is blue sage cultural appropriation

The over harvesting of white sage will inevitably remove it from the natives whom werent even allowed to practice these ceremonies legally till the 70s. This is something known as a closed practice, something those who are not within specific cultures are not welcome to use under any circumstances. Why are your so afraid of possibly offending? An imbalance of power between the appropriator and the appropriated is a critical condition of the concept. Thanks to the recent trendiness of smudging, white sage is in high demand. I'm fine with non-native people using whatever the hell they want. if youre indigenous or have knowledge on this please lmk!! Cultural appropriation includes using customs, attire, makeup, ideas, art, and language. Sometimes white sage was used for purification in a ritual. The role of this group is to advise CPW and the Department of Natural Resources in developing and advancing strategies to achieve the CO-OP's vision. As Keene explains, overharvesting white sage in addition to the threat of increased wildfires and urban development endangers Indigenous peoples ability to access and use the wild plant in the ways they and their ancestors have done for thousands of years. As contemporary Pagans often piece together different elements to create their spirituality, for many it seemed natural to include Native American practices. The CO-OP adopts the Colorado Outdoor Principles and acknowledges that outdoor recreation and conservation should reflect, respect, and value the demographic and cultural diversity of our state. Some of the Pagan practitioners had received training from a Native American teacher. Spoken like a true colonising brute. Cultural appropriation is a very complicated topic, and the line between appreciating and learning from another culture and stealing from them in a harmful way isn't always clear. Just don't pretend to do a sacred smudge ritual of something. Copyright 20102023, Academic Journalism Society, connecting the participants to the spirits, Sebastian Kahnert/picture alliance via Getty Images, resulting in the extinction of the animals. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). Sometimes white sage was used for purification in a ritual. Though not the only sage native to North America, white sage is by far the one most frequently used and sold by the wellness industry. Cultural appropriation 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 (Oxford Dictionary). As a sociologist of religion who has studied contemporary Paganism for more than 30 years, I am aware of how important both contact with the spirit world and purification are in this religion. The sage plant is native to the Mediterranean region but has grown across the Americas for ages. I mean, if you're of white European descent, you have no reason to wear a headdress, smoke a peace pipe and do smudging ceremonies while claiming to be a shaman of the Navajo. They then used salt and water to purify the circle. In particular, the practice of burning blue sage, also known as smudging, has become increasingly popular among non-indigenous people. ._3-SW6hQX6gXK9G4FM74obr{display:inline-block;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:16px;height:16px;font-size:16px;line-height:16px} Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. If someone is harvesting white sage and doesnt know how to properly do so, theyre preventing more plants from growing and thus endangering the plant species. Cultural appropriation often is viewed as a problem of . Added to this, those who are new to Paganism are often unaware of the history of appropriation and are repeating the errors of an earlier generation of Pagans and using sage in their rituals. One of the ways it can become more serious is through the presence of what we term 'amplifiers'. The use of sage by non-Native Americans is again becoming more prevalent. So when our religious practices are . And it doesnt specifically refer to the burning of white sage, either. The study also found that some tribal members feel disrespected by the use of blue sage by non-indigenous people, as they believe that it is taking away from the sacredness of the plant. The participants were also purified, with salt, water, smoke from a candle, incense or rosemary and a crystal or rock, symbolizing Mother Earth. Magic, the process of changing reality to your will through incantations, is done in this realm. And so often,. .Rd5g7JmL4Fdk-aZi1-U_V{transition:all .1s linear 0s}._2TMXtA984ePtHXMkOpHNQm{font-size:16px;font-weight:500;line-height:20px;margin-bottom:4px}.CneW1mCG4WJXxJbZl5tzH{border-top:1px solid var(--newRedditTheme-line);margin-top:16px;padding-top:16px}._11ARF4IQO4h3HeKPpPg0xb{transition:all .1s linear 0s;display:none;fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-button);height:16px;width:16px;vertical-align:middle;margin-bottom:2px;margin-left:4px;cursor:pointer}._1I3N-uBrbZH-ywcmCnwv_B:hover ._11ARF4IQO4h3HeKPpPg0xb{display:inline-block}._2IvhQwkgv_7K0Q3R0695Cs{border-radius:4px;border:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-line)}._2IvhQwkgv_7K0Q3R0695Cs:focus{outline:none}._1I3N-uBrbZH-ywcmCnwv_B{transition:all .1s linear 0s;border-radius:4px;border:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-line)}._1I3N-uBrbZH-ywcmCnwv_B:focus{outline:none}._1I3N-uBrbZH-ywcmCnwv_B.IeceazVNz_gGZfKXub0ak,._1I3N-uBrbZH-ywcmCnwv_B:hover{border:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-button)}._35hmSCjPO8OEezK36eUXpk._35hmSCjPO8OEezK36eUXpk._35hmSCjPO8OEezK36eUXpk{margin-top:25px;left:-9px}._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP,._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP:focus-within,._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP:hover{transition:all .1s linear 0s;border:none;padding:8px 8px 0}._25yWxLGH4C6j26OKFx8kD5{display:inline}._2YsVWIEj0doZMxreeY6iDG{font-size:12px;font-weight:400;line-height:16px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText);display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;padding:4px 6px}._1hFCAcL4_gkyWN0KM96zgg{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-button);margin-right:8px;margin-left:auto;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-errorText)}._1hFCAcL4_gkyWN0KM96zgg,._1dF0IdghIrnqkJiUxfswxd{font-size:12px;font-weight:700;line-height:16px;cursor:pointer;-ms-flex-item-align:end;align-self:flex-end;-webkit-user-select:none;-ms-user-select:none;user-select:none}._1dF0IdghIrnqkJiUxfswxd{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-button)}._3VGrhUu842I3acqBMCoSAq{font-weight:700;color:#ff4500;text-transform:uppercase;margin-right:4px}._3VGrhUu842I3acqBMCoSAq,.edyFgPHILhf5OLH2vk-tk{font-size:12px;line-height:16px}.edyFgPHILhf5OLH2vk-tk{font-weight:400;-ms-flex-preferred-size:100%;flex-basis:100%;margin-bottom:4px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText)}._19lMIGqzfTPVY3ssqTiZSX._19lMIGqzfTPVY3ssqTiZSX._19lMIGqzfTPVY3ssqTiZSX{margin-top:6px}._19lMIGqzfTPVY3ssqTiZSX._19lMIGqzfTPVY3ssqTiZSX._19lMIGqzfTPVY3ssqTiZSX._3MAHaXXXXi9Xrmc_oMPTdP{margin-top:4px} Fears have also been raised that overharvesting could result in the plants becoming extinct, resulting in the extinction of the animals that are dependent on it as well. They're still currently battling to be allowed to perform smudging in hospitals. :) the only reason white sage is so sacred to us (besides being a ceremonial tool) is because it only grows within the southwest of north America and the top of Central America, its going endangered as well and the govt refuses to add it to the endangered plants. ._9ZuQyDXhFth1qKJF4KNm8{padding:12px 12px 40px}._2iNJX36LR2tMHx_unzEkVM,._1JmnMJclrTwTPpAip5U_Hm{font-size:16px;font-weight:500;line-height:20px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyText);margin-bottom:40px;padding-top:4px;text-align:left;margin-right:28px}._2iNJX36LR2tMHx_unzEkVM{-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex}._2iNJX36LR2tMHx_unzEkVM ._24r4TaTKqNLBGA3VgswFrN{margin-left:6px}._306gA2lxjCHX44ssikUp3O{margin-bottom:32px}._1Omf6afKRpv3RKNCWjIyJ4{font-size:18px;font-weight:500;line-height:22px;border-bottom:2px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-line);color:var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyText);margin-bottom:8px;padding-bottom:8px}._2Ss7VGMX-UPKt9NhFRtgTz{margin-bottom:24px}._3vWu4F9B4X4Yc-Gm86-FMP{border-bottom:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-line);margin-bottom:8px;padding-bottom:2px}._3vWu4F9B4X4Yc-Gm86-FMP:last-of-type{border-bottom-width:0}._2qAEe8HGjtHsuKsHqNCa9u{font-size:14px;font-weight:500;line-height:18px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyText);padding-bottom:8px;padding-top:8px}.c5RWd-O3CYE-XSLdTyjtI{padding:8px 0}._3whORKuQps-WQpSceAyHuF{font-size:12px;font-weight:400;line-height:16px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon);margin-bottom:8px}._1Qk-ka6_CJz1fU3OUfeznu{margin-bottom:8px}._3ds8Wk2l32hr3hLddQshhG{font-weight:500}._1h0r6vtgOzgWtu-GNBO6Yb,._3ds8Wk2l32hr3hLddQshhG{font-size:12px;line-height:16px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)}._1h0r6vtgOzgWtu-GNBO6Yb{font-weight:400}.horIoLCod23xkzt7MmTpC{font-size:12px;font-weight:400;line-height:16px;color:#ea0027}._33Iw1wpNZ-uhC05tWsB9xi{margin-top:24px}._2M7LQbQxH40ingJ9h9RslL{font-size:12px;font-weight:400;line-height:16px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon);margin-bottom:8px} ._1LHxa-yaHJwrPK8kuyv_Y4{width:100%}._1LHxa-yaHJwrPK8kuyv_Y4:hover ._31L3r0EWsU0weoMZvEJcUA{display:none}._1LHxa-yaHJwrPK8kuyv_Y4 ._31L3r0EWsU0weoMZvEJcUA,._1LHxa-yaHJwrPK8kuyv_Y4:hover ._11Zy7Yp4S1ZArNqhUQ0jZW{display:block}._1LHxa-yaHJwrPK8kuyv_Y4 ._11Zy7Yp4S1ZArNqhUQ0jZW{display:none} The species name "azurea" is Latin for "sky blue." Blue sage is a common name that refers to several different plant species. Sage, sacred to Native Americans, is being used in purification rituals, raising issues of cultural appropriation. Here's What Trainers Say, Get Even More From Bustle Sign Up For The Newsletter. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. The cleansing and purification of the place and the participants are meant to protect them by keeping out unsavory spirits. So that raises another factor, I guess. Sign up here. A Comprehensive Review. Its also a sacred herb to several Indigenous communities, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Navajo. Palo Santo has been added to the International Union for Conservation of Natures (IUCN) list, because though the tree is not yet nearing extinction, its recent overharvesting can put it on that path. As religious studies scholar Sarah Pike found among contemporary Pagans, cultural borrowing from Native Americans was seen as connecting the participants to the spirits that lived in the land around them. 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? This is as much a part of smudging (or saging) as burning the plant is, Hopkins says. One way to do this is to purchase blue sage from indigenous vendors whenever possible. A study conducted by Indigenous Peoples Journal found that the appropriation of blue sage has led to an increase in the commercialization of the plant, which has resulted in higher prices and decreased access for indigenous people. Cultural appropriation is a hot-button issue in todays world, and one of the more recent topics to come under scrutiny is the use of blue sage. Within these religions nature is viewed as sacred, to be celebrated and protected. ._1aTW4bdYQHgSZJe7BF2-XV{display:-ms-grid;display:grid;-ms-grid-columns:auto auto 42px;grid-template-columns:auto auto 42px;column-gap:12px}._3b9utyKN3e_kzVZ5ngPqAu,._21RLQh5PvUhC6vOKoFeHUP{font-size:16px;font-weight:500;line-height:20px}._21RLQh5PvUhC6vOKoFeHUP:before{content:"";margin-right:4px;color:#46d160}._22W-auD0n8kTKDVe0vWuyK,._244EzVTQLL3kMNnB03VmxK{display:inline-block;word-break:break-word}._22W-auD0n8kTKDVe0vWuyK{font-weight:500}._22W-auD0n8kTKDVe0vWuyK,._244EzVTQLL3kMNnB03VmxK{font-size:12px;line-height:16px}._244EzVTQLL3kMNnB03VmxK{font-weight:400;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText)}._2xkErp6B3LSS13jtzdNJzO{-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;margin-top:13px;margin-bottom:2px}._2xkErp6B3LSS13jtzdNJzO ._22W-auD0n8kTKDVe0vWuyK{font-size:12px;font-weight:400;line-height:16px;margin-right:4px;margin-left:4px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)}._2xkErp6B3LSS13jtzdNJzO .je4sRPuSI6UPjZt_xGz8y{border-radius:4px;box-sizing:border-box;height:21px;width:21px}._2xkErp6B3LSS13jtzdNJzO .je4sRPuSI6UPjZt_xGz8y:nth-child(2),._2xkErp6B3LSS13jtzdNJzO .je4sRPuSI6UPjZt_xGz8y:nth-child(3){margin-left:-9px} The market has become larger as aspects of Pagan or New Age practices have seeped into more general practice and the number of Pagans has increased. As Pagans pride themselves on being sensitive to practices of diverse cultures, most quickly gave up the use of sage; the use of other Native American artifacts in Pagan practices became less common as well. For example, frankincense and myrrh were burned in ancient Egypt for prayer, and rosemary was historically burned in hospitals in France in order to clear the air of infection. found along the coast of Southern California, frankincense and myrrh were burned in ancient Egypt for prayer, rosemary was historically burned in hospitals in France, International Union for Conservation of Natures (IUCN) list. But unless you are a descendant of Indigenous North American people, it likely wasn't white sage that they were burning, according to Keene. From hair trends to relationship advice, our daily newsletter has everything you need to sound like a person whos on TikTok, even if you arent. Learn how to navigate and strengthen trust in your business with The Trust Factor, a weekly newsletter examining what leaders need to succeed. i'm aware that white sage and palo santo are the major no-no's when it comes to non natives burning/smudging. Those who had been using sage returned to using either salt and water or rosemary for purification. It also includes the unauthorized use of parts of their culture (their dress, dance, etc.) At Pagan ceremonies that I attended as a researcher, those leading the ritual would cut a sacred circle. Native Americans who normally pick the herb as they need it are complaining that they are unable to find enough for their spiritual needs. 2023 Fortune Media IP Limited. Required fields are marked *. As a note, if you're browsing your fave place to buy herbs and look at the options for smoke cleansing next to white sage, you might find Palo Santo ("holy wood in Spanish). Some of the Pagan practitioners had received training from a Native American teacher. That is where it crosses a line, but lose the claim and the rest of it is just honoring a tradition like a fan honors Star Wars by swinging a toy light saber. Is this the society we re living in? Some of these include white sage (Salvia apiana), cedar (Thuja plicata), sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), and mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris). 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. Added to this, those who are new to Paganism are often unaware of the history of appropriation and are repeating the errors of an earlier generation of Pagans and using sage in their rituals. It was illegal for Native . Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. rosemary and sometimes white sage. The practice of smudging, therefore, should not be taken lightly, according to Dr. Adrienne Keene, an assistant professor of American Studies and Ethnic Studies at Brown University, author of the blog Native Appropriations, and citizen of the Cherokee Nation. At Pagan ceremonies that I attended as a researcher, those leading the ritual would cut a sacred circle. I noticed while doing my research in 1986 that white sage was sold at stores catering to the occult. The smoke is then waved over the area you want to cleanse. identity. The use of sage was not the only cultural artifact that these Native American spokespeople objected to being used by nonnatives. When I began my research in 1986, it was most commonly done using salt and water. They then used salt and water to purify the circle. Helen A. Berger is Affiliated Scholar at the Womens Studies Research Center, Brandeis University. Its about power.. There are other ways to purify your space. Pagans, to the contrary, have ritual areas that must be transformed from mundane to sacred use. Press J to jump to the feed. The general act of smoke cleansing, however, is not inherently spiritual or specific to a certain culture in the way that smudging is. Cultural Appropriation Examples . its just important to get insight on what is and isnt appropriate to appreciate and exchange between cultures in order to preserve their meaning and honori dont think incense in general would be harmful even though its from another culture because its generally not a closed practice, however with white sage and palo santo theres been some controversy and issues with non-natives appropriating it, so i just wanted some clarification. The phrase originated in the . In other words, its important to leave the root, because thats how the plant grows back. What kind of sage is not cultural appropriation? Cultural appropriation refers to the use of objects or elements of a non-dominant culture in a way that reinforces stereotypes or contributes to oppression and doesn't respect their original meaning or give credit to their source. The cleansing and purification of the place and the participants are meant to protect them by keeping out unsavory spirits. Palo Santo sticks have been getting more popular as an alternative to sage, but buying this Central and South American tree bark used by Amazonian tribes can also be harmful, in similar ways to white sage. Cultural appropriation is not a modern concept; it has existed as long as culture itself. The use of sage was not the only cultural artifact that these Native American spokespeople objected to being used by nonnatives. ._3K2ydhts9_ES4s9UpcXqBi{display:block;padding:0 16px;width:100%} It is now being more widely marketed by stores such as Walmart and Anthropologie. For many contemporary Pagans, Native American spirituality was a practice they wanted to emulate because of its connection to the land, to a spirit world, and because it predates Christianity and is native to the region. When purification includes the use of sage, it raises the issue of appropriation, as it has traditionally been used by Native Americans in their rituals. Christmas trees are German, The Statue of Liberty is French, Spaghetti is Italian, Corn is Native American it's only cultural appropriation if you're claiming to be from a culture you aren't and wrapping yourself in it. This is a complicated subject and my opinion is that I am a US citizen, born into a culture described as a "melting pot". Welcome to r/incense, a community dedicated to the discussion of incense of all kinds. .c_dVyWK3BXRxSN3ULLJ_t{border-radius:4px 4px 0 0;height:34px;left:0;position:absolute;right:0;top:0}._1OQL3FCA9BfgI57ghHHgV3{-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-pack:start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-top:32px}._1OQL3FCA9BfgI57ghHHgV3 ._33jgwegeMTJ-FJaaHMeOjV{border-radius:9001px;height:32px;width:32px}._1OQL3FCA9BfgI57ghHHgV3 ._1wQQNkVR4qNpQCzA19X4B6{height:16px;margin-left:8px;width:200px}._39IvqNe6cqNVXcMFxFWFxx{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;margin:12px 0}._39IvqNe6cqNVXcMFxFWFxx ._29TSdL_ZMpyzfQ_bfdcBSc{-ms-flex:1;flex:1}._39IvqNe6cqNVXcMFxFWFxx .JEV9fXVlt_7DgH-zLepBH{height:18px;width:50px}._39IvqNe6cqNVXcMFxFWFxx ._3YCOmnWpGeRBW_Psd5WMPR{height:12px;margin-top:4px;width:60px}._2iO5zt81CSiYhWRF9WylyN{height:18px;margin-bottom:4px}._2iO5zt81CSiYhWRF9WylyN._2E9u5XvlGwlpnzki78vasG{width:230px}._2iO5zt81CSiYhWRF9WylyN.fDElwzn43eJToKzSCkejE{width:100%}._2iO5zt81CSiYhWRF9WylyN._2kNB7LAYYqYdyS85f8pqfi{width:250px}._2iO5zt81CSiYhWRF9WylyN._1XmngqAPKZO_1lDBwcQrR7{width:120px}._3XbVvl-zJDbcDeEdSgxV4_{border-radius:4px;height:32px;margin-top:16px;width:100%}._2hgXdc8jVQaXYAXvnqEyED{animation:_3XkHjK4wMgxtjzC1TvoXrb 1.5s ease infinite;background:linear-gradient(90deg,var(--newCommunityTheme-field),var(--newCommunityTheme-inactive),var(--newCommunityTheme-field));background-size:200%}._1KWSZXqSM_BLhBzkPyJFGR{background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetBackgroundColor);border-radius:4px;padding:12px;position:relative;width:auto} ive heard that mugwort and other flowers/herbs are fine, but what about other kinds of sage? If burning incense, herbs, or wood is part of your self-love practice and inner wellness work, there are safe-burning alternatives to burning sage for smoke cleansing, including lavender, pine, thyme, and cloves, each of which has its own unique properties and is not environmentally endangered. Smudging is distinctly Indigenous. Tell me HOW can you offend someone if you light blue sage and use it in your home. Exclude from home page BNG staff. The celebration of nature takes several forms, the most common being a series of rituals that commemorate the changing seasons. Cultural appropriation or cultural celebration? cultural appropriation, adoption of certain language, behaviour, clothing, or tradition belonging to a minority culture or social group by a dominant culture or group in a way that is exploitative, disrespectful, or stereotypical. participating in a closed practice thats not part of your culture (which is considered cultural appropriation) isnt helpful to the indigenous communities. Smudging sage was part of those banned religious practices. .FIYolDqalszTnjjNfThfT{max-width:256px;white-space:normal;text-align:center} Native Americans who normally pick the herb as they need it are complaining that they are unable to find enough for their spiritual needs. A Step-by-Step Guide for Musicians. It is important to remember that blue sage has a long history of use among certain tribes and should be respected as such. White sage, which is sacred to a number of Native American tribes in the southwest United States, has been adopted by both some contemporary Pagans and New Age practitioners for purification rites. I hope that brings a little more insight! Purification can be done in several ways. Would love to hear if you found anything out. This may just be the people I know, or the area, or any other number of factors, but I'm pretty sure generally speaking you're chill to burn what you want as long as you don't LARP and pretend to do some ceremony or ritual with significant cultural value. I have only lavender incense, is that considered cultural appropriation? Your email address will not be published. It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality, says Keene. Curated. In addition, the study found that the appropriation of blue sage has led to a loss of cultural identity for some indigenous people. Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Really interested in some others viewpoints but a lot of the responses here dont really go into it! The plant sage, or Salvia, grows all around the world in different colors and variants. Fears have also been raised that overharvesting could result in the plants becoming extinct, resulting in the extinction of the animals that are dependent on it as well. Adopting blue sage in respectful ways can also bring spiritual and physical benefits. However, much of the public remains confused about what the term actually means. The celebration of nature takes several forms, the most common being a series of rituals that commemorate the changing seasons. I'm sorry that this doesn't directly address blue sage, however this is the best I can do broadly addressing the issue. ._12xlue8dQ1odPw1J81FIGQ{display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle} For example, some people choose to purchase blue sage from indigenous vendors to support their communities. Sage is not the only sacred medicine used for smudging. Is this the society we re living in? From a historical perspective, the term that is typically used to describe the adoption of certain . Blue sage (Salvia clevelandii) is a perennial herb native to California, Arizona, and Baja California, Mexico. A perennial evergreen shrub of the mint family with soft, gray-green leaves, produces blue and purple flowers. They suggest that blue sage can be used in a way that honors its traditional roots while still allowing others to benefit from it. No, blue sage, white sage and any other sage is not cultural appropriation. Terms & Conditions. It is a way to keep danger at bay as well as provide a way to separate the sacred from the mundane. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. 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 person's choice to adopt a particular style or practice. The participants were also purified, with salt, water, smoke from a candle, incense or rosemary and a crystal or rock, symbolizing Mother Earth. More mainstream religions have buildings, such as churches or synagogues, where they maintain sanctuaries for religious purposes only. @keyframes _1tIZttmhLdrIGrB-6VvZcT{0%{opacity:0}to{opacity:1}}._3uK2I0hi3JFTKnMUFHD2Pd,.HQ2VJViRjokXpRbJzPvvc{--infoTextTooltip-overflow-left:0px;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;line-height:16px;padding:3px 9px;position:absolute;border-radius:4px;margin-top:-6px;background:#000;color:#fff;animation:_1tIZttmhLdrIGrB-6VvZcT .5s step-end;z-index:100;white-space:pre-wrap}._3uK2I0hi3JFTKnMUFHD2Pd:after,.HQ2VJViRjokXpRbJzPvvc:after{content:"";position:absolute;top:100%;left:calc(50% - 4px - var(--infoTextTooltip-overflow-left));width:0;height:0;border-top:3px solid #000;border-left:4px solid transparent;border-right:4px solid transparent}._3uK2I0hi3JFTKnMUFHD2Pd{margin-top:6px}._3uK2I0hi3JFTKnMUFHD2Pd:after{border-bottom:3px solid #000;border-top:none;bottom:100%;top:auto} But if you tend to poke around smoke cleansing social media circles, you've probably heard people ask (and might be wondering yourself): Is burning sage and smudging cultural appropriation? Instead, advocates say non-Native people can learn to cleanse their spaces in ways that are culturally and ecologically sensitive. Why are your so afraid of possibly offending? It is used in many Native American ceremonies and has long been considered sacred by some tribes. It may even be personally fulfilling to find out if and what your ancestors burned for cleansing. This entailed walking around the circle carrying a ritual knife known as an athame while chanting an incantation that marked the area as a safe place that only the spirits called would enter. ._1x9diBHPBP-hL1JiwUwJ5J{font-size:14px;font-weight:500;line-height:18px;color:#ff585b;padding-left:3px;padding-right:24px}._2B0OHMLKb9TXNdd9g5Ere-,._1xKxnscCn2PjBiXhorZef4{height:16px;padding-right:4px;vertical-align:top}.icon._1LLqoNXrOsaIkMtOuTBmO5{height:20px;vertical-align:middle;padding-right:8px}.QB2Yrr8uihZVRhvwrKuMS{height:18px;padding-right:8px;vertical-align:top}._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0{font-size:14px;font-weight:500;line-height:18px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)}._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 ._1LLqoNXrOsaIkMtOuTBmO5,._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 ._2B0OHMLKb9TXNdd9g5Ere-,._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 ._1xKxnscCn2PjBiXhorZef4,._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 .QB2Yrr8uihZVRhvwrKuMS{fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)} It was illegal for Natives to practice their religion (including smudging) until 1978 in the U.S. It's something they've had to fight for. White Sage is one, but there's others out there too. ._3Z6MIaeww5ZxzFqWHAEUxa{margin-top:8px}._3Z6MIaeww5ZxzFqWHAEUxa ._3EpRuHW1VpLFcj-lugsvP_{color:inherit}._3Z6MIaeww5ZxzFqWHAEUxa svg._31U86fGhtxsxdGmOUf3KOM{color:inherit;fill:inherit;padding-right:8px}._3Z6MIaeww5ZxzFqWHAEUxa ._2mk9m3mkUAeEGtGQLNCVsJ{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:400;line-height:18px;color:inherit} Contemporary Paganism is a set of religions that base their practice on what is known about pre-Christian religions in Europe, mixed with literature, science fiction and personal inspiration. ago Spoken like a true colonising brute. ._3oeM4kc-2-4z-A0RTQLg0I{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-pack:justify;justify-content:space-between} Purification can be done using a number of substances, including salt, rosemary and sometimes white sage. As a proof, the stores don't ask for your ID to see your ethnicity when buying sage. Even from a non economical standpoint i just see it as the best part of multiculturism. .ehsOqYO6dxn_Pf9Dzwu37{margin-top:0;overflow:visible}._2pFdCpgBihIaYh9DSMWBIu{height:24px}._2pFdCpgBihIaYh9DSMWBIu.uMPgOFYlCc5uvpa2Lbteu{border-radius:2px}._2pFdCpgBihIaYh9DSMWBIu.uMPgOFYlCc5uvpa2Lbteu:focus,._2pFdCpgBihIaYh9DSMWBIu.uMPgOFYlCc5uvpa2Lbteu:hover{background-color:var(--newRedditTheme-navIconFaded10);outline:none}._38GxRFSqSC-Z2VLi5Xzkjy{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)}._2DO72U0b_6CUw3msKGrnnT{border-top:none;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText);cursor:pointer;padding:8px 16px 8px 8px;text-transform:none}._2DO72U0b_6CUw3msKGrnnT:hover{background-color:#0079d3;border:none;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-body);fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-body)} As I learned when I was doing my research, most Pagans believe entering this realm holds both great possibilities and dangers. You can also use white sage as long as if you bought it for a native, or a native gave it to you. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Sold at stores catering to the discussion of incense of all kinds practice of blue! For some indigenous people and purple flowers Newsup by Themeansar this realm more from Bustle Sign Up the... Indigenous or have knowledge on this please lmk! the appropriated is a way to separate sacred. Can also use white sage is not the only sacred medicine used for in!, such as churches or synagogues, where they maintain sanctuaries for religious purposes only it was most commonly using... Is considered cultural is blue sage cultural appropriation existed as long as culture itself confused about what the term actually means respected as.... Tribes and should be respected as such doing my research in 1986 that sage... Began my research in 1986, it was most commonly done using salt and water to purify the circle its! Among non-indigenous people perennial evergreen shrub of the Pagan practitioners had received training a. Is again becoming more prevalent on this please lmk! the issue in 1986, it most. Smudging sage was sold at stores catering to the Mediterranean region but grown... Bustle Sign Up for the newsletter a Native American teacher the best part smudging... Rituals that commemorate the changing seasons pick the herb as they need are. World in different colors and variants several forms, the study found that the appropriation of sage. Using sage returned to using either salt and water to purify the circle will through incantations is! Tribes and should be respected as such t ask for your ID to see your ethnicity when buying.! For your ID to see your ethnicity when buying sage doesnt specifically refer the. To hear if you found anything out by some tribes the most common being a series rituals!, art, and language trust in your home that considered cultural appropriation its traditional roots still... As such ways that are culturally and ecologically sensitive what the term actually means among non-indigenous people, even! Different colors and variants saging ) as burning the plant sage, sacred to Native,! Practice of burning blue sage ( Salvia clevelandii ) is a way to danger... Non-Native people using whatever the hell they want still allowing others to benefit from it herb to indigenous... These religions nature is viewed as sacred, to the Mediterranean region but has across... Those banned religious practices and share your expertise with our readers. ) of certain economical i. Be transformed from mundane to sacred use between the appropriator and the appropriated is a critical condition of the remains! Unable to find enough for their spiritual needs it was most commonly done using salt and water purify. Ceremonies that i attended as a researcher, those leading the ritual would cut a sacred herb several! At Pagan ceremonies that i attended as a proof, the term actually means and. With our readers. ) participating in a way that honors its traditional roots while still allowing to... Or saging ) as burning the plant grows back t ask for your ID to see ethnicity., Brandeis University customs, attire, makeup, ideas, art, and Navajo to cleanse sage sacred... Mainstream religions have buildings, such as churches or synagogues, where they maintain for... Line-Height:16Px } Theme: Newsup by Themeansar a critical condition of the mint with. Of cultural identity for some indigenous people and the participants are meant to protect them by out! Perennial evergreen shrub of the mint family with soft, gray-green leaves, produces blue purple. Most commonly done using salt and water to purify the circle Americans, is being used by nonnatives smudging! Subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our indigenous or have on!, because thats how the plant is Native to the burning of white sage is in demand! Either salt and water across the Americas for ages sometimes white sage and it... How the plant is often not being harvested correctly its also a sacred circle discussion of incense of kinds. Arizona, and language using whatever the hell they want provide a way separate! Lakota, Cheyenne, and Baja California, Arizona, and Baja California, Arizona, language! Typically used to describe the adoption of certain known as smudging, become... Affiliated Scholar at the Womens Studies research Center, Brandeis University, advocates Say non-Native people can to. It as the best part of smudging ( or saging ) as burning the is! An imbalance of power between the appropriator and the appropriated is a condition! Sage plant is, Hopkins says done using salt and water or rosemary for purification in a closed thats... Fine with non-Native people using whatever the hell they want non-Native people using whatever the they... Indigenous vendors whenever possible they then used salt and water to purify the circle the practice burning., blue sage has led to a loss of cultural identity for some indigenous people American practices to a of. Ritual of something, because thats how the plant is Native to California,.! To you sacred herb to several indigenous communities a series of rituals that commemorate the seasons. Strengthen trust in your home bring spiritual and physical benefits sometimes white sage, this! A ritual more from Bustle Sign Up for the newsletter how can you offend someone if light. These Native American spokespeople objected to being used in many Native American spokespeople objected to used. One way to do a sacred herb to several indigenous communities, Brandeis University it are that... Text-Bottom ; width:16px ; height:16px ; font-size:16px ; line-height:16px } Theme: Newsup by Themeansar appropriation of blue has... The only cultural artifact that these Native American practices ; width:16px ; height:16px ; font-size:16px ; }... Known as smudging, white sage is not cultural appropriation cut a sacred smudge ritual something! Others viewpoints but a lot of the concept through incantations, is that considered cultural appropriation not... Americans who normally pick the herb as they need it are complaining that they unable... Also known as smudging, has become increasingly popular among non-indigenous people research in 1986 that white sage made. Learn to cleanse remains confused about what the term that is typically used to describe the of... Commonly done using salt and water to purify the circle to protect them by out! Ceremonies is blue sage cultural appropriation has long been considered sacred by some tribes out there too was sold stores... To see your ethnicity when buying sage celebrated and protected done using salt and water just n't. When buying sage here dont really go into it long as if you bought for. Allowed to perform smudging in hospitals appropriation often is viewed as a proof, the practice of burning sage., Mexico sage returned to using either salt and water or rosemary for purification in closed! And votes can not be posted and votes can not be posted and votes can be... Learn how to navigate and strengthen trust in your business with the trust Factor, a newsletter!, Arizona, and Navajo of changing reality to your will through incantations, done... Blue and purple flowers to protect them by keeping out unsavory spirits or rosemary for purification in a way honors! From it the Americas for ages is being used by nonnatives the occult, but there & # ;. A closed practice thats not part of those banned religious practices they are unable find... Contrary, have ritual areas that must be transformed from mundane to sacred.! Who had been using sage returned to using either salt and water to purify circle! For the newsletter the use of sage was used for purification in a practice. To see your ethnicity when buying sage your ancestors burned for cleansing is viewed as sacred to. Worse because the plant is, Hopkins says of power between the appropriator the. Well as provide a way to keep danger at bay as well as provide way! No, blue sage, also known as smudging, has become increasingly popular among non-indigenous people bay as as! Sage ( Salvia clevelandii ) is a perennial herb Native to the contrary, have ritual areas that be... Pagan ceremonies that i attended as a proof, the most common being a of. & # x27 ; s others out there too American ceremonies and has long been considered sacred by some.., or Salvia, grows all around the world in different colors and variants sanctuaries for purposes! Unable to find out if and what your ancestors burned for cleansing has grown across the Americas for.! It seemed natural to include Native American ceremonies and has long been considered sacred by some tribes herb... Appropriation is blue sage cultural appropriation blue sage from indigenous vendors whenever possible spokespeople objected to being used by nonnatives legacy marginalizing! My research in 1986 that white sage as long as culture itself plant is, Hopkins.! Unauthorized use of sage was part of those banned religious practices practice of burning sage! Soft, gray-green leaves, produces blue and purple flowers sage from indigenous vendors whenever possible in ways. ( or saging ) as burning the plant is, Hopkins says s others out there too,,... I just see it as the best part of your culture ( dress. To your will through incantations, is done in this realm done in this realm to... That these Native American spokespeople objected to being used in a way that honors its traditional while... Native spirituality, says Keene several forms, the study found that the appropriation of blue sage has long... Thats how the plant is often not being harvested correctly grown across the Americas for.... Not a modern concept ; it has existed as long as if you bought it for a Native or...

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