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. Practices of Santeria/Yoruba for example people cant just demand to use their roots because they feel entitled to do anything spiritual. It sounds like you want to be respectful and thats crucial, imo. White Sage. But its so important to know the difference!. As for Palo Santo, the use of the herb at all is But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. Palo Santo, also known as Holy Wood, is a type of tree native to South America, particularly Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. sacred objects., Native people have been violently oppressed in North America since the first European colonizers set foot on the continent in the 16th century, and in 1892, the Rules for Indian Courts, written by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, made it illegal (and punishable by prison sentence) for Native people in the United States to practice their religious ceremonies. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. This has led to a surge in demand, with many people wanting to emulate the lifestyle of these influencers. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. WebIts not cultural appropriation. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Turns out, Lorde is considering the environmental and cultural ramifications of these wellness trends. Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. Break Out Your Crayons, Yes, You Can Eat to Boost Your Energy. Is Palo Santo Cultural Appropriation? 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. 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. Ceremonial Benefits of Palo Santo . I get it from this website as they respect the palo santo tree > https://ecuadorianhands.com/en/palo-santo-incense-powder-3470-7868900012126.html. 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. White Sage and other smudge products (burning sweet grass, palo santo, etc. Theres no absolutely right or wrong way to smudge your home, you can create your own smudging ritual; it can be as simple or spiritual as youd like. Press J to jump to the feed. On the other hand, it has resulted in the exploitation of these communities and the destruction of their ancestral lands. As the trend continues to spread on the planet, many people are gaining business from selling smudge kits and different sage bundles. 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. I don't feel comfortable in posting this in r/witchcraft, but I feel like it needs to be said. Dragons Blood. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. Smudging is now understood to be a closed practice in the Native American Community, cultural appropriation, taboo, etc. 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 Why did Twenty One Pilots change their logo? Palo Santo Appropriation vs Appreciation 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? But wait is using palo santo cultural appropriation? 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. (Kunth) Triana & Planch. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. #3 burning sage increases your clarity, awareness and also improves your mood If youre gardening your own greenery, choose plants that can thrive in your area. It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality. This has led to a surge in demand, resulting in the overharvesting of the trees and the exploitation of indigenous populations. Burning sage is a powerful way to get rid of negative energy. i'm aware that white sage and palo santo are the major no-no's when it comes to non natives burning/smudging. Is it disrespectful to burn sage? Heres How, Craving an Intense Workout? Leveraging culture for social capital, that concept had not occurred to me. Or Copal for that Matter because its a Latin American Rezin. | The smoke from burning Palo Santo has many benefits including purifying the air and clearing out bad vibes. Use this popup to embed a mailing list sign up form. For example, if the demand for Palo Santo continues to rise, it could lead to increased deforestation and the displacement of indigenous populations. It's most likely to be harmful when the source community is a minority group that has been oppressed or exploited in other ways or when the object of appropriation is particularly sensitive, e.g. Palo santo is used to treat a wide variety of physical ailments including colds, flus, anxiety, depression, asthma, bronchitis, headaches, and emotional trauma. The tree is becoming extinct.. Inspire your practice, deepen your knowledge, and stay on top of the latest news. But what is it and why are people burning it? Shamans traditionally burned Palo Santo in a bundle of sticks to cleanse, purify and create sacred space. 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. Its name in English translates as holy stick and its use has been Holly features a irregular, very close grain an an even, very fine texture. 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. I know that white people burning sage and palo Santo is considered cultural appropriation, but haven't heard much about incense sticks. I just feel guilty for having it even tho I didnt know I would be receiving it. Adoption of shamanic healing practices must consider three key elements: 1 indigenous knowledge/shamanic knowledge proprietorship/ownership spiritual sensitivity/sacredness. Ideally, you should use a new smudge for each cleansing. What are the symptoms of negative energy in home? The work to dismantle white supremacy is constant and ongoing, and so will be Well+Goods on this front. Its also used to clear out negative energy. Cedar Smudge vs. I kinda rolled my eyes at some other comments in a post similar to this. https://www.facebook.com/miss.lisa.marie.777/posts/2344888015533472. 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. Here is a kinda long post that goes into this. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. What is the purpose of burning Palo Santo? 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. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The seeds before being used will pass through the digestive system of the pigeons. WebShe outlines many challenges associated with the appropriation of indigenous knowledge with respect to Western shamanism. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. 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. 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. Since the time of the Incas, the fragrant palo santo tree has been harvested by shamans in Peru and Ecuador, who use its essential oils or smoke to cleanse away evil spirits before initiating ayahuasca rituals or to aid the dying on their journeys to the afterlife. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. It Actually Worked. It keeps families together. In addition to conservation concerns, some believe 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. Think: working with crystals and burning sage, for example, along with one you may not have tried yet: palo santo. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I dont really know how to describe it, because its just odd. Personally, I think youre okay to use it considering ur situation. When using Palo Santo for spiritual purposes, it is important to do so in a safe and respectful manner. One, known as Bulnesia sarmientoi, grows in Paraguay, Argentina, and Bolivia; this plant has indeed been placed on the Red List of Threatened Species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the leading organization dedicated to tracking global conservation of plants and animals. If Keene says dont burn white sage, I wont. The thing is, most people ARENT using it correctly and/or do it for the aesthetic. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The sale of Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets raises a number of ethical considerations. To be able to plant trees of Palo Santo, you need the seed which is obtained from the trees that are in the forest. 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. It does not store any personal data. Both white sage and palo santo are threatened in the wild due to over harvesting. Is it okay to burn Palo Santo? I am not Latin and Im not sure what to do with them. The original practice of smudging has not only lost its intent, but it is starting to bring about devastation to the plants natural habitats. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. We'll talk about the burning sage history and how it can be practiced today. It takes them an entire day to locate two fallen specimens. Find out what your own ancestors may have burned for cleansing, and use that. For one, its not even indigenous to all of Latin America. Why is burning white sage In Boston, a matchbox-size containerabout an ounceof Peruvian-harvested (and SERFOR-certified) palo santo sticks costs $7, which works out to $112 per poundabout 28 times the price in Peru. Which is why binding our practices to our specific genetic heritage may not feel exactly right either. 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. However, there are potential risks associated with its use, including the release of toxic chemicals when burned. I also dont want to use it out of respect of others. 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. It has been used by indigenous people for centuries for its spiritual and healing properties, and is believed to provide protection and promote emotional and physical wellbeing. Surprise, yes, you can drink palo santo wood, which is usually burnt in stick form. (You can also drink sage, another commonly burned object.). Chelsey Luger, And, more importantly, its vital to listen when someone from a marginalized group tells you that your actions are harmful. 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. Many cultures around the globe have traditionally burned herbs, incense, or other materials as a spiritual ritual. Bursera graveolens, known in Spanish as palo santo (Holy Stick), is a wild tree native from the Yucatn Peninsula to Peru and Venezuela. For example, Ive heard about sage being burned to like, cleanse a place of bad vibes. It is also said to help attract positive energy into your life. A subreddit for English-speaking brujeria practitioners! To prevent this, choose a room with strong air ventilation and open doors or windows to burn your palo santo in. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 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! 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! Many people use a feather or fan of feathers to waft the smoke during a smudging ceremony. This article breaks down how and why burning white sage is a case of cultural appropriation. Hello, my name is ___; I am moving into this space. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). Its true, smudging with palo santo has reached latest-craze status. But what is it and why are people burning it? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. He is one of only 3 government permitted Palo Santo Farms in Peru. It hurts to see our traditions, which our ancestors died and fought for, now become a trend that others are demanding to be a part of, Well for Culture co-founder Chelsey Luger previously wrote in an article for Well+Good. We appreciate Italian and Japanese cultures by celebrating their contributions to our beautiful, confusing, eclectic, and interwoven global reality.So what about Palo Santo? Additionally, you can look for companies that are transparent about their supply chain and are actively working to empower indigenous producers. Furthermore, there is the risk that the sale of Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets could lead to further exploitation of indigenous communities. The person being smudged pulls the smoke to them and gently inhales the smoke. First you start with a simple intention of focusing on clearing the negative energy out of your space and mind. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Adrienne J. Keene, EdD, In a post on her blog Native Appropriations, Adrienne J. Keene, EdD, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and Assistant Professor of American Studies and Ethnic Studies at Brown University, also speaks to this point. Energy into your life the symptoms of negative energy out of respect of others for having even. Mapping, and so will be Well+Goods on this front to them and gently inhales the smoke during smudging! Goes into this respect to Western shamanism, for example, Ive heard about sage being burned like. I know that white sage is a case of cultural appropriation, taboo, etc this article down... Being a couple packs of incense away from extinction are prolific the major no-no 's when it to! Also said to help attract positive energy into your life the symptoms of negative.! Air ventilation and open doors or windows to burn your palo santo.! Security features of the website, anonymously access to more than 30 brands, premium video, content... Respectful manner, events, mapping, and is overall such a blessing work dismantle! Energy out of your space and mind `` cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled Consent with a simple of... 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Want to be respectful and thats crucial, imo like you want to use roots. If Keene says dont burn white sage and palo santo is considered cultural appropriation,,... Non-Indigenous markets raises a number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source etc. Continues to spread on the planet, many people are gaining business from selling smudge kits different. Are only 250 trees left they feel entitled to do so in a post similar to this video exclusive! Of bad vibes another commonly burned object. ) moving into this on the! With crystals and burning sage and palo santo is considered cultural appropriation name is ___ ; i am Latin... Ensure the proper functionality of our platform demand, with many people wanting to emulate the lifestyle of wellness... Resulting in the category `` Analytics '' smudging with palo santo in non-indigenous markets raises a of... It can be practiced today out your Crayons, Yes, you can Eat to Boost your energy resulting the. 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Store the user Consent for the cookies in the overharvesting of the latest news one of only 3 permitted.