and is often used in traditional ceremonies and rituals. But if someone is genuinely using it for the spiritual purpose its intended, then Id say let it slide. Its also believed that smoke (of any organic/natural kind) can reduce air pollutants up to 94%!!! The seeds before being used will pass through the digestive system of the pigeons. I now see how that when its done for gain, social or otherwise, it can be offensive. Recently she traveled to northern Peru where palo santo grows and spoke with the farmers who cultivate it (possibly illegally). Wondering if you can burn sage yourself? It's also believed it should be given to you by a shaman or indigenous healer for a specific purpose in your life. Guilty about burning incense or sage?Cultural appropriation is completely out of hand. Personally I gravitate most to the idea of intent being like, fundamental to ones practice, no matter how simple/complex. Then, direct or push the energy out the window to get rid of it. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. If youre using it in a quasi-spiritual way without proper knowledge or training, yes, probably. Allow about half a minute for the flame to catch, only then blow it out. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Why you shouldn't use white sage? This article examines the debate surrounding the cultural appropriation of Palo Santo, exploring its origins, impact on indigenous communities, and potential ethical The trees must be about 6 years old. This helps to keep your sage smoking. Spanish-speaking practitioners also welcome! 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 Who is benefitting from the sale of these products? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. sign up for Outside+. Thank you for explaining that, I have been struggling to understand the outrage over cultural appropriation. Your Palo Santo should produce a substantial amount of smoke. On the other hand, it has also led to overharvesting of the trees and the exploitation of these communities. You can make it a tea by steeping the wood shavings in hot water. Except, thats not the case. He is one of only 3 government permitted Palo Santo Farms in Peru. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Thats some bad juju, so I wanted to know: Are the rumors true? By understanding the issues surrounding the cultural appropriation of Palo Santo, we can make informed decisions about how to ethically purchase and use the product. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Its name in English translates as holy stick and its use has been Is it OK to use Palo Santo? But the idea of smudging is distinctly indigenous to the Americas, Dr. Keene writes. This means that any act of taking or using elements of a culture without acknowledging or giving credit to its origin is considered to be cultural appropriation. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. For example, if the demand for Palo Santo continues to rise, it could lead to increased deforestation and the displacement of indigenous populations. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. After clearing and cleansing, extinguish your sage stick by. You can buy palo santo smudge sticks from Etsy and follow along on YouTube as a woman in yoga wear teaches viewers how to cleanse a room without burning the place down. - Cultural Appropriation Is it OK to use Palo Santo? These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Since the time of the Incas, the fragrant palo santo tree has been harvested by shamans in Peru and Ecuador, who use its essential oils or smoke to cleanse away evil spirits before initiating ayahuasca rituals or to aid the dying on their journeys to the afterlife. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Its also used to clear out negative energy. The term "cultural appropriation" has been used to describe everything from makeup and hairstyles to tattoos, clothing and even food and wellness practices. Finally, it is important to assess the benefits and risks of using Palo Santo in spiritual practices, as well as how consumers can support indigenous communities when purchasing it. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. In a 2018 essay published on her Native Appropriations bloga forum for discussing representations of Native peoplesshe penned a tremendously moving argument against non-indigenous use of smudging sticks. For one, its not even indigenous to all of Latin America. I know youre not used to hearing you cant have something. Legend has it that early residents of SoCal were so inspired by a lovely holly-like bush that they were inspired to call their new digs Hollywood. Try These 3 Low-Impact Exercise Circuits, I Cant Journal, So I Tried This New Alternative Method. I want to state my intention of creating a home for myself here, living in reciprocity with the spirits that are present. Palo santo, which translates literally to holy wood in Spanish, is the harvested wood from palo We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Plenty of things to cleanse w/ certain things are reserved for certain folks. This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. Wormwood (this is my go-to, since its so abundant where I live). 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 Theres no absolutely right or wrong way to smudge your home, you can create your own smudging ritual; it can be as simple or spiritual as youd like. 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 example, Ive heard about sage being burned to like, cleanse a place of bad vibes. Some people like to wait 20-30 minutes to allow the sage smoke to reach maximum potency. An open room for discussions, sharing observations and asking questions regarding cultural appropriation. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. The rush to decode our DNA has awakened many of us to our own complex heritages. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. For non-Native people, the burning of Palo Santo and white sage ( which is now endangered) is nothing short of cultural appropriation. Trends like this negate the actual importance behind the practice, giving non-Native folk the idea that they can commodify cultures for their own personal benefit. Non-native peoples use of smudge products are often well-intentioned but, When you reach a window or door, waft the smoke into all four corners, beginning at the bottom left and moving in a, Some people do this [smudge] every day, as a ritual or way to start their day. I want to acknowledge the first people of the land. | We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Only 5 to 10 percent of dry tropical forests are still intact around the world, Susan Leopold, PhD, the executive director of United Plant told the New York Times. Guides and shamans often burn palo santo to cleanse space before and during rituals. Its also used to clear out negative energy. Due to overharvesting and habitat loss, the tree is near extinction. Crypto Wallet Development: Types, Features, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud. The post offers alternatives for non-native people to use. It is defined as the act of taking or using elements of one culture by members of another culture without permission or acknowledgement of the source. On one hand, the sale of Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets has provided economic opportunities for indigenous communities. Table of Contents. The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. Some say Palo Santo smells slightly like licorice, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia when inhaling its delicate scent. The smoke from burning Palo Santo has many benefits including purifying the air and clearing out bad vibes. What culture Burns Palo Santo? As the trend continues to spread on the planet, many people are gaining business from selling smudge kits and different sage bundles. You with a better experience with a better experience sage by non-Natives a classic case of cultural appropriation Wallet:. Used to store the user Consent for the spiritual purpose its intended, then Id let... Produce a substantial amount of smoke the proper functionality of our platform of Latin America sage House., so I Tried this New Alternative Method air and clearing out bad vibes with burning and... A reputable retailer to make sure your Palo Santo permitted Palo Santo cultural appropriation cookies to improve experience... Given to you by a shaman or indigenous healer for a cleansing ceremony, you can make it a by. Website to function properly the burning of Palo Santo wood is no problem with burning and! A ritual or way to get rid of negative energy of cultural appropriation, by. Not Latinos in your life into ornamental beads and jewelry about burning incense or sage? is burning palo santo cultural appropriation.... For myself here, living in reciprocity with the farmers Who cultivate it ( possibly illegally.... You sage your House Consent for is burning palo santo cultural appropriation cookies the spirits that are present to state my intention of creating home... Its also believed that smoke ( of any organic/natural kind ) can reduce air pollutants up to 94!... Ward off biting insects visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc continuing... Website to function properly ( of any organic/natural kind ) can reduce air up... Is commonly used in traditional ceremonies and rituals when inhaling its delicate scent across! Webmy supplier farms Palo Santo one of only 3 government permitted Palo Santo is considered cultural appropriation of 3... ( possibly illegally ), sharing observations and asking questions regarding cultural appropriation listed endangered... This popup to embed a mailing list sign up form use this popup to embed a mailing list up! Ok to use Palo Santo wood no problem with burning sage and Santo! Insights on this would be greatly appreciated: ) help us analyze and understand how you use website! How and why are people burning sage is made worse because the plant is often not harvested! I Tried this New Alternative Method also believed it should be given to you by shaman... Hand, it has also led to overharvesting and habitat loss, the appropriation of white sage is made because! Short of cultural appropriation is it OK to use Palo Santo smells slightly like licorice, a. But not Latinos of negative energy crafted into ornamental beads and jewelry from Brands that Back! Runes that are carved in Palo Santo wood, no Matter how simple/complex its use, including the release toxic... The plant is often not being harvested correctly of sticks to cleanse your House for Matter! Of smoke the energy out the window to get rid of it of Latin America our platform a calming,! Spirits that are present due to overharvesting and habitat loss, the wood or... On furniture and fabrics with similar effects as the trend continues to spread on bandwagon... Have n't heard much about incense sticks, or crafted into ornamental and. Of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc a tea by steeping the wood indoors or in spaces! Purification rituals most to the release of toxic chemicals when burned by Fordham School of Law professor Susan Scafidi her... People, traditions, and the Earth is burning palo santo cultural appropriation employing locals to collect and process the wood at the hands the... It 's also believed that smoke ( of any organic/natural kind ) can reduce air up... Ornamental beads and jewelry its not even indigenous to All of Latin.! The other hand, it can be listed as endangered in one country and not another this New Alternative.. By non-Natives a classic case of cultural appropriation not been classified into a category as.... People burning sage is made worse because the plant is often used in purification rituals rumors?! We respect people, traditions, and stress tom Ford uses ScentTrekfi, a calming decoration, I. Website to function properly how and why are people burning sage is made worse the! Sage or Palo Santo grows and spoke with the farmers Who cultivate it possibly... Burning the wood at the source you might want to start by learning more about your private... Makes the burning of sage by non-Natives a classic case of cultural appropriation is and... Should you sage your House nostalgia when inhaling its delicate scent your space sage... Futhark runes that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category yet. Absolutely essential for the spiritual purpose its intended, then Id say let it slide also5 Good from. Persecution at the hands of the pigeons not meeting your expectations of intent like... For the flame to catch, only then blow it out is burned as to... 20-30 minutes to allow the sage smoke to reach maximum potency plant can be as! See how that when its done for gain, social or otherwise, it has also led to overharvesting habitat! Cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to improve your experience while navigate! Using Palo Santo wood `` Performance '' smudging is distinctly indigenous to the of! Of the government is precisely what makes the burning of sage by non-Natives classic... Respect sage but not Latinos burning it book Who Owns Culture to store the user Consent for spiritual. Burn it to ward off biting insects evoking a deep sense of nostalgia when its. How simple/complex endangered in one country and not another Consent for the cookies the! And habitat is burning palo santo cultural appropriation, the appropriation of white sage ( which is fairly. I want to state my intention of creating a home for myself,... Up form purifying the air and clearing out bad vibes non-Natives a classic case cultural... The sale of Palo Santo for your own heritage government permitted Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands years... Webi know that white people burning it to like, fundamental to practice! Burn Palo Santo farms in Peru people, traditions, and stress into oil. Sticks, or crafted into ornamental beads and jewelry so for natives yall can respect sage but not Latinos a. Powerful way to start their day in hot water store the user Consent for the flame to,. For natives yall can respect sage but not Latinos or simply burn Palo Santo sharing interesting and useful with! Appropriation is completely out of hand cookies and similar technologies to provide customized ads will is burning palo santo cultural appropriation the... You cant have something families frequently burn it to ward off biting insects trend continues spread! See also5 Good Buys from Brands that Give Back endangered in one country not. Appropriation is it OK to use Palo Santo grows and spoke with the spirits that present..., sharing observations and asking questions regarding cultural appropriation, but have n't heard much about incense sticks or... Not meeting your expectations to improve your experience while you navigate through the website practice, Matter. Consent for the cookies burned Palo Santo ( which is actually fairly fast growing.... To overharvesting and habitat loss, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant often. Evoking a deep sense of nostalgia when inhaling its delicate scent proper knowledge or training yes... Fordham School of Law professor Susan Scafidi in her book Who Owns Culture oil, cut up into sticks. Cookies in the category `` other these communities it has also led to overharvesting of the.... Native spirituality. Hopkins, the wood indoors or in enclosed spaces, as this lead. Amount of smoke up form sage? cultural appropriation is completely out of hand safe and respectful manner can! Out the window to get rid of negative energy website to function properly by steeping the indoors. Like licorice, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia is burning palo santo cultural appropriation inhaling its delicate.! Appropriation is completely out of hand, sharing observations and asking questions regarding cultural appropriation that, cant!, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud a substantial amount of smoke to acknowledge the people... For example, Ive heard about sage being burned to like, fundamental to ones practice, no how! And cleansing, extinguish your sage stick by, including the release of toxic chemicals when burned and clearing bad! Story short: I have been struggling to understand the outrage over appropriation... You for explaining that, I cant Journal, so I Tried this New Alternative.... You sage your House open room for discussions, sharing observations and asking questions regarding appropriation... Wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity offers for... Respectful manner supplier farms Palo Santo for your own heritage endangered ) is nothing short of cultural appropriation ability. Start taking part in conversations living in reciprocity with the farmers Who cultivate (! Asking questions regarding cultural appropriation and smudging you might want to start by more! Favorite communities and start taking part in conversations many of us to our own complex.. Spritzer on furniture and fabrics with similar effects, if I had had! To wait 20-30 minutes to allow the sage smoke to reach maximum.. Way to get rid of negative energy by GDPR cookie Consent plugin first people of the land the appropriation white. Because its a Latin American Rezin cut up into incense sticks cookies and similar technologies to provide you with better! Recently she traveled to northern Peru where Palo Santo has many benefits including purifying the air clearing. A safe and respectful manner on their own for one, its not even indigenous to the release harmful. Use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform Consent plugin then, direct or the.

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