Personally, I think youre okay to use it considering ur situation. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. This practice is called smudging a spiritual practice where you clear your energy fields using a piece of burning Palo Santo or a herb bundle, such as white sage. This has led to a surge in demand, with many people wanting to emulate the lifestyle of these influencers. 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? 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. 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. Furthermore, the lack of acknowledgement of the cultural significance of Palo Santo has meant that many of its spiritual and healing properties have been overlooked or misrepresented. 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. I urge you to read Dr. Keenes entire post. In the US, eagle and hawk feathers are illegal to possess unless you belong to certain native tribes. (For more information about the cultural appropriation of Black hairstyles in particular, I highly recommend you watch this video from author Emma Dabiri, and then purchase her book Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture. Many western fans of palo santo first learned about this aromatic wood through their explorations of the indigenous healing modalities of the Amazon basin. A subreddit for English-speaking brujeria practitioners! Only mature plants, around 5070 years of age, develop the hearta dense, deeply resined corenecessary for distillation into an essential oil. | I love the smell of incense (Nag Champa specifically) but now I'm getting worried that I shouldn't be burning it as a white person. Native elders teach that the smoke of dried sage clears negative energy and restores harmony. 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. Its holistic origins are rooted in Latin cultures. Additionally, you can look for companies that are transparent about their supply chain and are actively working to empower indigenous producers. Palo Santo is traditionally burned by people of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons. No, of course not! After many long conversations, members of my family (all Peruvian) have agreed that using palo santo as a spiritual cleanser in any place other than Peru is a bit odd, she told me. We appreciate Italian and Japanese cultures by celebrating their contributions to our beautiful, confusing, eclectic, and interwoven global reality.So what about Palo Santo? Firstly, there is the question of whether it is morally acceptable to sell a product that has been taken from its native region and is being sold for a much higher price than what the indigenous people receive for it. What is the meaning of burning Palo Santo? 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. 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. In this article: What is Sage? We'll talk about the burning sage history and how it can be practiced today. 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. The smoke from burning Palo Santo has many benefits including purifying the air and clearing out bad vibes. Who is benefitting from the sale of these products? Ideally, you should use a new smudge for each cleansing. The term "cultural appropriation" has been used to describe everything from makeup and hairstyles to tattoos, clothing and even food and wellness practices. eradicate culturally appropriative content from our library, National Conference for Community and Justice, previously wrote in an article for Well+Good. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". It also covers the overharvesting implications. Bundles of sticks whittled from the palo santo, a tree associated with indigenous South American rites, can still be found for $12, or $16 with a crystal thrown in. First you start with a simple intention of focusing on clearing the negative energy out of your space and mind. But what is it and why are people burning it? When purchasing Palo Santo, it is important to ensure that you are supporting indigenous communities and not contributing to their exploitation. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Always buy from a reputable retailer to make sure your palo santo is responsibly sourced. Furthermore, there is the risk that the sale of Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets could lead to further exploitation of indigenous communities. Palo Santo is traditionally burned by people of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons. What kind of sage is not cultural appropriation? Holly features a irregular, very close grain an an even, very fine texture. Press J to jump to the feed. The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. We also know that this article on how to burn sage is not the only harmful story in our catalogue. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You can find more information about our process for doing so here. So if youre looking for a cleansing ceremony, you might want to start by learning more about your own heritage. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. If it is, your smudging ritual may be contributing to the annihilation of a sacred tree. You have the right to utilize information that comes from anywhere in the world. However, there are potential risks associated with its use, including the release of toxic chemicals when burned. A Step-by-Step Guide for Musicians. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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 Use this popup to embed a mailing list sign up form. Palo santo was traditionally used as a remedy for ailments like the common cold, headaches, and stress. It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality." I now see how that when its done for gain, social or otherwise, it can be offensive. See: Katy Perrys infamous geisha costume at the 2013 American Music Awards; Kim Kardashian wearing what she called Bo Derek braids; and the branding of hip hop yoga studio Y7, for which the founder issued an apology for appropriating and profiting from hip hop culture this past June. This technique allows the local community to profit from palo santo without destroying a single tree. Thats some bad juju, so I wanted to know: Are the rumors true? 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. Ecuadorian Hands claims that the money from export supports reforestation as well as sustainable education projects, and it regularly posts videos supporting these statements. Then, direct or push the energy out the window to get rid of it. Peruvian history is in many ways different from US history, so I returned once again to my Peruvian friend for guidance. WebBurning Palo Santo sticks is a great way to clear stagnant energies. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. WebBurning Palo Santo (also known as smudging) as part of their ceremonies and healing rituals, through its healing scent and sacred smoke, provide energetic protection, remove bad ene In preparation for meditation, Palo Santo smudge sticks are burned to draw positive energies and keep them grounded. Before you choose to burn sage or palo santo, you may want to look into other cleansing methods like the use of salt, essential oils, and others which are often more sustainable, ethical and dont walk the line of being culturally inappropriate. Its not cultural appropriation. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. By doing so, you can help to ensure that indigenous communities are able to access the resources they need to sustain their livelihoods and preserve their cultures. I didnt know palo Santo was in them until I opened the boxes. However, the practice of smudging and these plants are considered sacred medicine to many Native American/Indigenous Nations. 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. 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. See also5 Good Buys from Brands that Give Back. While clinical studies on the The work to dismantle white supremacy is constant and ongoing, and so will be Well+Goods on this front. I want to acknowledge the first people of the land. Dragons Blood. What do you say when you sage your house? Culture should be spread not confined. I know that white people burning sage and palo Santo is considered cultural appropriation, but haven't heard much about incense sticks. Many cultures around the globe have traditionally burned herbs, incense, or other materials as a spiritual ritual. Therefore, it is important to consider the potential risks and benefits of selling Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets before doing so. To hear their own voices on this matter, watch this video! Is it an appropriation of Italian culture to eat pizza? Its true, smudging with palo santo has reached latest-craze status. It might help ease stress. You dont need sage to do it. 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. What grows there? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Palo santo is not endangered. If youre gardening your own greenery, choose plants that can thrive in your area. What are the symptoms of negative energy in home? 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. But if someone is genuinely using it for the spiritual purpose its intended, then Id say let it slide. Private sincere enjoyment for ones own pleasure is not appropriation; it becomes appropriative when there is a performative aspect or some desire to leverage the experience for social capital. https://www.facebook.com/miss.lisa.marie.777/posts/2344888015533472. This article examines the debate surrounding the cultural appropriation of Palo Santo, exploring its origins, impact on indigenous communities, and potential ethical Burning sage is a powerful way to get rid of negative energy. Many of these populations have been driven from their ancestral lands and have been unable to access the resources they rely on for their livelihoods. Your email address will not be published. Who is benefitting from the sale of these products? Think: working with crystals and burning sage, for example, along with one you may not have tried yet: palo santo. I have two things of palo santo that came in mystery boxes that were gifts from family. Cultural appropriation has long been a source of contention between indigenous peoples and those who have colonized their lands. WebDiscover short videos related to is palo santo cultural appropriation on TikTok. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. If Keene says dont burn white sage, I wont. 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. We respect people, traditions, and the Earth by employing locals to collect and process the wood at the source. If youre using it in a quasi-spiritual way without proper knowledge or training, yes, probably. The cultural left has peaked; Wanted: one supertanker to stop environmental disaster in the Red Sea which sells palo santo sticks for burning (25). WebAs a person of indigenous culture, I call this cultural appreciation, not appropriation. 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. While its unlikely that all of these harvested trees were bound for the wellness and ritualistic markets, demand combined with illegal and unsustainable practices may result in Peruvian palo santo forests disappearing forever. Incense is still used today in the Roman Catholic Church and other religions for purification. But I might use it part of like, a calming decoration, if I had already had it. Like, whats done is done but it need not be in vain. Wondering if you can burn sage yourself? Plenty of things to cleanse w/ certain things are reserved for certain folks. That said, our individual histories often arent neatly packaged. If youre non-indigenous, should you even be using palo santo as a spiritual aid? Recently she traveled to northern Peru where palo santo grows and spoke with the farmers who cultivate it (possibly illegally). For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. 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. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. The thing that my Peruvian family used so discreetly here in the U.S. in order to not be ridiculed or ostracized is now a trend. Holly Lumber is generally white in color with its sapwood being more white than the heartwood. 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? 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. For example, Ive heard about sage being burned to like, cleanse a place of bad vibes. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. WebSo now we've looked at the first two reasons why smudging with sage is a really good idea, which is number one, that it removes up to 94% of bacteria in the room. Thank you for explaining that, I have been struggling to understand the outrage over cultural appropriation. Tom Ford uses ScentTrekfi, a process using headspace technology that captures the scent of palo santo wood. But there will always remain the thornier question of cultural appropriation and smudging. Is it the same thing as using sage or Palo santo? Its time to begin smudging! Its also used to clear out negative energy. Chelsey Luger, And, more importantly, its vital to listen when someone from a marginalized group tells you that your actions are harmful. 2023Well+Good LLC. Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. This means taking care to ensure that the wood is harvested sustainably and not overharvested. Since palo santo is now grown for export, Yaksetig wrote, its lost much of its significance. So there it is. sacred objects., Native people have been violently oppressed in North America since the first European colonizers set foot on the continent in the 16th century, and in 1892, the Rules for Indian Courts, written by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, made it illegal (and punishable by prison sentence) for Native people in the United States to practice their religious ceremonies. 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. Because these forests have such extreme dry seasons, they are particularly vulnerable to soil erosion if the mix of flora and fauna is compromised due to over-harvesting or clear-cutting. This will throw some flowers which carry the seeds. Allow about half a minute for the flame to catch, only then blow it out. A Comprehensive Review. Idk if thats the trendy modern use of it or a simplified version of traditional practice, so I would just avoid using it with that goal. 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 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. 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. But what is it and why are people burning 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. 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. You can also support organizations and initiatives that are working to protect indigenous peoples rights and promote sustainable production practices. ), To avoid cultural appropriation, its important to research the history of trends before blindly hopping on the bandwagon. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. Its also used to clear out negative energy. The piece, triggered by a Starter Witch Kit she heard about (since pulled from the market), is framed within the shameful context of European-American suppression of Native traditions and languages. One definition of cultural appropriation, penned by Fordham School of Law professor Susan Scafidi in her book Who Owns Culture? Ive never really thought about it that way but have been concerned of how to acquire it without the negativity of cutting down the tree so if you could share the link thatd be awesome! I just feel guilty for having it even tho I didnt know I would be receiving it. Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. Adoption of shamanic healing practices must consider three key elements: 1 indigenous knowledge/shamanic knowledge proprietorship/ownership spiritual sensitivity/sacredness. #3 burning sage increases your clarity, awareness and also improves your mood I cant think of the right words for this, but its like theres a level of sacrifice that comes from/with the sage in this scenario (or palo santo in your case), so Id feel like I should at least honor that in some way. doesnt mattered if its used spiritually for natives you cant use a specific sage out of respect. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Smudging is now understood to be a closed practice in the Native American Community, cultural appropriation, taboo, etc. It may feel good at first, but in the long run, it can cause anxiety or affect your relationships. However that white sage is getting overcultivated, its not on the endangered list because its also easy to grow. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". I havent rly touched witchcraft in ages, but I think I remember hearing that its generally good as incense (even if only for the smell, irdk what other properties it might have). Here are some signs and symptoms of negative energy: Constantly criticizing others: Constantly venting your anger on others is a sign of negative energy existing in you. Is Palo Santo ethical? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Palo Santo, also known as Holy Wood, is a type of tree native to South America, particularly Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. We must acknowledge historical wrongs and address their impacts on current systems. To quote Luger again, writing for Well+Good, When Native people express to you that they are hurt by the exploitation of their spiritual practices, please believe them. That smudge stick is not benign. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Open cabinets and closets and waft inside. As the trend continues to spread on the planet, many people are gaining business from selling smudge kits and different sage bundles. Small groups zip through healthy forests on motorcycles in search of dead and aged trees. I say do it when you feel your space needs it, adds meditation and mineral guide, Lauren Spencer King. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. Aromatherapy uses botanicals to foster a sense of safety and protection. Families frequently burn it to ward off biting insects. "Palo Santo has been culturally appropriated. Can non-native Americans smudge? WebShe outlines many challenges associated with the appropriation of indigenous knowledge with respect to Western shamanism. It is not surprising that she The last thing we need is to be harassed for knowledge when it comes to the most sacred things that we hold dear.. See also6 Simple Ways to Clear Negative Energy. If you dont like the fact that White Sage is getting overcultivated as well, you can opt for Dragons Blood. On the other hand, it has also led to overharvesting of the trees and the exploitation of these communities. 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. 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. 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. Because of all that complicated history of [] As these ecosystems vanish, she warns, palo santo may go with them. Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. See alsoAddressing Scent and Sensitivity in Class. Indeed, in Ecuador, people are beginning to use the tremendous profits from the wellness market to support sustainable harvesting practices where the tree thrives. When using Palo Santo for spiritual purposes, it is important to do so in a safe and respectful manner. But doing so requires rigor, which is perhaps the most potent part of Keenes essay: What I care about is the removal of context from conversations on cultural appropriation, the erasing of the painful and violent history around suppression of Native spirituality, the ongoing struggles Native students and peoples have in practicing their beliefs, and the non-Native companies and non-Native individuals that are making money off of these histories and traditions without understanding the harm theyre enacting.. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. It wasnt until 1978less than 50 years agothat the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA) was passed, guaranteeing Native Americans the freedom and protection to believe, express, and exercise [their] traditional religions., Its largely because of this historyand the restrictions still placed on Native traditions todaythat the mainstream co-opting of Indigenous spiritual practices is so harmful to many. You can make it a tea by steeping the wood shavings in hot water. 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. Well share a few tips on how you can use this powerful spiritual practice.