The line between celebration and appropriation gets crossed when there is the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices or ideas of one group by another, typically more dominant group. 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 using medicinal plants, its important that the plant is used sustainably. rosemary and sometimes white sage. 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. We have to stop guarding cultures and subcultures in efforts to preserve them.. It is a way to keep danger at bay as well as provide a way to separate the sacred from the mundane. 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. Blue sage is a member of the Mint family (Lamiaceae). More mainstream religions have buildings, such as churches or synagogues, where they maintain sanctuaries for religious purposes only. Different Native communities use different medicines for smudging depending on where they are from, and not every culture uses white sage or smudges. identity. It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality. The species name "azurea" is Latin for "sky blue." Blue sage is a common name that refers to several different plant species. Unlike cultural appropriation, strategic anti-essentialism can be practiced by both minority cultures and majority cultures. 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. 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. Why does it matter what YOU'RE fine with? Studies have shown that burning blue sage can help to reduce anxiety and stress levels, improve sleep quality, and even boost immunity. ._3oeM4kc-2-4z-A0RTQLg0I{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-pack:justify;justify-content:space-between} document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. This is as much a part of smudging (or saging) as burning the plant is, Hopkins says. Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. These plants and herbs can be used in the same way as blue sage and offer many of the same benefits. The use of blue sage has traditionally been associated with certain tribes, such as the Chumash, Tongva, and Luiseo, who have each claimed it as their own. It is important to consider the impact that the appropriation of blue sage has had on indigenous communities. 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. What kind of sage is not cultural appropriation? I noticed while doing my research in 1986 that white sage was sold at stores catering to the occult. The celebration of nature takes several forms, the most common being a series of rituals that commemorate the changing seasons. This practice is often used for spiritual cleansing or protection against negative energy. As I learned when I was doing my research, most Pagans believe entering this realm holds both great possibilities and dangers. It is now being more widely marketed by stores such as Walmart and Anthropologie. In her groundbreaking book Purity and Danger, anthropologist Mary Douglas illustrates how purity and its maintenance are central to religion. and challenging what they describe as wanton cultural appropriation by non-Natives eager for a quick fix to the "dis-ease" associated . The celebration of nature takes several forms, the most common being a series of rituals that commemorate the changing seasons. 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. However, what most people are referring to when they talk about the popularized practice of smudging is white sage (Salvia apiana). Key elements of culture include: language art,. Helen A. Berger receives funding from the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion, Association for the Sociology of Religion, and West Chester University. Terms & Conditions. So that raises another factor, I guess. 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? When I began my research in 1986, it was most commonly done using salt and water. 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. 'Dressing in traditional clothes that do not belong to one's own culture or . Soflyy03 10 mo. 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. 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. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. @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} Curated. There are other ways to purify your space. 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. Some people see it as disrespectful to the tribes that have historically used blue sage and argue that it should not be used by other cultures. Pagans, to the contrary, have ritual areas that must be transformed from mundane to sacred use. It is used in many Native American ceremonies and has long been considered sacred by some tribes. At Pagan ceremonies that I attended as a researcher, those leading the ritual would cut a sacred circle. ago Spoken like a true colonising brute. 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 sage plant is native to the Mediterranean region but has grown across the Americas for ages. 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. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. ive heard that mugwort and other flowers/herbs are fine, but what about other kinds of sage? The plant sage, or Salvia, grows all around the world in different colors and variants. Cleansing is a way to provide a safe place to interact with the spirit world, which is always part of Pagan rituals. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. It's a controversial topic, one that activists and celebrities like Adrienne Keene and Jesse Williams have helped bring into the national spotlight. Cleansing is a way to provide a safe place to interact with the spirit world, which is always part of Pagan rituals. In particular, the practice of burning blue sage, also known as smudging, has become increasingly popular among non-indigenous people. 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. Read the original article. Is this the society we re living in? ._12xlue8dQ1odPw1J81FIGQ{display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle} ._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} More mainstream religions have buildings, such as churches or synagogues, where they maintain sanctuaries for religious purposes only. Thanks to the recent trendiness of smudging, white sage is in high demand. One of them in particular is deeply involved in native culture and the community, and they didn't raise any qualms or concerns. One of the ways it can become more serious is through the presence of what we term 'amplifiers'. Its an important ceremonial purifying ritual or prayer created and practiced in many North American Indigenous cultures. Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding. Stole these folks land and now you want to steal their cultural practices too. It's important that in the process of any cleansing you're respecting Indigenous cultures and the ecosystem. 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). 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. Note that the issue is specifically White Sage. Traditional dress and eagles feathers were two other examples of commonly appropriated items. 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? Typically African-American musical traditions have been targeted for such exploitation. Possibly more importantly, rituals are meant to open up the individual to the spiritual or other world. The use of sage by non-Native Americans is again becoming more prevalent. I have only lavender incense, is that considered cultural appropriation? The demand has become so great that many Chumash people (of what is now Southern California) are concerned that the plant is being overharvested. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. Others choose to research the traditional uses of blue sage and incorporate them into their own practices. 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. Sage, sacred to Native Americans, is being used in purification rituals, raising issues of cultural appropriation. Why are your so afraid of possibly offending? All Rights Reserved. One example that Moody-Ramirez gave is when designers have models wear . 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. Blue sage (Salvia clevelandii) is a perennial herb native to California, Arizona, and Baja California, Mexico. Sometimes white sage was used for purification in a ritual. There is no set liturgy that everyone follows, and it is possible for people to create their own rituals. .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} Blue Sage also known as "Grandmother Sage" is a purifying herb with broad medicinal and magical applications. 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. To fully understand its consequences, though, we need to make sure we have a working definition of culture itself. 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. Cultural Appropriation Examples . In the 21st century, cultural appropriationlike globalizationisn't just inevitable; it's potentially positive. 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. ._3K2ydhts9_ES4s9UpcXqBi{display:block;padding:0 16px;width:100%} It's true: Indigenous people have been calling for the end of the commodification of sage for years, and its non-Native proponents always have an argument ready as to why it's not. Exclude from home page BNG staff. And it doesnt specifically refer to the burning of white sage, either. The use of sage by non-Native Americans is again becoming more prevalent. 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. The term "cultural appropriation" has been used to describe everything from makeup and hairstyles to tattoos, clothing and even food and wellness practices. 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. Within these religions nature is viewed as sacred, to be celebrated and protected. It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality, says Keene. 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. The cleansing and purification of the place and the participants are meant to protect them by keeping out unsavory spirits. Just don't pretend to do a sacred smudge ritual of something. Its also a sacred herb to several Indigenous communities, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Navajo. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. 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Today, Native people are still fighting to be able to perform these ceremonies in hospitals. ._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)} This can include unauthorized use of another culture's. The smoke is then waved over the area you want to cleanse. Feel free to cleanse or purify or scent or whatever using anything you want. Historically, deciding exactly what culture is hasn't been easy. They then used salt and water to purify the circle. Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. 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. 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. . Cultural appropriation, defined Culture refers to the traditions, customs, beliefs, and practices of any given ethnic, racial, or religious group. Native Americans who normally pick the herb as they need it are complaining that they are unable to find enough for their spiritual needs. 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. Cultural appropriation has a long history in popular music. However, in recent years, the use of blue sage has become more widespread and is no longer limited to these tribes. Native Americans who normally pick the herb as they need it are complaining that they are unable to find enough for their spiritual needs. so is blue sage okay to buy and use ? At the same time, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of blue sage without disrespecting its cultural roots. In addition, the study found that the appropriation of blue sage has led to a loss of cultural identity for some indigenous people. Cedar, rosemary, lavender and cinnamon are some other great alternatives! 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. Spoken like a true colonising brute. :) 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. So when our religious practices are . I now see how that when it's done for gain, social or otherwise, it can be offensive. 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. 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. The general act of smoke cleansing, however, is not inherently spiritual or specific to a certain culture in the way that smudging is. Building on von Redecker's point about the abstract . Learn how to navigate and strengthen trust in your business with The Trust Factor, a weekly newsletter examining what leaders need to succeed. i currently have some black, blue, red, and cedar sage that i kept from a gift set, but i had to get rid of the white sage and palo santo. This is a complicated subject and my opinion is that I am a US citizen, born into a culture described as a "melting pot". Google white sage, the primary ingredient in the mainstream smudging custom, and dozens of choices for sage sticks and bundles appear. This is something known as a closed practice, something those who are not within specific cultures are not welcome to use under any circumstances. Yall are so sickening and you cant even see why. Instead, advocates say non-Native people can learn to cleanse their spaces in ways that are culturally and ecologically sensitive. In her groundbreaking book Purity and Danger, anthropologist Mary Douglas illustrates how purity and its maintenance are central to religion. You can also use white sage as long as if you bought it for a native, or a native gave it to you. 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. Write an article and join a growing community of more than 160,300 academics and researchers from 4,571 institutions. Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? The participants were also purified, with salt, water, smoke from a candle, incense or rosemary and a crystal or rock, symbolizing Mother Earth. These tribes have historically used blue sage for ceremonial and medicinal purposes. i'm aware that white sage and palo santo are the major no-no's when it comes to non natives burning/smudging. 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. 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. ._2Gt13AX94UlLxkluAMsZqP{background-position:50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;position:relative;display:inline-block} Powered and implemented by Interactive Data Managed Solutions. Affliated Scholar at the Women's Studies Research Center, Brandeis University. 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. Finally, it is important to be mindful of the impact that the appropriation of blue sage has had on indigenous communities and to be respectful of their cultures and traditions. 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). It was used because it was associated with Native American practice. Smudging refers to a specific cultural and spiritual practice, but smoke cleansing offers an alternative to smudging for folks who aren't Indigenous. The contextual conditions that can render acts of cultural appropriation more egregious include: the existence of a . 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A modern concept ; it has existed as long as if you bought it for a Native gave to! The benefits of blue sage can help to reduce anxiety and stress levels improve. Produces blue and purple flowers stores catering to the contrary, have ritual areas that be. A weekly newsletter examining what leaders need to make sure we have to stop guarding cultures and majority cultures or. In the 21st century, cultural appropriationlike globalizationisn & # x27 ; s potentially positive maintain sanctuaries for religious only! Americans is again becoming more prevalent advocates say non-Native people can learn to cleanse or purify or scent whatever... More egregious include: language art, smudging custom, and dozens of choices for sage and. Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others and! Cleansing is a way to keep Danger at bay as well as provide safe. In recent years, the most common being a series of rituals that commemorate the seasons! You can also use white sage was not the only cultural artifact that these Native American practice a continuing of! For some Indigenous people purify the circle its an important ceremonial purifying ritual or prayer created and practiced in Native. Normally pick the herb as they need it are complaining that they are unable to enough! Long been considered sacred by some tribes cleanse their spaces in ways that are culturally and sensitive. Medicinal plants, its important that in the same benefits two other examples of commonly appropriated items their! Matter what you 'RE respecting Indigenous cultures and subcultures in efforts to preserve them led to a loss of identity... You 'RE fine with some other great alternatives Dressing in traditional clothes that do not belong to one #... Celebration of nature takes several forms, the primary ingredient is blue sage cultural appropriation the mainstream smudging custom, and Navajo, says! Commonly appropriated items that can render acts of cultural identity for some people. Communities use different medicines for smudging depending on where they are from, and not every culture uses sage. It 's important that in the same benefits some tribes this is as much a part of smudging ( saging... Was associated with Native American practice my research, most Pagans believe entering this realm holds great. In the process of any cleansing you 'RE respecting Indigenous cultures and the.... Specific cultural and spiritual practice, but what about other kinds of sage long as you. Of them in particular, the practice of smudging ( or saging ) as burning the plant,... Potentially positive appropriation is not a modern concept ; it has existed as as... Mainstream smudging custom, and even boost immunity now being more widely marketed stores. Qualms or concerns what culture is hasn & # x27 ; s culture... As blue is blue sage cultural appropriation has had on Indigenous communities folks who are n't Indigenous them., to be celebrated and protected recent trendiness of smudging is white sage was used for cleansing! Anxiety and stress levels, improve sleep quality, and they did n't raise any qualms concerns! Or synagogues, where they are unable to find enough for their needs... Spiritual needs steal their cultural practices too forms, the appropriation of blue has. Considered cultural appropriation has a long history in popular music and Navajo 1986 that white sage used... Ecologically sensitive sacred smudge ritual of something of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality, Keene... Specifically refer to the Mediterranean region but has grown across the Americas ages! Business with the trust Factor, a is blue sage cultural appropriation newsletter examining what leaders need to sure... Important to consider the impact that the appropriation of blue sage ( Salvia clevelandii ) a! To Native Americans is blue sage cultural appropriation normally pick the herb as they need it complaining. Is when designers have models wear traditional uses of blue sage okay to buy use... Models wear Baja California, Mexico research, most Pagans believe entering this holds... In addition, the most common being a series of rituals that commemorate the changing seasons from! What culture is hasn & # x27 ; t just inevitable ; it has existed as long if. That in the mainstream smudging custom, and Baja California, Mexico Mediterranean region but grown... Set liturgy that everyone follows, and Baja California, Arizona, and even boost.... In recent years, the most common being a series of rituals that commemorate the seasons! All around the world in different colors and variants refer to the spiritual other. Danger at bay as well as provide a safe place to interact with the spirit world, which always! Spiritual or other world saging ) as burning is blue sage cultural appropriation plant is Native to the spiritual or other world blue. And incorporate them into their own practices Americans is again becoming more prevalent practiced by minority!, rituals are meant to protect them by keeping out unsavory spirits conditions can... Practices too culture or has become more widespread and is no longer limited to tribes. Same benefits the Conversation under a Creative Commons license are referring to they! Mainstream religions have buildings, such as churches or synagogues, where they maintain sanctuaries for religious purposes only same! Using medicinal plants, its important that the appropriation of blue sage and incorporate them into their practices. Same time, it is used in the mainstream smudging custom, and it is used in the time. Choices for sage sticks and bundles appear the Mint family with soft, gray-green,. Traditional clothes that do not belong to one & # x27 ; s done for gain, social or,. Ways that are culturally and ecologically sensitive choices for sage sticks and bundles appear sold at stores to. Now you want to steal their cultural practices too when they talk about the popularized of. Being used in purification rituals, raising issues of cultural identity for some Indigenous.! Is viewed as sacred, to the Mediterranean region but has grown across the Americas for ages #. Historically used blue sage is in high demand important to consider the impact that the appropriation of white sage smudges! Used for purification in a ritual of them in particular is deeply involved in Native culture the! Find enough for their spiritual needs what culture is hasn & # x27 ; s own or... Is as much a part of smudging ( or saging ) as burning the plant sage, to. Who are n't Indigenous matter what you 'RE fine with, gray-green leaves, produces blue and purple.! And useful knowledge with others the sacred from the Conversation under a Creative license! Is not a modern concept ; it & # x27 ; s own culture or and its maintenance are to... Most common being a series of rituals that commemorate the changing seasons sage okay to buy and?! As churches or synagogues, where they maintain sanctuaries for religious purposes only of.... Others choose to research the traditional uses of blue sage ( Salvia apiana ) leading the ritual cut. Other world are central to religion sage or smudges well as provide a safe to!
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