From a historical perspective, the term that is typically used to describe the adoption of certain . When I began my research in 1986, it was most commonly done using salt and water. One of the ways it can become more serious is through the presence of what we term 'amplifiers'. More mainstream religions have buildings, such as churches or synagogues, where they maintain sanctuaries for religious purposes only. Sage, however, is not historically part of European witchcraft, from which many modern day witch practices stem. ._3-SW6hQX6gXK9G4FM74obr{display:inline-block;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:16px;height:16px;font-size:16px;line-height:16px} and challenging what they describe as wanton cultural appropriation by non-Natives eager for a quick fix to the "dis-ease" associated . 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. The participants were also purified, with salt, water, smoke from a candle, incense or rosemary and a crystal or rock, symbolizing Mother Earth. For example, some people choose to purchase blue sage from indigenous vendors to support their communities. 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. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. The general act of smoke cleansing, however, is not inherently spiritual or specific to a certain culture in the way that smudging is. Your email address will not be published. The use of sage was not the only cultural artifact that these Native American spokespeople objected to being used by nonnatives. As I learned when I was doing my research, most Pagans believe entering this realm holds both great possibilities and dangers. Those who had been using sage returned to using either salt and water or rosemary for purification. Spoken like a true colonising brute. Just use your sage and that's it. without permission. The celebration of nature takes several forms, the most common being a series of rituals that commemorate the changing seasons. connecting the participants to the spirits, resulting in the extinction of the animals, LinkedIn has officially entered its cringe era, and its working. At Pagan ceremonies that I attended as a researcher, those leading the ritual would cut a sacred circle. White sage grows naturally in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico and is particularly found along the coast of Southern California and in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. so is blue sage okay to buy and use ? While it is important to respect the cultures that have traditionally used blue sage, it is also possible to use the plant in a respectful way. . . Cultural appropriation is the adoption of certain elements from another culture without the consent of people who belong to that culture. In particular, the practice of burning blue sage, also known as smudging, has become increasingly popular among non-indigenous people. 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. Magic, the process of changing reality to your will through incantations, is done in this realm. Crypto Wallet Development: Types, Features, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud. Thanks to the recent trendiness of smudging, white sage is in high demand. The cleansing and purification of the place and the participants are meant to protect them by keeping out unsavory spirits. Tell me HOW can you offend someone if you light blue sage and use it in your home. Our modern understanding of cultural appropriation is highly individualised. Instead, advocates say non-Native people can learn to cleanse their spaces in ways that are culturally and ecologically sensitive. 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. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. .LalRrQILNjt65y-p-QlWH{fill:var(--newRedditTheme-actionIcon);height:18px;width:18px}.LalRrQILNjt65y-p-QlWH rect{stroke:var(--newRedditTheme-metaText)}._3J2-xIxxxP9ISzeLWCOUVc{height:18px}.FyLpt0kIWG1bTDWZ8HIL1{margin-top:4px}._2ntJEAiwKXBGvxrJiqxx_2,._1SqBC7PQ5dMOdF0MhPIkA8{vertical-align:middle}._1SqBC7PQ5dMOdF0MhPIkA8{-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center} As a proof, the stores don't ask for your ID to see your ethnicity when buying sage. 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. It would be both ironic and sad if in celebrating Mother Earth, Pagans helped to make a sacred herb extinct. Cleansing is a way to provide a safe place to interact with the spirit world, which is always part of Pagan rituals. Feel free to cleanse or purify or scent or whatever using anything you want. HTWC 1 yr. ago Building on von Redecker's point about the abstract . Idk I may just not have a ton of experience in this subject, but all of the indigenous people in my life who have seen my incense collection haven't even mentioned anything about any of the scents. 'Dressing in traditional clothes that do not belong to one's own culture or . 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. if youre indigenous or have knowledge on this please lmk!! On the other hand, opponents argue that blue sage should only be used by those who have traditionally used it and that any other use is disrespectful. It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality. Sometimes white sage was used for purification in a ritual. When we pick sage, we always leave the root and say a prayer of thanks for our harvest. I just burn incense for the smell and because I enjoy collecting, but if you have a deeper meaning behind your burning, or burn it more ritualistically like while meditating, you may want to be more weary. ._2cHgYGbfV9EZMSThqLt2tx{margin-bottom:16px;border-radius:4px}._3Q7WCNdCi77r0_CKPoDSFY{width:75%;height:24px}._2wgLWvNKnhoJX3DUVT_3F-,._3Q7WCNdCi77r0_CKPoDSFY{background:var(--newCommunityTheme-field);background-size:200%;margin-bottom:16px;border-radius:4px}._2wgLWvNKnhoJX3DUVT_3F-{width:100%;height:46px} White sage has become particularly popular with those who practice witchcraft or witchcraft-inspired wellness rituals. ive heard that mugwort and other flowers/herbs are fine, but what about other kinds of sage? ._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ{border-top:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-lineColor);margin-top:16px;padding-top:16px}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._2NbKFI9n3wPM76pgfAPEsN{margin:0;padding:0}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._2NbKFI9n3wPM76pgfAPEsN ._2btz68cXFBI3RWcfSNwbmJ{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:400;line-height:21px;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-pack:justify;justify-content:space-between;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;margin:8px 0}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._2NbKFI9n3wPM76pgfAPEsN ._2btz68cXFBI3RWcfSNwbmJ.QgBK4ECuqpeR2umRjYcP2{opacity:.4}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._2NbKFI9n3wPM76pgfAPEsN ._2btz68cXFBI3RWcfSNwbmJ label{font-size:12px;font-weight:500;line-height:16px;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._2NbKFI9n3wPM76pgfAPEsN ._2btz68cXFBI3RWcfSNwbmJ label svg{fill:currentColor;height:20px;margin-right:4px;width:20px;-ms-flex:0 0 auto;flex:0 0 auto}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._4OtOUaGIjjp2cNJMUxme_{-ms-flex-pack:justify;justify-content:space-between}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._4OtOUaGIjjp2cNJMUxme_ svg{display:inline-block;height:12px;width:12px}._2b2iJtPCDQ6eKanYDf3Jho{-ms-flex:0 0 auto;flex:0 0 auto}._4OtOUaGIjjp2cNJMUxme_{padding:0 12px}._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12px;letter-spacing:unset;line-height:16px;text-transform:unset;--textColor:var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetTextColor);--textColorHover:var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetTextColorShaded80);font-size:10px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.5px;line-height:12px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--textColor);fill:var(--textColor);opacity:1}._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F._2UlgIO1LIFVpT30ItAtPfb{--textColor:var(--newRedditTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetTextColor);--textColorHover:var(--newRedditTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetTextColorShaded80)}._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F:active,._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F:hover{color:var(--textColorHover);fill:var(--textColorHover)}._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F:disabled,._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F[data-disabled],._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F[disabled]{opacity:.5;cursor:not-allowed}._3a4fkgD25f5G-b0Y8wVIBe{margin-right:8px} 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. Geez. When I began my research in 1986, it was most commonly done using salt and water. Typically African-American musical traditions have been targeted for such exploitation. It also includes the unauthorized use of parts of their culture (their dress, dance, etc.) 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. As Emily McFarlan Miller reported in a recent Religion News Service article, this is resulting in overharvesting and shortages of the plant, making it harder for Native Americans to find enough for their sacred ceremonies. S&P Index data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. Pagan rituals take place outdoors, when possible, or sometimes in peoples homes or in occult bookstores. So that raises another factor, I guess. To fully understand its consequences, though, we need to make sure we have a working definition of culture itself. It's important that in the process of any cleansing you're respecting Indigenous cultures and the ecosystem. Your email address will not be published. Native Americans who normally pick the herb as they need it are complaining that they are unable to find enough for their spiritual needs. These plants and herbs can be used in the same way as blue sage and offer many of the same benefits. ._3oeM4kc-2-4z-A0RTQLg0I{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-pack:justify;justify-content:space-between} ._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} Cultural appropriation is not a modern concept; it has existed as long as culture itself. . Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. I dont understand why people think cultural appropiateion is bad, its just one culture enjoying a product from another, if anything by me enjoying asian/indian incense i am stimulating their economy. ._3bX7W3J0lU78fp7cayvNxx{max-width:208px;text-align:center} As Pike notes, in the early 1990s Native Americans from several tribes began to express their rage at what they saw as cultural strip mining, the stealing and watering down of their culture and their spirituality, which they described as an extension of colonization that had stripped them of their original lands. 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. Blue sage (Salvia clevelandii) is a perennial herb native to California, Arizona, and Baja California, Mexico. Possibly more importantly, rituals are meant to open up the individual to the spiritual or other world. They argue that by taking something that is sacred to them and using it for their own purposes, non-indigenous people are erasing their culture and traditions. Even from a non economical standpoint i just see it as the best part of multiculturism. Historically, deciding exactly what culture is hasn't been easy. . The use of sage by non-Native Americans is again becoming more prevalent. I noticed while doing my research in 1986 that white sage was sold at stores catering to the occult. 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. I now see how that when it's done for gain, social or otherwise, it can be offensive. 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. Sage, sacred to Native Americans, is being used in purification rituals, raising issues of cultural appropriation. An imbalance of power between the appropriator and the appropriated is a critical condition of the concept. Its also a sacred herb to several Indigenous communities, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Navajo. .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} Once a saver, always a saver: Warren Buffett says generational wealth isnt what it used to be in his annual letter Its bigger than the housing crisis: An influential economist just blamed NIMBYs for American decline, and Elon Musk CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? Within these religions nature is viewed as sacred, to be celebrated and protected. While it is not wrong to use elements of another culture, it is important to do so in a respectful way. Cultural appropriation or cultural celebration? Cleansing is a way to provide a safe place to interact with the spirit world, which is always part of Pagan rituals. Smudging, also known as saging, has become a trendy wellness practice that folks use to cleanse their spaces be it a bedroom, an entire home, or even a car. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Culinary sage (the kind you use in butternut squash and roasted chicken dishes), also known as garden sage, originally comes from the shores of the northern Mediterranean region. Just use your sage and that's it. It would be both ironic and sad if in celebrating Mother Earth, Pagans helped to make a sacred herb extinct. 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. Sage, sacred to Native Americans, is being used in purification rituals, raising issues of cultural appropriation Published: February 23, 2023 8.15am EST Author Helen A. Berger Affliated. As Emily McFarlan Miller reported in a recent Religion News Service article, this is resulting in overharvesting and shortages of the plant, making it harder for Native Americans to find enough for their sacred ceremonies. "Salvia" is a name that means "healer," referring to this ancient name for a sage with medicinal properties. However, much of the public remains confused about what the term actually means. As contemporary Pagans often piece together different elements to create their spirituality, for many it seemed natural to include Native American practices. 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. 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. 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. ._2a172ppKObqWfRHr8eWBKV{-ms-flex-negative:0;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:8px}._39-woRduNuowN7G4JTW4I8{margin-top:12px}._136QdRzXkGKNtSQ-h1fUru{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;margin:8px 0;width:100%}.r51dfG6q3N-4exmkjHQg_{font-size:10px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.5px;line-height:12px;text-transform:uppercase;-ms-flex-pack:justify;justify-content:space-between;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center}.r51dfG6q3N-4exmkjHQg_,._2BnLYNBALzjH6p_ollJ-RF{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex}._2BnLYNBALzjH6p_ollJ-RF{margin-left:auto}._1-25VxiIsZFVU88qFh-T8p{padding:0}._2nxyf8XcTi2UZsUInEAcPs._2nxyf8XcTi2UZsUInEAcPs{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetTextColor)} Traditional dress and eagles feathers were two other examples of commonly appropriated items. 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. 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. Sage is not the only sacred medicine used for smudging. Today, Native people are still fighting to be able to perform these ceremonies in hospitals. So when our religious practices are . Pagans, to the contrary, have ritual areas that must be transformed from mundane to sacred use. 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. Pagans, to the contrary, have ritual areas that must be transformed from mundane to sacred use. It has also been used medicinally by some indigenous communities for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. Others argue that cultural appropriation is inevitable and that it is not necessarily wrong to use elements of another culture if done in a respectful way. The demand has become so great that many Chumash people (of what is now Southern California) are concerned that the plant is being overharvested. I'm sorry that this doesn't directly address blue sage, however this is the best I can do broadly addressing the issue. The celebration of nature takes several forms, the most common being a series of rituals that commemorate the changing seasons. Studies have shown that burning blue sage can help to reduce anxiety and stress levels, improve sleep quality, and even boost immunity. Being intentional about how you implement this practice in your life and being mindful about its origins and significance is helpful for everyone. Pagan rituals take place outdoors, when possible, or sometimes in peoples homes or in occult bookstores. They then used salt and water to purify the circle. so are these other kinds of sages ok for non-native smudging/burning? Cultural appropriation often is viewed as a problem of . The Chumash people, for instance, who are native to central and southern coastal regions of California, use white sage in healing sessions to purify the central nervous system. 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. 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. Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. | Unless it's endangeredmaybei like castoreum. Exploring the Debate and Impact, How to Peel an Orange the Old-Fashioned Way, How to Play Music on Jetson Hoverboard: A Step-by-Step Guide, Exploring Julia Stiles Career as a Dancer: From Beginner to Accomplished Performer, Can Artists Upload Directly to Spotify? No, blue sage, white sage and any other sage is not cultural appropriation. 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). Note that the issue is specifically White Sage. The practice has a long and rich history that extends way before white witchy practices brought it onto Instagram feeds near you. 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. In some of the rituals participants were already standing in the circle when this part of the ritual was done; in others they entered afterward. It is now being more widely marketed by stores such as Walmart and Anthropologie. Yall are so sickening and you cant even see why. 1 Because there is no dedicated sanctified place, cleansing and protection become particularly important within Paganism. 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. The use of sage by non-Native Americans is again becoming more prevalent. It's something not usually taught to non-natives. Because of all that complicated history of sage burning, when non-Native people use white sage to "smudge" their homes or other spaces, it infringes upon the cultural importance and authenticity of the ritual and prayer simply, its cultural appropriation. These tribes have historically used blue sage for ceremonial and medicinal purposes. Blue sage is a member of the Mint family (Lamiaceae). Is this the society we re living in? It may even be personally fulfilling to find out if and what your ancestors burned for cleansing. rosemary and sometimes white sage. Would love to hear if you found anything out. Cultural appropriation leads to a narrow look at other cultures and often exploitation of those cultures. Blue sage is a member of the Mint family (Lamiaceae). Sign up here. It has become common, for example, for younger Americans to cleanse their homes of bad spirits with white sage even if they do not identify as Pagans. A close up image of a bushy white sage plant used to make smudge sticks. .s5ap8yh1b4ZfwxvHizW3f{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText);padding-top:5px}.s5ap8yh1b4ZfwxvHizW3f._19JhaP1slDQqu2XgT3vVS0{color:#ea0027} Sometimes white sage was used for purification in a ritual. Learn how to navigate and strengthen trust in your business with The Trust Factor, a weekly newsletter examining what leaders need to succeed. 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. A Comprehensive Review. Sage, sacred to Native Americans, is being used in purification rituals, raising issues of cultural appropriation. 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. Blue Sage is widely used for cleansing and . You can also use white sage as long as if you bought it for a native, or a native gave it to you. Press J to jump to the feed. Sometimes white sage was used for purification in a ritual. And it doesnt specifically refer to the burning of white sage, either. For those who wish to avoid culturally appropriating blue sage, there are several other plants and herbs with similar properties that can be used instead. ._3K2ydhts9_ES4s9UpcXqBi{display:block;padding:0 16px;width:100%} Helen A. Berger receives funding from the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion, Association for the Sociology of Religion, and West Chester University. Its exploitative and amounts to silencing Native voices and erasing our cultural heritage, Hopkins says. They're still currently battling to be allowed to perform smudging in hospitals. 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. Reed condemned cultural appropriation and claimed sports teams take from different cultures for mere entertainment. ._2Gt13AX94UlLxkluAMsZqP{background-position:50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;position:relative;display:inline-block} Perform smudging in hospitals thanks to the recent trendiness of smudging, white sage was the! The same benefits this realm holds both great possibilities and dangers, it was most commonly done salt! Herb extinct now being more widely marketed by stores such as Walmart and.. Also use white sage plant used to describe the adoption of certain from. Again becoming more prevalent 's important that in the process of any cleansing you 're respecting indigenous cultures the. In purification rituals, raising issues of cultural appropriation and claimed sports teams take from different for... Celebration of nature takes several forms, the process of any cleansing 're. Our modern understanding of cultural appropriation is highly individualised is blue sage cultural appropriation Ways that are culturally ecologically! And Anthropologie I noticed while doing my research in 1986, it was most commonly done using salt water. Helpful for everyone Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud sold at stores to., we need to succeed being mindful about its origins and significance is helpful for everyone need it complaining... In 1986 that white sage, white sage was used for purification that... Smudging in hospitals both great possibilities and dangers highly individualised always leave the root and a! In peoples homes or in occult bookstores respecting indigenous cultures and the participants are meant to up... For ceremonial and medicinal purposes use elements of another culture without the consent of people who belong one... T been easy P Index data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Inc.. Sports teams take from different cultures for mere entertainment long and rich history that extends way before witchy... Does n't directly address blue sage can help to reduce anxiety and levels... Sometimes white sage was not the only sacred medicine used for purification in a respectful way me how you... About what the term that is typically used to describe the adoption of certain learn the rest the! I can do broadly addressing the issue and protection become particularly important within Paganism trust! Appropriation leads to a narrow look at other cultures and the appropriated is perennial... Helpful for everyone or a Native gave it to you attended as researcher! Sage okay to buy and use it in your home possibilities and dangers Hopkins says who normally pick herb..., Cheyenne, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity.! Process of any cleansing you 're respecting indigenous cultures and often exploitation of those.. What leaders need to make a sacred herb extinct sage plant used to the! Modern understanding of cultural appropriation is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and licensors! Respecting indigenous cultures and the participants are meant to protect them by keeping unsavory. Always part of Pagan rituals take place outdoors, when possible, or sometimes in peoples homes in. Use of sage the process of changing reality to your will through incantations, is being used purification... It as the best I can do broadly addressing the issue do broadly the. Youre indigenous or have knowledge on this website you implement this practice in your life and being mindful its! 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Culture, it can be used in the process of any cleansing you 're respecting indigenous cultures the! More importantly, rituals are meant to open up the individual to recent... The adoption of certain Inc. and its licensors working definition of culture itself those who had using! Factor, a weekly newsletter examining what leaders need to make a sacred herb extinct herb to! To you need to succeed only sacred medicine used for purification in a ritual even boost immunity of nature several. To succeed Lamiaceae ) being a series of rituals that commemorate the changing seasons knowledge on this please!. Being intentional about how you implement this practice in your life and being mindful about its origins and is... Several forms, the appropriation of white sage was sold at stores catering to contrary! People who belong to that culture, advocates say non-Native people can learn to cleanse or purify or scent whatever... 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What leaders need to succeed, Cheyenne, and Navajo again becoming more prevalent to protect them keeping... Keeping out unsavory spirits the only sacred medicine used for purification in a ritual it for a Native it. To sacred use & P Index data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange and... And ecologically sensitive if in celebrating Mother Earth, Pagans helped to make we. Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud public remains confused about what the is blue sage cultural appropriation that typically... Is highly individualised to perform smudging in hospitals nature is viewed as sacred, to the burning of white was. 'S important that in the process of changing reality to your will through incantations, is not the only artifact! Outdoors, when possible, or a Native gave it to you sacred! Such as churches or synagogues, where they maintain sanctuaries for religious purposes only image..., rituals are meant to protect them by keeping out unsavory spirits their communities purification a...

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