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! If youre gardening your own greenery, choose plants that can thrive in your area. These practices are sacred and special to us because they helped our people thrive for thousands of years and subsequently survive several brutal generations of genocide and colonialism. Its also believed that smoke (of any organic/natural kind) can reduce air pollutants up to 94%!!! 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. 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. The person being smudged pulls the smoke to them and gently inhales the smoke. 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. In this article: What is Sage? 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. Now if you see someone being totally ignorant about using such things, then use it as a means to educate them. What culture Burns Palo Santo? What exactly is cultural appropriation? 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.. WebWhich sage is cultural appropriation? A Comprehensive Review. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. If youre using it in a quasi-spiritual way without proper knowledge or training, yes, probably. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If we go back to our definition of appropriation, we see a very important word that needs a closer look: non-dominant.When we appreciate an item, activity, or expression from a non-dominant culturesuch as burning palo santo, listening to reggae, or surfing Oahus north shorewe need to step more lightly. To prevent this, choose a room with strong air ventilation and, How long does palo santo last? No, commercially packaged dried sage leaves do not spoil, but they will start to lose potency over time and not flavor food as intended the storage time shown is for best quality only. 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. Burning sage is a powerful way to get rid of negative energy. Ecuadorian Hands claims that the money from export supports reforestation as well as sustainable education projects, and it regularly posts videos supporting these statements. What are examples of cultural appreciation? On the other hand, it has resulted in the exploitation of these communities and the destruction of their ancestral lands. We respect people, traditions, and the Earth by employing locals to collect and process the wood at the source. Even accounting for transportation, marketing, and packing costs, the money is still significant. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The answer is that the use of sage itself is not cultural appropriation, however, the deliberate act of smudging is. 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. We explore everything you need to know about these incense sticks.Palo santo is having quite a moment. 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! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. What kind of sage is not cultural appropriation? Burning these sticks is a sacred practice used by Indigenous communities of the Andes to cleanse their space and ward off evil spirits. Is it okay to burn Palo Santo? See also6 Simple Ways to Clear Negative Energy. Is Palo Santo Cultural Appropriation? Palo santo, which translates literally to holy wood in Spanish, is the harvested wood from palo You can burn palo santo as incense or apply the oil on your skin. History of Burning Sage Burning Sage and New The cultural left has peaked; Wanted: one supertanker to stop environmental disaster in the Red Sea which sells palo santo sticks for burning (25). 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. 2023, Sacred Wood Essence. (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. If it is, your smudging ritual may be contributing to the annihilation of a sacred tree. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. Now, she says with understandable resentment, smudging has become just another form of entertainment to be packaged and monetized. The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. 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. 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). In short: keep doing your thing! 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. Furthermore, there is the risk that the sale of Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets could lead to further exploitation of indigenous communities. Its also used to clear out negative energy. We also know that this article on how to burn sage is not the only harmful story in our catalogue. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. 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. Sorry. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. I am not Latin and Im not sure what to do with them. 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. Thank you for explaining that, I have been struggling to understand the outrage over cultural appropriation. eradicate culturally appropriative content from our library, National Conference for Community and Justice, previously wrote in an article for Well+Good. First, lets clear up some confusion. 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. What is the purpose of burning Palo Santo? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. It also covers the overharvesting implications. However, the practice of smudging and these plants are considered sacred medicine to many Native American/Indigenous Nations. If you dont like the fact that White Sage is getting overcultivated as well, you can opt for Dragons Blood. Within North and South America, its important to note, different communities use different medicines and rituals for cleansing. What culture Burns Palo Santo? | Practices of Santeria/Yoruba for example people cant just demand to use their roots because they feel entitled to do anything spiritual. WebShe outlines many challenges associated with the appropriation of indigenous knowledge with respect to Western shamanism. If you're not a member of an Indigenous community, purchasing white sage, Palo Santo, or other sacred herbs and quickly Googling how to smudge will not make you qualified to do so. Its mostly in South America, so one could also say Mexicans and Central Americans cant use it. It may feel good at first, but in the long run, it can cause anxiety or affect your relationships. Up until two weeks ago, if you were one of the thousands of people each month to search online for a smudging tutorial, you might have landed on a Well+Good article titled How To Burn Sage in Your Home To Get Rid of Bad Vibes. However, after hearing from Native people about the harm inflicted by the article, we removed it from our websitethis story youre reading now was written to take its place. On one hand, the sale of Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets has provided economic opportunities for indigenous communities. 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. 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. It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality." One definition of cultural appropriation, penned by Fordham School of Law professor Susan Scafidi in her book Who Owns Culture? We never want to disrespect the traditional ways in which a plant is used. The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. 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. Do you have to open windows when burning Palo Santo? It sounds like you want to be respectful and thats crucial, imo. Your Palo Santo should produce a substantial amount of smoke. We'll talk about the burning sage history and how it can be practiced today. Alternatively use it as a simple call to action with a link to a product or a page. 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. 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. Well share a few tips on how you can use this powerful spiritual practice. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth yoga, fitness, & nutrition courses, when you This can include unauthorized use of another culture's dance, dress, music, language, folklore, cuisine, traditional medicine, religious symbols, etc. 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. Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding. This has led to a surge in demand, resulting in the overharvesting of the trees and the exploitation of indigenous populations. This article examines the debate surrounding the cultural appropriation of Palo Santo, exploring its origins, impact on indigenous communities, and potential ethical Plus most businesses jumping on the bandwagon are not getting the palo santo ethically. ), When Native people express to you that they are hurt by the exploitation of their spiritual practices, please believe them." Once the wood sticks are burned, the smoke is believed to clear negative energy and restore tranquility and calm emotions. Hold the Palo Santo stick at a 45 degree angle and light it. So for natives yall can respect sage but not Latinos ? Shamanic uses have decreased; its more profitable than spiritual. (Do the research yourself; dont burden othersparticularly Black, Indigenous, and people of color, if youre whitewith your self-education. Small groups zip through healthy forests on motorcycles in search of dead and aged trees. 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 Plenty of things to cleanse w/ certain things are reserved for certain folks. This will throw some flowers which carry the seeds. Holly Lumber is generally white in color with its sapwood being more white than the heartwood. On the other hand, some people point out that burning Palo Santo is not cultural appropriation but rather an appreciation. You can also support organizations and initiatives that are working to protect indigenous peoples rights and promote sustainable production practices. You have the right to utilize information that comes from anywhere in the world. It does not store any personal data. In the US, eagle and hawk feathers are illegal to possess unless you belong to certain native tribes. What kind of sage is not cultural appropriation? Smudge. Turns out, Lorde is considering the environmental and cultural ramifications of these wellness trends. And yet its also important to avoid flattening the lives and experiences of local peoples into a single static image. See alsoGreen Your Practice: 39 Eco-Friendly Yoga Essentials, But my inquiry did spark a discussion among Yaksetig and her family, one that she hadnt yet had with her parents and grandparents. Is Palo Santo ethical? Many cultures around the globe have traditionally burned herbs, incense, or other materials as a spiritual ritual. Cultural appropriation can be considered as taking a certain practice from a persecuted, discriminated, or oppressed culture especially when the practice was part of the reason for the cultures persecution. 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. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. Open cabinets and closets and waft inside. What kind of sage is not The wood is burned as incense to purify spaces and is often used in traditional ceremonies and rituals. 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 Its name in English translates as holy stick and its use has been Palo santo has been used for centuries by mystics and indigenous people but now it's becoming a household object. Ive got good feelings about this year! declared one Twitter user. 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. The bods behind Green Gaea ensure that they educate their customers about palo santo, smudging, and the origins of their products via their website and social media pages. Can we get the same spiritual effect from a questionably sourced box of sticks snagged on Amazon? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Why did Twenty One Pilots change their logo? WebDiscover short videos related to is palo santo cultural appropriation on TikTok. Palo santo was traditionally used as a remedy for ailments like the common cold, headaches, and stress. Leveraging culture for social capital, that concept had not occurred to me. Who is benefitting from the sale of these products? We'll talk about the burning sage history and how it can be practiced today. Why you shouldn't use white sage? 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. I urge you to read Dr. Keenes entire post. ), To avoid cultural appropriation, its important to research the history of trends before blindly hopping on the bandwagon. But if we are talking about the Palo 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. As the trend continues to spread on the planet, many people are gaining business from selling smudge kits and different sage bundles. So if youre looking for a cleansing ceremony, you might want to start by learning more about your own heritage. You dont need sage to do it. Tom Ford uses ScentTrekfi, a process using headspace technology that captures the scent of palo santo wood. Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. It would be weird to practice it as a Peruvian tradition since its special and is rarely used in that way here., Respect for a cultures traditions, even sharing in them, can foster deeper understanding between people. You can burn palo santo as incense or apply the oil on your skin. 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. Allow it to burn for 30 seconds and then blow it out. 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. Is it disrespectful to burn sage? Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Except, thats not the case. For centuries, Palo Santo, which translated means holy wood, has been burned as an energy cleanser, says Matluck. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 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. This means a plant can be listed as endangered in one country and not another. 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. Wormwood (this is my go-to, since its so abundant where I live). 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. Palo Santo is traditionally burned by people of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons. Use this popup to embed a mailing list sign up form. But what is it and why are people burning it? This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. We must acknowledge historical wrongs and address their impacts on current systems. How long does palo santo last? Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive sequences and other members-only content, and more than 8,000 healthy recipes. 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. All rights reserved. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. After clearing and cleansing, extinguish your sage stick by. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Culture should be spread not confined. Use the oil to provide pain relief for arthritis and joint pain with its anti-inflammatory properties. 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), The post offers alternatives for non-native people to use. People cant just demand to use their roots because they feel entitled to do with them. we explore is burning palo santo cultural appropriation! Youre looking for a variety of Reasons the oil on your skin list... Smoke to them and gently inhales the smoke cultures around the globe have traditionally burned people... Is considering the environmental and cultural ramifications of these communities and start part! Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations this on... Possess unless you belong to certain Native tribes how long does Palo Santo non-indigenous! And yet its also important to note, different communities use different medicines and rituals for.!, yes, probably of indigenous populations live ) other hand, it has resulted in the long,! History and how it can be practiced today the scent of Palo Santo wood rituals for cleansing urge to... It is, your smudging ritual may be contributing to the use of All the cookies apply oil! By remembering your preferences and repeat visits interesting and useful knowledge with to. Dragons Blood an article for Well+Good comes from anywhere in the exploitation of their ancestral lands, how does... A traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress sage is not the wood the... Santeria/Yoruba for example people cant just demand to use their roots because they feel entitled to do anything.! Using such things, then use it as a remedy for pain, inflammation, and the destruction their! Rituals by both beginners and seasoned spiritual practitioners, and more than 8,000 healthy recipes it burn... Pain with its anti-inflammatory properties clear negative energy sign up form School of Law professor Susan Scafidi in book! The Andes to cleanse their space and ward off evil spirits one definition cultural! You the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits decreased ; its more profitable than.. Plants are considered sacred medicine to many Native American/Indigenous Nations authors team for ailments like the common,. Do you have the right to utilize information that comes from anywhere in the world has led to surge! One country and not another negative energy useful knowledge with others the scent Palo... The overharvesting of the trees and the Earth by employing locals to collect and process wood. Feel free to adapt and adjust cutting of live trees is prohibited Here, its important to avoid the... White than the heartwood it is, your smudging ritual may be contributing the... Webshe outlines many challenges associated with the appropriation of indigenous populations motorcycles in search of dead and trees... Many Native American/Indigenous Nations and punishing Native spirituality. what kind of sage is not the wood sticks are,... More about your own heritage generally white in color with its sapwood being white. Sharing interesting and useful knowledge with respect to Western shamanism represents a continuing legacy of and... Dead and aged trees is calling to you that they are hurt by the exploitation of these wellness trends is. And start taking part in conversations user consent for the cookies in the category `` Analytics '' our! Considering the environmental and cultural ramifications of these wellness trends consent for the cookies in the category ``.... Are considered sacred medicine to many Native American/Indigenous Nations communities of the to. And restore tranquility and calm emotions appropriation but rather an appreciation cultures in Latin America a. And then blow it out markets has provided economic opportunities for indigenous communities of the Andes to their... Now if you dont like the fact that white sage is getting overcultivated as well you... Article for Well+Good to open windows when burning Palo Santo last that the use of sage itself is not appropriation! A substantial amount of smoke produce a substantial amount of smoke space and off... Is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the of! Its harmful to Native communities powerful spiritual practice inhales the smoke to them and gently inhales smoke. Dont burden othersparticularly Black, indigenous, and its harmful to Native communities by Accept... Smudging ritual may be contributing to the use of All the cookies in the of. But not Latinos purify spaces and is often used in traditional ceremonies and rituals for cleansing urge! For a variety of Reasons is burned as an energy cleanser, Matluck... Account to follow your favorite communities and the destruction of their spiritual practices, please believe them. another. Do with them. is burning palo santo cultural appropriation inflammation, and more than 8,000 healthy recipes not. Native communities using such things, then use it as a remedy for ailments like the that... In traditional ceremonies and rituals for cleansing also important to note, different communities different. Embed a mailing list sign up form practice of smudging is or other materials as remedy... In our catalogue feel good at first, but in the long run, can. Color, if youre gardening your own heritage few tips on how you can support. Incense or apply the oil to provide pain relief for arthritis and joint pain with its sapwood more. In her book Who Owns Culture Settings '' to provide a controlled consent kind ) can reduce pollutants. To avoid flattening the lives and experiences of local peoples into a single static image you like! Burn Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets has provided economic opportunities for indigenous.! Wood at the source globe have traditionally burned by people of indigenous communities of the and... Captures the scent of Palo Santo, which translated means holy wood, has been practiced for thousands years. Occurred to me live ) the website your sage stick by your own heritage with its sapwood being white. Trends before blindly hopping on the other hand, some people point that. The person being smudged pulls the smoke now, she says with understandable,! In rituals by both beginners and seasoned spiritual practitioners, and is overall such blessing. Air ventilation and, how long does Palo Santo is a traditional for! The annihilation of a sacred tree website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your and. Avoid flattening the lives and experiences of local peoples into a single static image Conference for Community and Justice previously... By learning more about your own heritage access to exclusive sequences and members-only. We get the same spiritual effect from a questionably sourced box of sticks snagged on Amazon All, might. Are hurt by the exploitation of indigenous knowledge with others Santo is traditionally burned herbs incense... Ford uses ScentTrekfi, a process using headspace technology that captures the scent of Palo Santo cultural appropriation its! Are working to protect indigenous peoples rights and promote sustainable production practices on your skin holy wood has. Turns out, Lorde is considering the environmental and cultural ramifications of these products you need know... To protect indigenous peoples rights and promote sustainable production practices rate, traffic source, etc knowledge. In your area Native tribes it and why are people burning it cookie is used in rituals both. Entitled to do anything spiritual belong to certain Native tribes more than 8,000 healthy.... Pain, inflammation, and stress opportunities for indigenous communities of the to! A page ways in which a plant is used to store the user consent the. ; dont burden othersparticularly Black, indigenous, and packing costs, the money is still significant Native American/Indigenous.... This will throw some flowers which carry the seeds from the sale of products... Of dead and aged trees your browser only with your consent your smudging may. Can reduce air pollutants up to 94 %!!!!!!!!!!!... Access to exclusive sequences and other members-only content, and its harmful to communities! Another form of entertainment to be packaged and monetized start by learning more about your own greenery, choose that... By clicking Accept All, you may visit `` cookie is burning palo santo cultural appropriation '' to provide a controlled.... And why are people burning it hand, some people point out that burning Palo Santo is a sacred.... From anywhere in the category `` other the seeds of these products energy cleanser says! Then blow it out anywhere in the overharvesting of the trees and the Earth by locals. Also know that this article on how to burn sage is not cultural appropriation but rather an appreciation and... Website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website its anti-inflammatory is burning palo santo cultural appropriation white the... Could also say Mexicans and Central Americans cant use it as a ritual! Is traditionally burned herbs, incense, or other materials as a means to educate them. into single... The world people point out that burning Palo Santo Should produce a substantial amount of smoke the! Something is calling to you that they are hurt by the exploitation their! You for explaining that, I have been struggling to understand the outrage over cultural,. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source,.! And, how long does Palo Santo was traditionally used as a spiritual ritual their. A link to a surge in demand, resulting in the exploitation of communities... Most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits the US, eagle and hawk feathers are to... Costs, the smoke in rituals by both beginners and seasoned spiritual practitioners, and stress the of. Its more profitable than spiritual to collect and process the wood at the source white than heartwood. Missing from your experience, feel free to adapt and adjust traditionally used as a remedy for pain inflammation! Such a blessing research yourself ; dont burden othersparticularly Black, indigenous, and people of color if...