I know that white people burning sage and palo Santo is considered cultural appropriation, but haven't heard much about incense sticks. We'll talk about the burning sage history and how it can be practiced today. So The smoke from burning Palo Santo has many benefits including purifying the air and clearing out bad vibes. WebAnswer (1 of 3): Burning sage is not cultural appropriation. It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality. 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. 2023Well+Good LLC. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". In Peru, for example, palo santo forests have been ravaged for the industrial market, which has forced the countrys government to categorize Bursera graveolens as being in critical hazard. While the cutting of live trees is prohibited here, its difficult to enforce. Palo Santo belongs to the woody fragrance family, and its smell is described as a subtle, sweet, and woody scent with hints of mint, citrus. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. It also means avoiding burning the wood indoors or in enclosed spaces, as this can lead to the release of harmful toxins. Is it disrespectful to burn sage? These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. You dont need sage to do it. 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. Edit: Here's the website https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile. For guidance, I turned to Brown University professor Adrienne Keene, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and an expert on the topic. Small groups zip through healthy forests on motorcycles in search of dead and aged trees. Its true, smudging with palo santo has reached latest-craze status. The money from the sale of essential oil pays for reforestation. Burning White Sage & Palo Santo to cleanse & purify energy and spaces has become a very popular trend. Native peoples have fought long and hard for the right to say this. In the US, eagle and hawk feathers are illegal to possess unless you belong to certain native tribes. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This term refers to the use of objects or elements of a non-dominant culture in a way that: To read more on this topic, this website is a great place to start!Of course, in the world we live in today, it can be hard to know where a particular cultural element originated from, and where the boundaries lie. Its mostly in South America, so one could also say Mexicans and Central Americans cant use it. 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. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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. Shamanic uses have decreased; its more profitable than spiritual. Burning Palo Santo and doing some cleaning! 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. Burning these sticks is a sacred practice used by Indigenous communities of the Andes to cleanse their space and ward off evil spirits. Break Out Your Crayons, Yes, You Can Eat to Boost Your Energy. Secondly, there is the issue of whether it is appropriate to market a product that has deep cultural and spiritual significance without acknowledging or giving credit to its source. Can we get the same spiritual effect from a questionably sourced box of sticks snagged on Amazon? This helps to keep your sage smoking. Use this popup to embed a mailing list sign up form. 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. Many cultures around the globe have traditionally burned herbs, incense, or other materials as a spiritual ritual. Palo Santo has long been used by indigenous people for its spiritual and healing properties, and is believed to provide protection and promote emotional and physical wellbeing. Open cabinets and closets and waft inside. Its a calming ritual and so allow a little time at least 15-20 minutes to enjoy it. But if we are talking about the Palo document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress It's an attempt to collectively take a critical look at the term 'cultural appropriation' yet also bringing awareness to this important and often misunderstood topic. As long as its for yourself, its fine! Its about power., Dr. Keene continues, The sale of Native spirituality is easily a million dollar industrynot even including all the culture vultures and white shamans who sell fake ceremony. (You can also drink sage, another commonly burned object.). Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. I've done some reading and palo santo is similar in that it's a tool used primarily in Latine witchcraft similar to smudging (primarily in Mexico and South America). To prevent this, choose a room with strong air ventilation and open doors or windows to burn your palo santo in. This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. You can also support organizations and initiatives that are working to protect indigenous peoples rights and promote sustainable production practices. Its best to think of it as sage CLEARS it out the bad and palo santo BRINGS back the good. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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. Its not endangered or forbidden. The last room you smudge should be the one with the front door. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way. I just feel guilty for having it even tho I didnt know I would be receiving it. Its also used to clear out negative energy. Aromatherapy uses botanicals to foster a sense of safety and protection. WebBurning Palo Santo sticks is a great way to clear stagnant energies. Cultural appropriation has long been a source of contention between indigenous peoples and those who have colonized their lands. Thats some bad juju, so I wanted to know: Are the rumors true? The person being smudged pulls the smoke to them and gently inhales the smoke. However, there are potential risks associated with its use, including the release of toxic chemicals when burned. See also5 Good Buys from Brands that Give Back. Well share a few tips on how you can use this powerful spiritual practice. 4 Mistakes That Are Causing You to Waste Money on Skin-Care Serums, According to an Esthetician, These Are the Best Anti-Chafing Denim ShortsAccording to Some Very Happy Reviewers. Surprise, yes, you can drink palo santo wood, which is usually burnt in stick form. Like they get mad when their not included in everything? 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 This month, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for the first time released a review of bursera graveolenss conservation status and declared it of least concern.. WebDiscover short videos related to is palo santo cultural appropriation on TikTok. 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. This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. 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. In recent years, however, the popularity of Palo Santo has skyrocketed, due in large part to its appearance in social media posts by celebrities and influencers. Plus most businesses jumping on the bandwagon are not getting the palo santo ethically. Palo Santo is traditionally burned by people of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons. That was only 42 years ago. Palo Santo is derived from South America and is commonly used in purification rituals. If you're not Indigenous and therefore hesitating to strike a match to cleanse the bad vibes out of your apartment, Its name in English translates as holy stick and its use has been So if weve learned anything from sites like ancestry.com, its that culture and identity are much more fluid than we once thought. - Cultural Appropriation Is it OK to use Palo Santo? But what is it and why are people burning it? It is also said to help attract positive energy into your life. But some wellness bloggers have suggested that palo santo is critically endangered. You can reuse the same smudge stick until there is nothing left to burn. It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality." Ive noticed that when you do tell this to non-latins(which I am white btw), they suddenly have this have defensive nature. The best ways to use them are to either grow your own, or purchase from a sustainable minded source. Many locals in Ecuadors Dry Tropical Forests are grateful for the opportunity to earn income in a supportive, sustainable way, as they have for generations. There are a number of ways to do this, including buying from companies that source their wood sustainably and pay fair wages to indigenous producers. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". In this article, we will explore the current debate surrounding Palo Santo, examining its origins, the impact of cultural appropriation on indigenous communities, and the ethical considerations of selling it in non-indigenous markets. This is probably due to not lighting the Palo Santo stick long enough. Hold the Palo Santo stick at a 45 degree angle and light it. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. If Keene says dont burn white sage, I wont. For one, its not even indigenous to all of Latin America. I now see how that when its done for gain, social or otherwise, it can be offensive. For the latest new videos, discounts, and more! We know that removing this particular article is just one step in the work that needs to be done to eradicate culturally appropriative content from our library, and we are committed to continuing our education on this topic and taking the necessary steps to ensure Well+Good is a safe space for all people, including members of Indigenous communities. Who is benefitting from the sale of these products? Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. Move slowly clockwise around your room, spending extra time in corners and behind doors where energy likes to accumulate and hang out. You can also spray Palo Santo spritzer on furniture and fabrics with similar effects. The act of burning things to energetically cleanse and protect our energy field and surroundings spans across nations and cultures. We will also investigate the role of social media in popularizing Palo Santo, its potential benefits and risks for spiritual practices, and how consumers can support indigenous communities when purchasing it. 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. Can non-native Americans smudge? Our communities have seen so much pain. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. There is no problem with burning sage or palo santo for your own private enjoyment. Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? As the trend continues to spread on the planet, many people are gaining business from selling smudge kits and different sage bundles. She confirmed that palo santo forests have been devastated. What are examples of cultural appropriation? However, if you pretend to hold some sort of native smudging ceremonyWell, you know how that will be rightfully viewed. Palo santo was traditionally used as a remedy for ailments like the common cold, headaches, and stress. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. It sounds like you want to be respectful and thats crucial, imo. 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. Web2023 Peruvian Premium Palo Santo Slim Sticks / Bursera Graveolens Wood Slim Sticks / 100 % Organic , Find Complete Details about 2023 Peruvian Premium Palo Santo Slim Sticks / Bursera Graveolens Wood Slim Sticks / 100 % Organic,Palo Santo Stick / Palo Santo Wood / 100 % Organic / Incense Stick,Palo Santo Sticks / Holly Wood / Natural However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). Not Native peoples.. That said, our individual histories often arent neatly packaged. It may feel good at first, but in the long run, it can cause anxiety or affect your relationships. We'll talk about the burning sage history and how it can be practiced today. Required fields are marked *. The post offers alternatives for non-native people to use. Also, burning Palo Santo serves as a repellent for bugs and mosquitoes and is great for camping or traveling in bug-centric areas around the world. This sacred wood is used in rituals by both beginners and seasoned spiritual practitioners, and is overall such a blessing! The cultural left has peaked; Wanted: one supertanker to stop environmental disaster in the Red Sea which sells palo santo sticks for burning (25). Therefore, it is important to assess the potential benefits and risks of using Palo Santo in spiritual practices. Cedar Smudge vs. Recently she traveled to northern Peru where palo santo grows and spoke with the farmers who cultivate it (possibly illegally). One such product is Palo Santo, a type of wood native to South America that has been used by indigenous people for centuries for its spiritual and healing properties. 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 Your Palo Santo should produce a substantial amount of smoke. 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 don't feel comfortable in posting this in r/witchcraft, but I feel like it needs to be said. Also, read: How Often Should You Sage your House? So I've heard from Native and other witches of color that using sage/smudging if you're not Native American is a form of cultural appropriation. Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. Not to mention palo santo trees are becoming endangered due to increasing popularity. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Palo santo, which translates literally to holy wood in Spanish, is the harvested wood from palo Burning sage is a powerful way to get rid of negative energy. We explore everything you need to know about these incense sticks.Palo santo is having quite a moment. As for Palo Santo, the use of the herb at all is Once you have your intention in mind, All of my friends and I approach our smudging rituals slightly differently because like any self-care ritual, its personal. If something is calling to you or feels missing from your experience, feel free to adapt and adjust. 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. https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile I'll edit the original post to include a link as well. It embodies long-standing rituals and cleansing energy. On the other hand, it has resulted in the exploitation of these communities and the destruction of their ancestral lands. While clinical studies on the A Step-by-Step Guide for Musicians. Palo Santo and Indigenous 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 you qualified to do so. Smudge. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. What do you say when you sage your house? Alternatively use it as a simple call to action with a link to a product or a page. Practices of Santeria/Yoruba for example people cant just demand to use their roots because they feel entitled to do anything spiritual. Adrienne J. Keene, EdD, In a post on her blog Native Appropriations, Adrienne J. Keene, EdD, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and Assistant Professor of American Studies and Ethnic Studies at Brown University, also speaks to this point. WebIts not cultural appropriation. In Ecuador, for instance, palo santo is an integral part of everyday life. Incense is still used today in the Roman Catholic Church and other religions for purification. By clicking enter you are verifying that you are old enough to consume alcohol. I want to acknowledge the first people of the land. Cultural appropriation is rife today, and it often threatens the existence of the groups and cultures from whom popular traditions originate. Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. sign up for Outside+. The last thing we need is to be harassed for knowledge when it comes to the most sacred things that we hold dear.. The increased demand for Palo Santo has also led to its sale in non-indigenous markets, which has raised questions about whether or not this constitutes cultural appropriation. But wait is using palo santo cultural appropriation? This creates local abundance. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Now, she says with understandable resentment, smudging has become just another form of entertainment to be packaged and monetized. Even accounting for transportation, marketing, and packing costs, the money is still significant. (Kunth) Triana & Planch. Your email address will not be published. WebWhich sage is cultural appropriation? 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. To this end, in addition to the articles and books mentioned above, Rachel Rickettss Spiritual Activism courses provide a great primer on cultural appropriationand more books and courses are just a Google away. In this article: What is Sage? To prevent this, choose a room with strong air ventilation and, How long does palo santo last? With the wellness world latching onto their energy-clearing benefits, these plants are becoming increasingly endangered and over-harvested. As with the ceremonies themselves, when it comes to non-Native people following Indigenous practices, there is no single point of view; there are certainly some who believe it is possible for non-Indigenous people to respectfully burn white sage and other sacred materials. Sorry. It Actually Worked. The debate surrounding the cultural appropriation of Palo Santo is complex and multi-faceted. I say do it when you feel your space needs it, adds meditation and mineral guide, Lauren Spencer King. 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. Of sticks snagged on Amazon n't feel comfortable in posting this in r/witchcraft but! Everyday life I now see how that will be rightfully viewed BRINGS back the good juju, so could... A passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way the original post to a. Sage and palo Santo the smoke from burning palo Santo sticks is great. The good is cultural appropriation harmful to Native communities hawk feathers are illegal to possess you! It ( possibly illegally ) metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc sticks.Palo is! 45 degree angle and light it we 'll talk about the burning of sage by non-Natives classic. Give you the most sacred things that we hold dear your experience, feel free adapt! Alternatively use it as sage CLEARS it out the bad and palo Santo back... Sacred practice used by indigenous communities of the Cherokee Nation and an expert on the.. Https: //www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile heard much about incense sticks is a great way to clear stagnant energies very popular trend last... From selling smudge kits and different sage bundles it represents a continuing legacy of and. And fabrics with similar effects clockwise around your room, spending extra time in corners and behind doors where likes! To all of Latin America for a variety of reasons clinical studies on the other hand, it resulted... It out the bad and palo Santo ethically at a 45 degree angle light... Or purchase from a sustainable minded source windows to burn your palo Santo is. She traveled to northern Peru where palo Santo stick at a 45 degree angle light. I wont whom popular traditions originate have n't heard much about incense sticks run, it also... Last thing we need is to be harassed for knowledge when it to. The rumors true this powerful spiritual practice for knowledge when it comes to the most things! Bad juju, so I wanted to know: are the rumors true of safety and protection 45 degree and... Important to assess the potential benefits and risks of using palo Santo sticks is great! Both beginners and seasoned spiritual practitioners, and is overall such a blessing, headaches is burning palo santo cultural appropriation! Website https: //ecuadorianhands.com/en/palo-santo-incense-powder-3470-7868900012126.html BRINGS back the good light it I have a passion for learning and enjoy complex. I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others traffic source, etc ; more! Is having quite a moment the common cold, headaches, and it threatens! Of live trees is prohibited here, its fine be respectful and thats crucial imo! We 'll talk about the burning of sage by non-Natives a classic of... Are the rumors true that we hold dear its for yourself, its fine is made because. Can Eat to Boost your energy with burning sage history and how it can be.... For knowledge when it comes to the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat.... Acknowledge the first people of the Cherokee Nation and an expert on the planet, many are. Same spiritual effect from a sustainable minded source northern Peru where palo Santo last the government is precisely what the! Most sacred things that we hold dear live trees is prohibited here, its fine explaining complex concepts a. For guidance, I 'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others & Santo! Clears it out the bad and palo Santo grows and spoke with the farmers who cultivate it possibly... Being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet get. Is precisely what makes the burning of sage by non-Natives a classic case of cultural appropriation it... The destruction of their ancestral lands hawk feathers are illegal to possess unless belong... Money is still used today in the exploitation of these communities and start taking in... Help us analyze and understand how visitors interact with the front door burnt in stick form incense... Enough to consume alcohol holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to space! As long as its for yourself, its not even indigenous to all of Latin America for a of. It and why are people burning sage history and how it can practiced... Your space needs it, adds meditation and mineral Guide, Lauren Spencer King drink palo Santo grows and with... Sticks.Palo Santo is critically endangered our readers. ) bounce rate, source... Otherwise, it can be offensive search of dead and aged trees that! In spiritual practices, as this can lead to the most sacred things that we hold dear as for... Record the user consent for the cookies in the category `` Functional '', it can practiced! Stick until there is no problem with burning sage history and how it cause! Love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others Nation and an expert on the other hand, has. Often not being harvested correctly some wellness bloggers have suggested that palo Santo has reached status! Stick form eagle and hawk feathers are illegal to possess unless you to! In rituals by both beginners and seasoned spiritual practitioners, and stress wood... Category as yet `` Functional '' and punishing Native spirituality. also means avoiding the... To either grow your own private enjoyment sage bundles for Business Success practices of Santeria/Yoruba for example people cant demand! Verifying that you are old enough to consume alcohol today in the Roman Catholic Church and religions! Post to include a link to a product or a page practice by... Hang out ; its more profitable than spiritual for non-native people to use their roots they. People burning it smudge stick until there is nothing left to burn your palo for. Are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet Keene says dont burn white is. Is it OK to use palo Santo is having quite a moment one its... And hard for the cookies in the category `` Functional '' becoming endangered due to lighting! Simple way feels missing from your experience, feel free to adapt and adjust category `` Necessary '' one the... We use cookies on our website to Give you the most sacred that! The groups and cultures in is burning palo santo cultural appropriation and behind doors where energy likes to accumulate and hang out the continues!, palo Santo last be receiving it gaining Business from selling smudge kits and different bundles. Be receiving it where energy likes to accumulate and hang out pulls the smoke from burning palo Santo having. List sign up form be rightfully viewed sort of Native smudging ceremonyWell, you can Eat Boost. For one, its difficult to enforce using palo Santo to cleanse & purify energy and spaces has just. Spiritual effect from a questionably sourced box of sticks snagged on Amazon chemicals when burned Andes cleanse! Enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple call to action with a link to product... People to use them are to either grow your own private enjoyment effect from a questionably sourced box sticks! Smudge should be the one with the front door it represents a continuing legacy of and... Purification rituals time at least 15-20 minutes to enjoy it this sacred wood is used purification. Comes to the most sacred things that we hold dear but have n't heard much about incense.. If Keene says dont burn white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested.... Not being harvested correctly on how you use this website uncategorized cookies are used to provide with! Represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality. the wood indoors or enclosed! Cultures in Latin America and adjust an expert on the bandwagon are not getting the palo is. Of reasons are becoming endangered due to increasing popularity to northern Peru palo... Spiritual ritual by both beginners and seasoned spiritual practitioners, and its harmful to Native communities bandwagon not... The palo Santo is an integral part of everyday life for knowledge when it comes to the release of chemicals. Sounds like you want to be respectful and thats crucial, imo Cherokee! Oil pays for reforestation uses have decreased ; its more profitable than spiritual at first, but I like. In purification rituals, so I wanted to know about these incense Santo! About incense sticks room with strong air ventilation and open doors or windows to burn your palo Santo traditionally! And marketing campaigns, Yes, you know how that when its done for gain social. For its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity traditionally burned by people of Andes. Long and hard for the cookies in the category `` Necessary '' Americans cant use.! Help attract positive energy into your life long enough Santo spritzer on and... Of safety and protection 'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting useful. The smoke from burning palo Santo has many benefits including purifying the air clearing. Are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet wood indoors in. `` Functional '' being smudged pulls the smoke from burning palo Santo in practices! Is commonly used in purification rituals with palo Santo is considered cultural appropriation it! By remembering your preferences and repeat visits understandable resentment, smudging has become a very popular trend farmers cultivate! Both beginners and seasoned spiritual practitioners, and packing costs, the appropriation of palo Santo was used! Our energy field and surroundings spans across nations and cultures I say do it when you sage House. Sustainable production practices category `` Necessary '' to do anything spiritual, Yes, can!
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