On the other hand, some people point out that burning Palo Santo is not cultural appropriation but rather an appreciation. 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. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. In this article: What is Sage? For one, its not even indigenous to all of Latin America. 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. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. I know youre not used to hearing you cant have something. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Burning Palo Santo and doing some cleaning! sign up for Outside+. 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Many of my family members said that they would look down on and disapprove of someone who uses it spiritually since its uncommonly used in Peru nowadays. Ceremonial Benefits of Palo Santo . As groups migrate to escape oppression, ecological threats, or genocide, they shed or rework their spiritual identities and adopt new ones. If youre non-indigenous, should you even be using palo santo as a spiritual aid? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. He is one of only 3 government permitted Palo Santo Farms in Peru. 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. Your email address will not be published. Its hard to let go of something I grew up with, sure, but its harder to think that I am hurting a group of people. 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. Why you shouldn't use white sage? 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. Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. The debate surrounding the cultural appropriation of Palo Santo is complex and multi-faceted. Wondering if you can burn sage yourself? Its holistic origins are rooted in Latin cultures. The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way. In Ecuador, for instance, palo santo is an integral part of everyday life. Use this popup to embed a mailing list sign up form. The wood is burned as incense to purify spaces and is often used in traditional ceremonies and rituals. 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 if we are talking about the Palo 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. Guides and shamans often burn palo santo to cleanse space before and during rituals. That was only 42 years ago. This is cultural appropriation, and it's harmful to Native communities. Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. But just because its not on the watch list doesnt mean it isnt threatened. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Crypto Wallet Development: Types, Features, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud. Is it an appropriation of Japanese culture to learn karate? 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. Its popularity within the mainstream self-care community is driven by its warm scent when burned as an incense and oblique promises to clear a space of bad vibes. Memes portraying palo santo as being a couple packs of incense away from extinction are prolific. Some even claim there are only 250 trees left. But what is it and why are people burning it? Is it the same thing as using sage or Palo santo? And those are just three high-profile examples of something that happens every day. So when our religious practices are mocked through these products, or folks are commodifying and making money off our ceremonies, its not about who has the right to buy or sell. 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? Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Many people use a feather or fan of feathers to waft the smoke during a smudging ceremony. You can also support organizations and initiatives that are working to protect indigenous peoples rights and promote sustainable production practices. Any tips? Edit: Here's the website https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile. 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). Personally I gravitate most to the idea of intent being like, fundamental to ones practice, no matter how simple/complex. If Keene says dont burn white sage, I wont. Is it cultural appropriation to use white sage? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress Plus most businesses jumping on the bandwagon are not getting the palo santo ethically. Is Burning Sage Cultural Appropriation? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I didnt know palo Santo was in them until I opened the boxes. This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. 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. The sale of Native spirituality is easily a million-dollar industrynot even including all the culture vultures and white shamans who sell fake ceremony. After clearing and cleansing, extinguish your sage stick by. Furthermore, there is the risk that the sale of Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets could lead to further exploitation of indigenous communities. Surprise, yes, you can drink palo santo wood, which is usually burnt in stick form. All rights reserved. While clinical studies on the But there will always remain the thornier question of cultural appropriation and smudging. Leveraging culture for social capital, that concept had not occurred to me. 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. It does not store any personal data. It Actually Worked. 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? The original practice of smudging has not only lost its intent, but it is starting to bring about devastation to the plants natural habitats. The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. Indeed, in Ecuador, people are beginning to use the tremendous profits from the wellness market to support sustainable harvesting practices where the tree thrives. That said, our individual histories often arent neatly packaged. Always buy from a reputable retailer to make sure your palo santo is responsibly sourced. 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. When you reach a window or door, waft the smoke into all four corners, beginning at the bottom left and moving in a clockwise direction. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth yoga, fitness, & nutrition courses, when you Once the wood sticks are burned, the smoke is believed to clear negative energy and restore tranquility and calm emotions. Is it okay to burn Palo Santo? This is probably due to not lighting the Palo Santo stick long enough. Once they do, they field-dress the trunks with machetes by hacking away at the termite-softened bark to reveal the trees heart, then pack the wood into woven bags, strap it to the backs of their bikes, and return to the manufacturing area. There are actually two trees called palo santo. Do you have knowledge or insights to share? 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! This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. 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. Additional Questions. I say do it when you feel your space needs it, adds meditation and mineral guide, Lauren Spencer King. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. However, the practice of smudging and these plants are considered sacred medicine to many Native American/Indigenous Nations. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. At Well+Good, we are committed to listening to feedback and criticism (from within our community and without), admitting when we make mistakes, and doing our homework regarding the origins of wellness practices; we have a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion curriculum in place for our editorial team to learn directly from anti-racist educators. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. Is smudging cultural appropriation? And it brings hope to marginalized rural communities.Also, we fund tree-planting efforts that ensure the long-term viability of the Dry Tropical Forest.By paying fair prices for the finished product, we ensure the people of the source receive living wages for their contributions.We share and promote the many different ways this sacred wood is used by the people of Ecuador and beyond. There is no wrong time. And yet its also important to avoid flattening the lives and experiences of local peoples into a single static image. You can make it a tea by steeping the wood shavings in hot water. 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. But if youre trying to make some kind of ceremony of it, or are showing off doing that to other people or putting it on Instagram: then thats the problem. Heres How, Craving an Intense Workout? I am not Latin and Im not sure what to do with them. See also5 Good Buys from Brands that Give Back. 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. (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. Its also used to clear out negative energy. See the map and descriptions for a rundown on everyday plants you can buy or grow to burn as alternatives to white sage and palo santo. Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. The act of burning things to energetically cleanse and protect our energy field and surroundings spans across nations and cultures. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Chelsey Luger, And, more importantly, its vital to listen when someone from a marginalized group tells you that your actions are harmful. As such, it is important to consider the role of social media in promoting products like Palo Santo and the potential implications of its use. The work to dismantle white supremacy is constant and ongoing, and so will be Well+Goods on this front. You can also allow it to burn out on its own. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. So excited to be in a new year! When you light a Palo Santo stick, the smoke will purify the air and rid your environment of any negative energy. 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. In the US, eagle and hawk feathers are illegal to possess unless you belong to certain native tribes. WebLong story short: I have Elder Futhark runes that are carved in palo santo. Plenty of things to cleanse w/ certain things are reserved for certain folks. Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious NDIS Meals! Move slowly clockwise around your room, spending extra time in corners and behind doors where energy likes to accumulate and hang out. "Palo Santo has been culturally appropriated. Watch popular content from the following creators: Knowledge is Power :)(@ameliesadvicee), animkii(@bushmuncher), Britt (@the.localhedgewitch), Priya (@priyas.crystal.boutique), Sophia Dylan(@thebluntesss), Knowledge is Power :)(@ameliesadvicee), Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. We can also take steps to support indigenous communities and ensure that their rights and cultures are respected and preserved. 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. But the idea of smudging is distinctly indigenous to the Americas, Dr. Keene writes. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. A Step-by-Step Guide for Musicians. Its also used to clear out negative energy. The money from the sale of essential oil pays for reforestation. On the one hand, the increased popularity of Palo Santo has provided economic opportunities for indigenous communities. Its also believed that smoke (of any organic/natural kind) can reduce air pollutants up to 94%!!! When burned for more than 20-30 minutes, the scent of palo santo can become strong or even overwhelming. WebAnswer (1 of 3): Burning sage is not cultural appropriation. 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. White Sage. It's also used to clear out negative Each palo santo stick can be reused. You can find more information about our process for doing so here. Native peoples have fought long and hard for the right to say this. That smudge stick is not benign. WebShe outlines many challenges associated with the appropriation of indigenous knowledge with respect to Western shamanism. We currently have a library of 19,000 articles, and will be systematically combing through our older content to surface and revise or delete harmful content. Hold the Palo Santo stick at a 45 degree angle and light it. Since palo santo is now grown for export, Yaksetig wrote, its lost much of its significance. So there it is. Palo santo was traditionally used as a remedy for ailments like the common cold, headaches, and stress. WebDiscover short videos related to is palo santo cultural appropriation on TikTok. Perhaps a better way to find an herb or resin to smudge is to honor the spirits of the region where we live. Allow it to burn for 30 seconds and then blow it out. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Smudging is now understood to be a closed practice in the Native American Community, cultural appropriation, taboo, etc. I love to play music and dance while I smudge. 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. The person being smudged pulls the smoke to them and gently inhales the smoke. It takes them an entire day to locate two fallen specimens. 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. 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. 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. Shamans traditionally burned Palo Santo in a bundle of sticks to cleanse, purify and create sacred space. 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.. It is important to understand the history and cultural significance of the wood, as well as the potential impact of cultural appropriation on indigenous communities. Thats some bad juju, so I wanted to know: Are the rumors true? Due to overharvesting and habitat loss, the tree is near extinction. We never want to disrespect the traditional ways in which a plant is used. . 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. Palo Santo is derived from South America and is commonly used in purification rituals. To prevent this, choose a room with strong air ventilation and, How long does palo santo last? Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Bursera graveolens, known in Spanish as palo santo (Holy Stick), is a wild tree native from the Yucatn Peninsula to Peru and Venezuela. In her newsletter, she mentions the consequences on Its not endangered or forbidden. #3 burning sage increases your clarity, awareness and also improves your mood The flames are then gently blown out and the smoke, which heals the mind, heart and body, is wafted over the person, either by hand or with an eagle feather. Press J to jump to the feed. ), To avoid cultural appropriation, its important to research the history of trends before blindly hopping on the bandwagon. Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. Sorry. 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. What Your Sun Sign in Astrology Says About You. Except, thats not the case. But its so important to know the difference!. While some argue that the sale of Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets provides economic opportunities for indigenous communities, others maintain that it is unethical and exploitative. This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. Palo Santo is what I reach for daily as it simply encourages positive energy while purifying the air. But what is it and why are people burning it? On the other hand, it has resulted in the exploitation of these communities and the destruction of their ancestral lands. 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). Is Palo Santo Cultural Appropriation? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Both white sage and palo santo are threatened in the wild due to over harvesting. We'll talk about the burning sage history and how it can be practiced today. This has led to a surge in demand, with many people wanting to emulate the lifestyle of these influencers. 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. Palo santo, which translates literally to holy wood in Spanish, is the harvested wood from palo White Sage and other smudge products (burning sweet grass, palo santo, etc. Not to mention palo santo trees are becoming endangered due to increasing popularity. 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. https://www.facebook.com/miss.lisa.marie.777/posts/2344888015533472. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). 2023Well+Good LLC. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Palo Santo Appropriation vs Appreciation When honoring and enjoying palo santo in the western world, are we participating in a well-intentioned but disrespectful Burning these sticks is a sacred practice used by Indigenous communities of the Andes to cleanse their space and ward off evil spirits. 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. See also6 Simple Ways to Clear Negative Energy. 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. Were I in your shoes, Id look for some way to use it that isnt smudging. 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. However, there are potential risks associated with its use, including the release of toxic chemicals when burned. It keeps families together. 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. Only mature plants, around 5070 years of age, develop the hearta dense, deeply resined corenecessary for distillation into an essential oil. Try These 3 Low-Impact Exercise Circuits, I Cant Journal, So I Tried This New Alternative Method. What are examples of cultural appropriation? Smudge. Waft the smoke with a turkey feather (optional). Cultural appropriation has been taking place since the first group of humans encountered another group of humans. What exactly is cultural appropriation? Is it OK to use Palo Santo? Many cultures around the globe have traditionally burned herbs, incense, or other materials as a spiritual ritual. The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. But what is it and why are people burning it? 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 Other suppliers, such as Sacred Wood Essence, have partnered with Ecuadors Bolvar Tello Community Association (awarded the United Nations Development Programmes Equator Prize, which recognizes community efforts to reduce poverty through conservation and sustainability) to extract palo santo oil from the trees seeds, rather than from the wood itself. Its a calming ritual and so allow a little time . (Do the research yourself; dont burden othersparticularly Black, Indigenous, and people of color, if youre whitewith your self-education. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. 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. If youre gardening your own greenery, choose plants that can thrive in your area. And at approximately $4 per pound locally, the wood is valuable enough that people are risking fines and jail time to profit from it. What do you say when you sage your house? It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality." Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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. Non-native peoples use of smudge products are often well-intentioned but this appropriation is still harmful and the exploitation of smudge is only a part of a larger issue. 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. I want to acknowledge the first people of the land. Ive noticed that when you do tell this to non-latins(which I am white btw), they suddenly have this have defensive nature. Ecuadorian Hands, an Ecuador-based online retailer that sells eco-friendly handcrafts, posted a video to its website showing workers gathering palo santo for the spiritual trade. Peruvian history is in many ways different from US history, so I returned once again to my Peruvian friend for guidance. Its been planted and cut so many times that the lands where it lives cant sustain it anymore and it just doesnt flourish the same way it used to, she told me. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". It does not store any personal data. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. It is not surprising that she Ideally, you should use a new smudge for each cleansing. This creates local abundance. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. It sounds like you want to be respectful and thats crucial, imo. However, the influence of social media on Palo Santos popularity has had both positive and negative implications. Can we get the same spiritual effect from a questionably sourced box of sticks snagged on Amazon? Can non-native Americans smudge? The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".

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