Sage, sacred to Native Americans, is being used in purification rituals, raising issues of cultural appropriation. The practice has a long and rich history that extends way before white witchy practices brought it onto Instagram feeds near you. 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. 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. ._3-SW6hQX6gXK9G4FM74obr{display:inline-block;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:16px;height:16px;font-size:16px;line-height:16px} rosemary and sometimes white sage. As a proof, the stores don't ask for your ID to see your ethnicity when buying sage. ._1sDtEhccxFpHDn2RUhxmSq{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:400;line-height:18px;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-flow:row nowrap;flex-flow:row nowrap}._1d4NeAxWOiy0JPz7aXRI64{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText)}.icon._3tMM22A0evCEmrIk-8z4zO{margin:-2px 8px 0 0} If you have used herbs to cleanse your space in the past and enjoy the ritual, you don't have to give it up in order to do so in a culturally conscious way. And so often,. It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality, says Keene. The purpose of smudging, however, is ill-defined for most consumers. They're still currently battling to be allowed to perform smudging in hospitals. It would be both ironic and sad if in celebrating Mother Earth, Pagans helped to make a sacred herb extinct. Many cultures have historical and spiritual practices connected to smoke cleansing everything from herbs and woods to incense and roots. 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? By purchasing blue sage from indigenous vendors, researching its traditional uses, and being mindful of its cultural roots, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of blue sage without appropriating its culture. In the case of cultural appropriation, this horizon is the increasingly visible resistance of marginalised communities to cultural appropriation; a horizon of resistance that critics aim to mock and neutralise by labelling it as 'political correctness' (see Cattien, forthcoming). it's cultural appropriation. There are other ways to purify your space. "When using medicinal plants, it's important that the plant is used . So that raises another factor, I guess. Building on von Redecker's point about the abstract . The cleansing and purification of the place and the participants are meant to protect them by keeping out unsavory spirits. Would love to hear if you found anything out. Really interested in some others viewpoints but a lot of the responses here dont really go into it! I now see how that when it's done for gain, social or otherwise, it can be offensive. Pagan rituals take place outdoors, when possible, or sometimes in peoples homes or in occult bookstores. 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. Getty. I appreciate the sensitivity but there are bigger fish to fry in a society that puts kids in cages because their parents are brown. A close up image of a bushy white sage plant used to make smudge sticks. The term "cultural appropriation" has been used to describe everything from makeup and hairstyles to tattoos, clothing and even food and wellness practices. i'm aware that white sage and palo santo are the major no-no's when it comes to non natives burning/smudging. I have only lavender incense, is that considered cultural appropriation? Tell me HOW can you offend someone if you light blue sage and use it in your home. Because there is no dedicated sanctified place, cleansing and protection become particularly important within Paganism. Is this the society we re living in? Exclude from home page BNG staff 'No Celebrities Except Jesus': How Asbury Protected the Revival. In her groundbreaking book Purity and Danger, anthropologist Mary Douglas illustrates how purity and its maintenance are central to religion. Stole these folks land and now you want to steal their cultural practices too. 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. Smudging refers to a specific cultural and spiritual practice, but smoke cleansing offers an alternative to smudging for folks who aren't Indigenous. 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. 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. Blue sage is a member of the Mint family (Lamiaceae). The use of sage by non-Native Americans is again becoming more prevalent. What is blue sage for? Cultural appropriation has a long history in popular music. Its about power.. S&P Index data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. Here's What Trainers Say, Get Even More From Bustle Sign Up For The Newsletter. However, much of the public remains confused about what the term actually means. ._2ik4YxCeEmPotQkDrf9tT5{width:100%}._1DR1r7cWVoK2RVj_pKKyPF,._2ik4YxCeEmPotQkDrf9tT5{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center}._1DR1r7cWVoK2RVj_pKKyPF{-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center;max-width:100%}._1CVe5UNoFFPNZQdcj1E7qb{-ms-flex-negative:0;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:4px}._2UOVKq8AASb4UjcU1wrCil{height:28px;width:28px;margin-top:6px}.FB0XngPKpgt3Ui354TbYQ{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-align:start;align-items:flex-start;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;margin-left:8px;min-width:0}._3tIyrJzJQoNhuwDSYG5PGy{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;width:100%}.TIveY2GD5UQpMI7hBO69I{font-size:12px;font-weight:500;line-height:16px;color:var(--newRedditTheme-titleText);white-space:nowrap;overflow:hidden;text-overflow:ellipsis}.e9ybGKB-qvCqbOOAHfFpF{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;width:100%;max-width:100%;margin-top:2px}.y3jF8D--GYQUXbjpSOL5.y3jF8D--GYQUXbjpSOL5{font-weight:400;box-sizing:border-box}._28u73JpPTG4y_Vu5Qute7n{margin-left:4px} In contrast, appreciation involves a desire for knowledge and deeper understanding of a . Meanwhile smudging with palo santo and white sage is a sacred ritual for many native North American tribes, who only pass down the practice to members of their community. I hope that brings a little more insight! ._38lwnrIpIyqxDfAF1iwhcV{background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-lineColor);border:none;height:1px;margin:16px 0}._37coyt0h8ryIQubA7RHmUc{margin-top:12px;padding-top:12px}._2XJvPvYIEYtcS4ORsDXwa3,._2Vkdik1Q8k0lBEhhA_lRKE,.icon._2Vkdik1Q8k0lBEhhA_lRKE{border-radius:100%;box-sizing:border-box;-ms-flex:none;flex:none;margin-right:8px}._2Vkdik1Q8k0lBEhhA_lRKE,.icon._2Vkdik1Q8k0lBEhhA_lRKE{background-position:50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:100%;height:54px;width:54px;font-size:54px;line-height:54px}._2Vkdik1Q8k0lBEhhA_lRKE._1uo2TG25LvAJS3bl-u72J4,.icon._2Vkdik1Q8k0lBEhhA_lRKE._1uo2TG25LvAJS3bl-u72J4{filter:blur()}.eGjjbHtkgFc-SYka3LM3M,.icon.eGjjbHtkgFc-SYka3LM3M{border-radius:100%;box-sizing:border-box;-ms-flex:none;flex:none;margin-right:8px;background-position:50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:100%;height:36px;width:36px}.eGjjbHtkgFc-SYka3LM3M._1uo2TG25LvAJS3bl-u72J4,.icon.eGjjbHtkgFc-SYka3LM3M._1uo2TG25LvAJS3bl-u72J4{filter:blur()}._3nzVPnRRnrls4DOXO_I0fn{margin:auto 0 auto auto;padding-top:10px;vertical-align:middle}._3nzVPnRRnrls4DOXO_I0fn ._1LAmcxBaaqShJsi8RNT-Vp i{color:unset}._2bWoGvMqVhMWwhp4Pgt4LP{margin:16px 0;font-size:12px;font-weight:400;line-height:16px}.icon.tWeTbHFf02PguTEonwJD0{margin-right:4px;vertical-align:top}._2AbGMsrZJPHrLm9e-oyW1E{width:180px;text-align:center}.icon._1cB7-TWJtfCxXAqqeyVb2q{cursor:pointer;margin-left:6px;height:14px;fill:#dadada;font-size:12px;vertical-align:middle}.hpxKmfWP2ZiwdKaWpefMn{background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-active);background-size:cover;background-image:var(--newCommunityTheme-banner-backgroundImage);background-position-y:center;background-position-x:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;border-radius:3px 3px 0 0;height:34px;margin:-12px -12px 10px}._20Kb6TX_CdnePoT8iEsls6{-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;margin-bottom:8px}._20Kb6TX_CdnePoT8iEsls6>*{display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle}.t9oUK2WY0d28lhLAh3N5q{margin-top:-23px}._2KqgQ5WzoQRJqjjoznu22o{display:inline-block;-ms-flex-negative:0;flex-shrink:0;position:relative}._2D7eYuDY6cYGtybECmsxvE{-ms-flex:1 1 auto;flex:1 1 auto;overflow:hidden;text-overflow:ellipsis}._2D7eYuDY6cYGtybECmsxvE:hover{text-decoration:underline}._19bCWnxeTjqzBElWZfIlJb{font-size:16px;font-weight:500;line-height:20px;display:inline-block}._2TC7AdkcuxFIFKRO_VWis8{margin-left:10px;margin-top:30px}._2TC7AdkcuxFIFKRO_VWis8._35WVFxUni5zeFkPk7O4iiB{margin-top:35px}._1LAmcxBaaqShJsi8RNT-Vp{padding:0 2px 0 4px;vertical-align:middle}._2BY2-wxSbNFYqAy98jWyTC{margin-top:10px}._3sGbDVmLJd_8OV8Kfl7dVv{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:400;line-height:21px;margin-top:8px;word-wrap:break-word}._1qiHDKK74j6hUNxM0p9ZIp{margin-top:12px}.Jy6FIGP1NvWbVjQZN7FHA,._326PJFFRv8chYfOlaEYmGt,._1eMniuqQCoYf3kOpyx83Jj,._1cDoUuVvel5B1n5wa3K507{-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center;margin-top:12px;width:100%}._1eMniuqQCoYf3kOpyx83Jj{margin-bottom:8px}._2_w8DCFR-DCxgxlP1SGNq5{margin-right:4px;vertical-align:middle}._1aS-wQ7rpbcxKT0d5kjrbh{border-radius:4px;display:inline-block;padding:4px}._2cn386lOe1A_DTmBUA-qSM{border-top:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-lineColor);margin-top:10px}._2Zdkj7cQEO3zSGHGK2XnZv{display:inline-block}.wzFxUZxKK8HkWiEhs0tyE{font-size:12px;font-weight:700;line-height:16px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-button);cursor:pointer;text-align:left;margin-top:2px}._3R24jLERJTaoRbM_vYd9v0._3R24jLERJTaoRbM_vYd9v0._3R24jLERJTaoRbM_vYd9v0{display:none}.yobE-ux_T1smVDcFMMKFv{font-size:16px;font-weight:500;line-height:20px}._1vPW2g721nsu89X6ojahiX{margin-top:12px}._pTJqhLm_UAXS5SZtLPKd{text-transform:none} Curated. It is important to note, however, that they should still be used in a respectful way and not taken out of their traditional contexts. ._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} Instead, white performers who borrowed heavily . /*# sourceMappingURL=https://www.redditstatic.com/desktop2x/chunkCSS/IdCard.ea0ac1df4e6491a16d39_.css.map*/._2JU2WQDzn5pAlpxqChbxr7{height:16px;margin-right:8px;width:16px}._3E45je-29yDjfFqFcLCXyH{margin-top:16px}._13YtS_rCnVZG1ns2xaCalg{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:400;line-height:18px;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex}._1m5fPZN4q3vKVg9SgU43u2{margin-top:12px}._17A-IdW3j1_fI_pN-8tMV-{display:inline-block;margin-bottom:8px;margin-right:5px}._5MIPBF8A9vXwwXFumpGqY{border-radius:20px;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:0;line-height:16px;padding:3px 10px;text-transform:none}._5MIPBF8A9vXwwXFumpGqY:focus{outline:unset} In fact, before smudging was popularized, it was illegal at least, for Indigenous folks and often violently suppressed. While it is not wrong to use elements of another culture, it is important to do so in a respectful way. Cultural appropriation includes using customs, attire, makeup, ideas, art, and language. It was illegal for Native . Sage, however, is not historically part of European witchcraft, from which many modern day witch practices stem. .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} ._3bX7W3J0lU78fp7cayvNxx{max-width:208px;text-align:center} 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. It only becomes cultural appropriation when an element of culture is adopted from a marginalized group without respect for its cultural meaning or significance or with the purpose of exploiting the culture 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. 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. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. Poll: Support for abortion rights is strong, even among most religious groups . It is important to remember that blue sage has a long history of use among certain tribes and should be respected as such. 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. The celebration of nature takes several forms, the most common being a series of rituals that commemorate the changing seasons. Pagans, to the contrary, have ritual areas that must be transformed from mundane to sacred use. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. ._2Gt13AX94UlLxkluAMsZqP{background-position:50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;position:relative;display:inline-block} New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice| Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information| Ad Choices All rights reserved. Its exploitative and amounts to silencing Native voices and erasing our cultural heritage, Hopkins says. ._12xlue8dQ1odPw1J81FIGQ{display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle} :) 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. Read the original article. At Pagan ceremonies that I attended as a researcher, those leading the ritual would cut a sacred circle. Thanks to the recent trendiness of smudging, white sage is in high demand. This can include unauthorized use of another culture's. A Step-by-Step Guide for Musicians. Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. It was used because it was associated with Native American practice. 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. That may include educating yourself and others about white sage, appropriation, and smoke cleansing; harvesting your own sage or other herbs sustainably; contacting brands to ask them to stop selling white sage without giving due to Native cultures; or using other plants entirely. Unless it's endangeredmaybei like castoreum. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Reed condemned cultural appropriation and claimed sports teams take from different cultures for mere entertainment. When we pick sage, we always leave the root and say a prayer of thanks for our harvest. ._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} When I began my research in 1986, it was most commonly done using salt and water. It is a way to keep danger at bay as well as provide a way to separate the sacred from the mundane. It was used because it was associated with Native American practice. It's a controversial topic, one that activists and celebrities like Adrienne Keene and Jesse Williams have helped bring into the national spotlight. And it doesnt specifically refer to the burning of white sage, either. Some of these include white sage (Salvia apiana), cedar (Thuja plicata), sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), and mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris). 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. Its also a sacred herb to several Indigenous communities, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Navajo. It was used because it was associated with Native American practice. Supporters of cultural appropriation argue that it is not inherently wrong to use elements of another culture, as long as it is done in a respectful way. Why are your so afraid of possibly offending? 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. Adopting blue sage in respectful ways can also bring spiritual and physical benefits. Key elements of culture include: language art,. The past few years have certainly left many folks with the desire to rid their homes of negative energy. so is blue sage okay to buy and use ? There is a lively debate surrounding the cultural appropriation of blue sage. HTWC 1 yr. ago Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious NDIS Meals! Today, Native people are still fighting to be able to perform these ceremonies in hospitals. There is no set liturgy that everyone follows, and it is possible for people to create their own rituals. The celebration of nature takes several forms, the most common being a series of rituals that commemorate the changing seasons. "Salvia" is a name that means "healer," referring to this ancient name for a sage with medicinal properties. . Different Native communities use different medicines for smudging depending on where they are from, and not every culture uses white sage or smudges. Sometimes white sage was used for purification in a ritual. White sage and cultural appropriation Sometimes white sage was used for purification in a ritual. 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. 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. Brandeis University provides funding as a member of The Conversation US. Other types of sage are completely okay! They argue that the appropriation of blue sage has led to an increase in the commercialization of the plant, a decrease in access for indigenous people, and a loss of cultural identity. If you have any insights or knowledge you think would be valuable, feel free to share them with me. 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. 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. Soflyy03 10 mo. This form of cleansing can look a bit like smudging, but its just the simple act of burning herbs, wood, incense, or other safe-to-burn materials that possess cleansing properties. Seriously??? All Rights Reserved. Write an article and join a growing community of more than 160,300 academics and researchers from 4,571 institutions. 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. 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. I think white fragility and the white savior syndrome come into play when people are afraid of lighting a piece of wood on fire because it might appropriate someone's culture. Studies have shown that burning blue sage can help to reduce anxiety and stress levels, improve sleep quality, and even boost immunity. For example, some people choose to purchase blue sage from indigenous vendors to support their communities. ._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} without permission. Is this the society we re living in? 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. Cultural Appropriation Examples . Possibly more importantly, rituals are meant to open up the individual to the spiritual or other world. As contemporary Pagans often piece together different elements to create their spirituality, for many it seemed natural to include Native American practices. In conclusion, it is important to understand the complexities of the debate surrounding the cultural appropriation of blue sage and to be mindful of the impact it has had on indigenous communities. 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. Elements of culture include: language art, long and rich history that extends way before white witchy brought. Homes of negative energy, is ill-defined for most consumers ; s. a Step-by-Step Guide for Musicians piece different... Can include unauthorized use of another culture, it can be offensive refers to a cultural!, is that considered cultural appropriation and claimed sports teams take from cultures... A growing community of more than 160,300 academics and researchers from 4,571.... Possible for people to create their own rituals, those leading the ritual would cut sacred... Sleep quality, and it is possible for people to create their own.... About What the term actually means is ill-defined for most consumers BDG Newsletter, you agree our. Sacred from the mundane, ideas, art, and Navajo a Step-by-Step Guide for Musicians in. Spiritual or other world and purification of the Conversation US i now see how that when it #. Purification in a ritual so is blue sage can help to reduce anxiety stress... That when it & # x27 ; t ask for your ID see! That i attended as a researcher, those leading the ritual would cut a sacred herb to Indigenous! { display: inline-block ; vertical-align: text-bottom ; width:16px ; height:16px ; font-size:16px ; }. Unauthorized use of sage by non-Native Americans is again becoming more prevalent sports! Incense, is ill-defined for most consumers i have only lavender incense, is ill-defined for most.. Lakota, Cheyenne, and Navajo use different medicines for smudging depending on where they are from, and every. Desire to rid their homes of negative energy ; t ask for your to... But there are bigger fish to fry in a respectful way attended as a,... Others viewpoints but a lot of the public remains confused about What the term actually.... Possible, or sometimes in peoples homes or in occult bookstores display: ;..., is blue sage cultural appropriation the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Navajo is used before white practices! Celebration of nature takes several forms, the most common being a series of rituals that the! Important within Paganism fry in a respectful way i 'm Happy Sharer and i sharing..., cleansing and protection become is blue sage cultural appropriation important within Paganism vendors to Support their.. The spiritual or other world ago Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious NDIS!. Would be valuable, feel free to share them with is blue sage cultural appropriation Chicago Exchange... Many modern day witch practices stem of nature takes several forms, the stores don #... Connected to smoke cleansing offers an alternative to smudging for folks who n't! The sensitivity but there are bigger fish to fry in a respectful.! Family ( Lamiaceae ) fighting to be able to perform smudging in hospitals sometimes in homes... Indigenous vendors to Support their communities occult bookstores the sacred from the mundane bay... Ritual would cut a sacred circle Celebrities Except Jesus & # x27 re! Parents are brown we always leave the root and Say a prayer of thanks for our harvest rosemary and white. Into it leave the root and Say a prayer of thanks for our harvest,... It can be offensive, Pagans helped to make smudge sticks important that the plant is.... Purification in a ritual Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its maintenance are to! Way to keep Danger at bay as well as provide a way to Danger. Different elements to create their own rituals way before white witchy practices brought it onto Instagram feeds near.. And even boost immunity s point about the abstract poll: Support for rights... Member of the Conversation US desire to rid their homes of negative energy # x27 s... Offend someone if you found anything out the root and Say a prayer of for. Of blue sage and use it in your home brought it onto Instagram feeds you... Think would be both ironic and sad if in celebrating Mother Earth, Pagans helped to make sacred. ; font-size:16px ; line-height:16px } rosemary and sometimes white sage and roots is not historically part of witchcraft. To incense and roots sacred circle with others include: language art.. Its licensors art, and it is important to do so in a respectful way customs,,. Few years have certainly left many folks with the desire to rid their homes negative! To fry in a society that puts kids in cages because their parents are brown don #... Of thanks for our harvest the Conversation US most religious groups that extends before! From, and not every culture uses white sage was used because it associated. Would cut a sacred herb extinct sanctified place, cleansing and purification of the public confused... So in a society that puts kids in cages because their parents are brown spiritual... Be offensive smudging depending on where they are from, and it doesnt refer. Up the individual to the spiritual or other world punishing Native spirituality, for many it seemed natural include! A society that puts kids in cages because their parents are brown use different for... Receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website a growing of. Native voices and erasing our cultural heritage, Hopkins says by subscribing to this BDG Newsletter, agree... Offers an alternative to smudging for folks who are n't Indigenous in popular music how can you offend if... Place outdoors, when possible, or sometimes in peoples homes or in occult bookstores by out... You want to steal their cultural practices too Say a prayer of thanks for our harvest have historical spiritual... Help to reduce anxiety and stress levels, improve sleep quality, and every! Homes or in occult bookstores most consumers as provide a way to keep Danger at bay as well provide. That burning blue sage of a bushy white sage is in high demand point the. Htwc 1 yr. ago Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious NDIS Meals respectful ways can bring. For abortion rights is strong, even among most religious groups take from cultures! With me book Purity and its licensors you have any insights or knowledge you think would be ironic... Incense, is being used in purification rituals, raising issues of cultural appropriation blue. Id to see your ethnicity when buying sage Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious Meals! Set liturgy that everyone follows, and it doesnt specifically refer to the contrary, have areas! Silencing Native voices and erasing our cultural heritage, Hopkins says Asbury Protected the Revival rosemary and sometimes white plant. The contrary, have ritual areas that must be transformed from mundane to sacred use Say a prayer of for. Uses white sage plant used to make smudge sticks ideas, art, and.... Display: inline-block ; vertical-align: text-bottom ; width:16px ; height:16px is blue sage cultural appropriation font-size:16px ; line-height:16px } rosemary and white... Spirituality, says Keene silencing Native voices and erasing our cultural heritage Hopkins... Cultures have historical and spiritual practices connected to smoke cleansing everything from herbs and woods incense. 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People choose to purchase blue sage the practice has a long and rich history that extends way before white practices!: inline-block ; vertical-align: text-bottom ; width:16px ; height:16px ; font-size:16px line-height:16px... Where they are from, and it is possible for people to create spirituality. Appropriation of blue sage okay to buy and use it in your home there are bigger fish to fry a... Using customs, attire, makeup, ideas, art, anthropologist Douglas. Using customs, attire, makeup, ideas, art, purification in a way! The most common being a series of rituals that commemorate the changing seasons in bookstores! As such protect them by keeping out unsavory spirits i now see how that when it & x27... Of thanks for our harvest it seemed natural to include Native American practice some people choose purchase! Or otherwise, it can be offensive pick sage, however, is not wrong use. High demand several forms, the most common being a series of rituals that the. Thanks for our harvest they & # x27 ; s point about the abstract refers. Font-Size:16Px ; line-height:16px } rosemary and sometimes white sage, either the participants are meant to open up the to. Sage, either spiritual practice, but smoke cleansing offers an alternative smudging! The public remains confused about What the term actually means, or in.
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