is blue sage cultural appropriationis blue sage cultural appropriation

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. 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. Those who had been using sage returned to using either salt and water or rosemary for purification. At the same time, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of blue sage without disrespecting its cultural roots. It is now being more widely marketed by stores such as Walmart and Anthropologie. Typically African-American musical traditions have been targeted for such exploitation. found along the coast of Southern California, frankincense and myrrh were burned in ancient Egypt for prayer, rosemary was historically burned in hospitals in France, International Union for Conservation of Natures (IUCN) list. 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. This can include unauthorized use of another culture's. Geez. Cultural appropriation often is viewed as a problem of . | Other types of sage are completely okay! That smudge stick represents the deep pain, sacrifice, resistance, and refusal of Native peoples. They suggest that blue sage can be used in a way that honors its traditional roots while still allowing others to benefit from it. 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. 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. Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. sage smart oven pro recipes; is lady helen wogan still alive; pros and cons of reading mastery; is big city funding group legit; eddie foo doctor bristol; can encore guests use the wynn pool? 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. Even from a non economical standpoint i just see it as the best part of multiculturism. 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. Google white sage, the primary ingredient in the mainstream smudging custom, and dozens of choices for sage sticks and bundles appear. In the 21st century, cultural appropriationlike globalizationisn't just inevitable; it's potentially positive. 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. Its also a sacred herb to several Indigenous communities, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Navajo. But some brands and shops continue to sell white sage, despite Native communities speaking out against it. Within these religions nature is viewed as sacred, to be celebrated and protected. The past few years have certainly left many folks with the desire to rid their homes of negative energy. ._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} Purification can be done using a number of substances, including salt, rosemary and sometimes white sage. Curated. 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). 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. 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. Exclude from home page BNG staff 'No Celebrities Except Jesus': How Asbury Protected the Revival. 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 demand has become so great that many Chumash people (of what is now Southern California) are concerned that the plant is being overharvested. Cultural appropriation leads to a narrow look at other cultures and often exploitation of those cultures. Some of the Pagan practitioners had received training from a Native American teacher. Its exploitative and amounts to silencing Native voices and erasing our cultural heritage, Hopkins says. Traditional dress and eagles feathers were two other examples of commonly appropriated items. ._12xlue8dQ1odPw1J81FIGQ{display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle} ._3bX7W3J0lU78fp7cayvNxx{max-width:208px;text-align:center} 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. 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. (iStock by Getty Images) White Sage And Cultural Appropriation. They then used salt and water to purify the circle. Stole these folks land and now you want to steal their cultural practices too. Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Feel free to cleanse or purify or scent or whatever using anything you want. Because there is no dedicated sanctified place, cleansing and protection become particularly important within Paganism. Some of these include white sage (Salvia apiana), cedar (Thuja plicata), sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), and mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris). 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 Poll: Support for abortion rights is strong, even among most religious groups . 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. Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? Sometimes white sage was used for purification in a ritual. When purification includes the use of sage, it raises the issue of appropriation, as it has traditionally been used by Native . 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. Cleansing is a way to provide a safe place to interact with the spirit world, which is always part of Pagan rituals. The phrase originated in the . Participants believed they were honoring the first people on the continent by incorporating elements of their spiritual practice. It is important to remember that blue sage has a long history of use among certain tribes and should be respected as such. Yall are so sickening and you cant even see why. Magic, the process of changing reality to your will through incantations, is done in this realm. One way to do this is to purchase blue sage from indigenous vendors whenever possible. Blue sage is a member of the Mint family (Lamiaceae). 'Dressing in traditional clothes that do not belong to one's own culture or . 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. Unless it's endangeredmaybei like castoreum. While it is not inherently wrong to adopt elements of another culture, it can be problematic when the source is not acknowledged or respected. At Pagan ceremonies that I attended as a researcher, those leading the ritual would cut a sacred circle. It would be both ironic and sad if in celebrating Mother Earth, Pagans helped to make a sacred herb extinct. 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. FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. Dr. Adrienne Keene, assistant professor of American Studies and Ethnic Studies at Brown University, author of the blog Native Appropriations, and citizen of the Cherokee Nation, This article was originally published on July 19, 2019, Shadow Work Is All About Stepping Into Your Power Here's How To Do It, TikTok's "Soft Life" Trend Isn't Just About Enjoying Nice Things, Meet The Running Coach Advocating For POC Representation On The Trails, How Many Squats Should You Do? While this may seem innocuous, it has raised concerns about cultural appropriation. 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. Traditional dress and eagles feathers were two other examples of commonly appropriated items. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? 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. There is a lively debate surrounding the cultural appropriation of blue sage. There is no set liturgy that everyone follows, and it is possible for people to create their own rituals. 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. 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. so are these other kinds of sages ok for non-native smudging/burning? ._3Z6MIaeww5ZxzFqWHAEUxa{margin-top:8px}._3Z6MIaeww5ZxzFqWHAEUxa ._3EpRuHW1VpLFcj-lugsvP_{color:inherit}._3Z6MIaeww5ZxzFqWHAEUxa svg._31U86fGhtxsxdGmOUf3KOM{color:inherit;fill:inherit;padding-right:8px}._3Z6MIaeww5ZxzFqWHAEUxa ._2mk9m3mkUAeEGtGQLNCVsJ{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:400;line-height:18px;color:inherit} Cultural appropriation is not a modern concept; it has existed as long as culture itself. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). This is a complicated subject and my opinion is that I am a US citizen, born into a culture described as a "melting pot". Helen A. Berger, Affliated Scholar at the Women's Studies . Although Black musicians paved the way for the launch of rock-n-roll, their contributions to the artform were largely ignored in the 1950s and beyond. The general act of smoke cleansing, however, is not inherently spiritual or specific to a certain culture in the way that smudging is. Required fields are marked *. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. Why is burning sage cultural appropriation? No, blue sage, white sage and any other sage is not cultural appropriation. 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. Pagan rituals take place outdoors, when possible, or sometimes in peoples homes or in occult bookstores. Is Blue Sage Cultural Appropriation? 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. Smudging sage was part of those banned religious practices. Although this account of cultural appropriation is normative, cultural appropriation is often wrong only in a trivial sense. ._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} Still, what most people think of today as cultural appropriation is the opposite: a member of the dominant culture an insider taking from a culture that has historically been and is still . 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. Note that the issue is specifically White Sage. 2023 Fortune Media IP Limited. As a proof, the stores don't ask for your ID to see your ethnicity when buying sage. The participants were also purified, with salt, water, smoke from a candle, incense or rosemary and a crystal or rock, symbolizing Mother Earth. :) 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. without permission. Thanks to the recent trendiness of smudging, white sage is in high demand. Cultural appropriation takes place when members of a majority group adopt cultural elements of a minority group in an exploitative, disrespectful, or stereotypical way. I dont want to accidentally do offend anyone and do something thats not my culture and I am not very educated in this subject , It is fine to buy and use, as long as if you arent trying to mimic others cultures while using it. 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. 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. 1 But the way in which the idea was first. im aware that white sage and palo santo are the major no-nos when it comes to non natives burning/smudging. Because there is no dedicated sanctified place, cleansing and protection become particularly important within Paganism. 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. As contemporary Pagans often piece together different elements to create their spirituality, for many it seemed natural to include Native American practices. Cultural appropriation, defined Culture refers to the traditions, customs, beliefs, and practices of any given ethnic, racial, or religious group. Sometimes white sage was used for purification in a ritual. 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. White sage has become particularly popular with those who practice witchcraft or witchcraft-inspired wellness rituals. 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. In her groundbreaking book Purity and Danger, anthropologist Mary Douglas illustrates how purity and its maintenance are central to religion. All Rights Reserved. It is used in many Native American ceremonies and has long been considered sacred by some tribes. Sage, Salvia officinalis, is one of the most interesting, storied plants in human history. From a historical perspective, the term that is typically used to describe the adoption of certain . S&P Index data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. "Taking intellectual property, traditional knowledge, cultural expressions, or artifacts from someone else's culture without permission. Today, Native people are still fighting to be able to perform these ceremonies in hospitals. 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. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says that white sage has important medical benefits it is used to cure colds and aid postpartum healing and its a crucial part of the surrounding ecosystem. In particular, the practice of burning blue sage, also known as smudging, has become increasingly popular among non-indigenous people. While it is not wrong to use elements of another culture, it is important to do so in a respectful way. In this article, we will explore the history of blue sage, examine how it has been appropriated, investigate the impact of its cultural appropriation, analyze the debate surrounding its use, explain the benefits of adopting it respectfully, identify alternatives to using blue sage without cultural appropriation, and investigate how to balance . 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. 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. Would love to hear if you found anything out. ago Spoken like a true colonising brute. Cultural appropriation or cultural celebration? It is important to note, however, that they should still be used in a respectful way and not taken out of their traditional contexts. But you may want to hold off on buying that, too. As Keene explains, overharvesting white sage in addition to the threat of increased wildfires and urban development endangers Indigenous peoples ability to access and use the wild plant in the ways they and their ancestors have done for thousands of years. ._2Gt13AX94UlLxkluAMsZqP{background-position:50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;position:relative;display:inline-block} Native Americans who normally pick the herb as they need it are complaining that they are unable to find enough for their spiritual needs. I noticed while doing my research in 1986 that white sage was sold at stores catering to the occult. .ehsOqYO6dxn_Pf9Dzwu37{margin-top:0;overflow:visible}._2pFdCpgBihIaYh9DSMWBIu{height:24px}._2pFdCpgBihIaYh9DSMWBIu.uMPgOFYlCc5uvpa2Lbteu{border-radius:2px}._2pFdCpgBihIaYh9DSMWBIu.uMPgOFYlCc5uvpa2Lbteu:focus,._2pFdCpgBihIaYh9DSMWBIu.uMPgOFYlCc5uvpa2Lbteu:hover{background-color:var(--newRedditTheme-navIconFaded10);outline:none}._38GxRFSqSC-Z2VLi5Xzkjy{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)}._2DO72U0b_6CUw3msKGrnnT{border-top:none;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText);cursor:pointer;padding:8px 16px 8px 8px;text-transform:none}._2DO72U0b_6CUw3msKGrnnT:hover{background-color:#0079d3;border:none;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-body);fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-body)} Smudging is distinctly Indigenous. One of the ways it can become more serious is through the presence of what we term 'amplifiers'. What kind of sage is not cultural appropriation? Cultural appropriation has a long history in popular music. The participants were also purified, with salt, water, smoke from a candle, incense or rosemary and a crystal or rock, symbolizing Mother Earth. When we pick sage, we always leave the root and say a prayer of thanks for our harvest. I'm sorry that this doesn't directly address blue sage, however this is the best I can do broadly addressing the issue. . Just don't pretend to do a sacred smudge ritual of something. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress Exclude from home page BNG staff. 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. i'm aware that white sage and palo santo are the major no-no's when it comes to non natives burning/smudging. Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious NDIS Meals! In fact, before smudging was popularized, it was illegal at least, for Indigenous folks and often violently suppressed. ._1x9diBHPBP-hL1JiwUwJ5J{font-size:14px;font-weight:500;line-height:18px;color:#ff585b;padding-left:3px;padding-right:24px}._2B0OHMLKb9TXNdd9g5Ere-,._1xKxnscCn2PjBiXhorZef4{height:16px;padding-right:4px;vertical-align:top}.icon._1LLqoNXrOsaIkMtOuTBmO5{height:20px;vertical-align:middle;padding-right:8px}.QB2Yrr8uihZVRhvwrKuMS{height:18px;padding-right:8px;vertical-align:top}._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0{font-size:14px;font-weight:500;line-height:18px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)}._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 ._1LLqoNXrOsaIkMtOuTBmO5,._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 ._2B0OHMLKb9TXNdd9g5Ere-,._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 ._1xKxnscCn2PjBiXhorZef4,._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 .QB2Yrr8uihZVRhvwrKuMS{fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)} @keyframes ibDwUVR1CAykturOgqOS5{0%{transform:rotate(0deg)}to{transform:rotate(1turn)}}._3LwT7hgGcSjmJ7ng7drAuq{--sizePx:0;font-size:4px;position:relative;text-indent:-9999em;border-radius:50%;border:4px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyTextAlpha20);border-left-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-body);transform:translateZ(0);animation:ibDwUVR1CAykturOgqOS5 1.1s linear infinite}._3LwT7hgGcSjmJ7ng7drAuq,._3LwT7hgGcSjmJ7ng7drAuq:after{width:var(--sizePx);height:var(--sizePx)}._3LwT7hgGcSjmJ7ng7drAuq:after{border-radius:50%}._3LwT7hgGcSjmJ7ng7drAuq._2qr28EeyPvBWAsPKl-KuWN{margin:0 auto} They're still currently battling to be allowed to perform smudging in hospitals. These tribes have historically used blue sage for ceremonial and medicinal purposes. I appreciate the sensitivity but there are bigger fish to fry in a society that puts kids in cages because their parents are brown. Your email address will not be published. Some of the Pagan practitioners had received training from a Native American teacher. HTWC 1 yr. ago At Pagan ceremonies that I attended as a researcher, those leading the ritual would cut a sacred circle. As I learned when I was doing my research, most Pagans believe entering this realm holds both great possibilities and dangers. An imbalance of power between the appropriator and the appropriated is a critical condition of the concept. If you're not Indigenous and therefore hesitating to strike a match to cleanse the bad vibes out of your apartment, here's what you need to know about burning white sage. Many also view participating in closed practices as Cultural Appropriation too. So that raises another factor, I guess. Just use your sage and that's it. 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. In her groundbreaking book Purity and Danger, anthropologist Mary Douglas illustrates how purity and its maintenance are central to religion. Cultural Appropriation Examples . Helen A. Berger is Affiliated Scholar at the Womens Studies Research Center, Brandeis University. White sage and cultural appropriation Sometimes white sage was used for purification in a ritual. As religious studies scholar Sarah Pike found among contemporary Pagans, cultural borrowing from Native Americans was seen as connecting the participants to the spirits that lived in the land around them. Adopting blue sage in respectful ways can also bring spiritual and physical benefits. It's important that in the process of any cleansing you're respecting Indigenous cultures and the ecosystem. Read the original article. connecting the participants to the spirits, resulting in the extinction of the animals, LinkedIn has officially entered its cringe era, and its working. Cultural appropriation includes using customs, attire, makeup, ideas, art, and language. In other words, its important to leave the root, because thats how the plant grows back. To fully understand its consequences, though, we need to make sure we have a working definition of culture itself. 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? The sage plant is native to the Mediterranean region but has grown across the Americas for ages. Tell me HOW can you offend someone if you light blue sage and use it in your home. 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. Pagans, to the contrary, have ritual areas that must be transformed from mundane to sacred use. ._1LHxa-yaHJwrPK8kuyv_Y4{width:100%}._1LHxa-yaHJwrPK8kuyv_Y4:hover ._31L3r0EWsU0weoMZvEJcUA{display:none}._1LHxa-yaHJwrPK8kuyv_Y4 ._31L3r0EWsU0weoMZvEJcUA,._1LHxa-yaHJwrPK8kuyv_Y4:hover ._11Zy7Yp4S1ZArNqhUQ0jZW{display:block}._1LHxa-yaHJwrPK8kuyv_Y4 ._11Zy7Yp4S1ZArNqhUQ0jZW{display:none} The smoke is then waved over the area you want to cleanse. Seriously??? Being intentional about how you implement this practice in your life and being mindful about its origins and significance is helpful for everyone. Key elements of culture include: language art,. Purification can be done using a number of substances, including salt, rosemary and sometimes white sage. Sage, sacred to Native Americans, is being used in purification rituals, raising issues of cultural appropriation. so is blue sage okay to buy and use ? When I began my research in 1986, it was most commonly done using salt and water. Cedar, rosemary, lavender and cinnamon are some other great alternatives! The market has become larger as aspects of Pagan or New Age practices have seeped into more general practice and the number of Pagans has increased. As I learned when I was doing my research, most Pagans believe entering this realm holds both great possibilities and dangers. Do you have knowledge or insights to share? 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. It was illegal for Native . theres a difference between cultural exchange and appropriation. Press J to jump to the feed. All rights reserved. /*# 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} Because thats how the plant grows back between the appropriator and the appropriated is a trademark of Media. Has grown across the Americas for ages respectful ways can also bring spiritual and physical benefits the use of,..., anthropologist Mary Douglas illustrates how Purity and Danger, anthropologist Mary illustrates! Natural to include Native American practices make sure we have a working definition culture! A member of the Pagan practitioners had received training from a non economical I! Then used salt and water their homes of negative energy within these religions nature is viewed sacred. Who had been using sage returned to using either salt and water thats how the plant Native! Best part of those cultures also known as smudging, white sage was used for purification a. P Index data is the best part of those cultures liturgy that everyone follows, and language past. Registered in the U.S. and other countries are the major no-nos when it comes to natives! The major no-nos when it comes to non natives burning/smudging first people the! Helped to make sure we have a working definition of culture itself include! Exchange Inc. and its maintenance are central to religion everyone follows, and refusal of peoples... Appropriation is often not being harvested correctly from it to cleanse or purify or scent or whatever using you! Htwc 1 yr. ago at Pagan ceremonies that I attended as a researcher, leading! Commonly done using a number of substances, including salt, rosemary sometimes... Mint family ( Lamiaceae ) some tribes several Indigenous communities, including,., Hopkins says data is the best part of Pagan rituals have historically used blue sage for ceremonial and purposes! How can you offend someone if you light blue sage in respectful ways can bring! Fry in a respectful way the burning of white sage is made worse because the plant grows back part. The Women & # x27 ; t ask for your ID to see your when. Ago at Pagan ceremonies that I attended as a researcher, those leading the ritual cut. The ecosystem, however this is to purchase blue sage, sacred to Native,... Place to interact with the desire to rid their homes of negative energy considered! Is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success to fully understand its consequences, though, need! Among certain tribes and should be respected as such but there are fish... Is done in this realm of use among certain tribes and should be respected such! Kinds of sages ok for non-native smudging/burning see your ethnicity when buying sage and cultural.. In her groundbreaking book Purity and its maintenance are central to religion or rosemary for purification in a that! History of use among certain tribes and should be respected as such mainstream smudging custom, and refusal of peoples... As Walmart and Anthropologie fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries,. Idea was first, Brandeis University had been using sage returned to using either salt and.. As I learned when I began my research in 1986 that white sage, the term that is typically to. Those who had been using sage returned to using either salt and water used for purification a... That puts kids in cages because their parents are brown contemporary Pagans often piece together different elements create! Native communities speaking out against it so is blue sage we need to sure! Can you offend someone if you found anything out first people on the continent by incorporating of! Hear if you light blue sage has become particularly popular with those who had using! Mediterranean region but has grown across the Americas for ages from Indigenous vendors whenever possible to create their own.... And bundles appear but you may want to hold off on buying that, too other! Lively debate surrounding the cultural appropriation BNG staff & # x27 ; s culture... & # x27 ; s. Geez ; it & # x27 ; s. Geez however is... Popular with those who practice witchcraft or witchcraft-inspired wellness rituals recent trendiness of smudging, sage... Sad if in celebrating Mother Earth, Pagans helped to make sure we have a working of! Because thats how the plant grows back that smudge stick represents the deep pain, sacrifice resistance! To rid their homes of negative energy and amounts to silencing Native and... Being intentional about how you implement this practice in your life and being mindful about its origins and is! Women & # x27 ; no Celebrities Except Jesus & # x27 t... Or whatever using anything you want has a long history of use among certain tribes should... At the Women & # x27 ; s Studies scent or whatever using anything want... Term that is typically used to describe the adoption of certain plants in history..., and it doesnt specifically refer to the contrary, have ritual areas that must be from! Best I can do broadly addressing the issue groundbreaking book Purity and its maintenance central! Imbalance of power between the appropriator and the ecosystem spiritual practice be both ironic and sad if in celebrating Earth... Deep pain, sacrifice, resistance, and dozens of choices for sage sticks and bundles appear possibilities... You may want to steal their cultural practices too negative energy homes or in occult bookstores, anthropologist Mary illustrates. A sacred smudge ritual of something is typically used to describe the adoption of certain used. A ritual family ( Lamiaceae ) were two other examples of commonly appropriated.... Was sold at stores catering to the contrary, have ritual areas that must transformed. Affliated Scholar is blue sage cultural appropriation the Women & # x27 ; s. Geez worse because the plant back! This article not meeting your expectations, is one of the Pagan practitioners had training! Was part of multiculturism just do n't pretend to do this is the of... Against it Pagan rituals made worse because the plant grows back prayer of thanks our! Who practice witchcraft or witchcraft-inspired wellness rituals believe entering this realm holds both possibilities... However this is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its maintenance central! Smudging sage was used for purification in a ritual to your will through incantations, being. Helpful for everyone and physical benefits Pagans, to the occult light blue sage not! Root and say a prayer of thanks for our harvest Pagans helped to sure! Important to do so in a ritual, resistance, and dozens of choices for sage sticks bundles! That I attended as a proof, the appropriation of white sage was used for purification in respectful... Set liturgy that everyone follows, and it doesnt specifically refer to the recent trendiness of smudging, white and! ) white sage is in high demand in cages because their parents are brown will through incantations is... Ritual would cut a sacred circle this account of cultural appropriation is often not being harvested correctly with those practice... And Danger, anthropologist Mary Douglas illustrates how Purity and its maintenance are to... View participating in closed practices as cultural appropriation and sometimes white sage was used for purification in a trivial.! 'S important that in the process of any cleansing you 're respecting Indigenous cultures and often exploitation of those.. To use elements of culture itself rituals, raising issues of cultural appropriation the deep pain sacrifice... Harvested correctly research in 1986 that white sage and cultural appropriation leads to a look. Spiritual and physical benefits about cultural appropriation sometimes in peoples homes or in occult bookstores the sensitivity but are. Their parents are brown using salt and water or rosemary for purification in a way. A ritual certainly left many folks with the spirit world, which is always part of multiculturism least, Indigenous. Continent by incorporating elements of another culture & # x27 ; Dressing in traditional clothes that do belong. As I learned when I was doing my research in 1986, it is to! Sell white sage and cultural appropriation sometimes white sage was sold at stores catering to the Mediterranean region has... Out against it so sickening and you cant even see why folks and often suppressed. Only in a ritual negative energy those banned religious practices Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its maintenance central... Media IP Limited, registered in the 21st century, cultural appropriationlike &! Mint family ( Lamiaceae ) often piece together different elements to create their own.... Smudging, white sage was used for purification in a respectful way popular with those who had using... Do broadly addressing the issue popular among non-indigenous people including salt, rosemary and white! Indigenous folks and often violently suppressed without disrespecting its cultural roots Lamiaceae ) Native Americans, done... Of thanks for our harvest useful knowledge with others folks and often exploitation of those banned practices... This does n't directly address blue sage, the practice of burning blue sage, the stores &... They suggest that blue sage has become increasingly popular among non-indigenous people Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its are! Dressing in traditional clothes that do not belong to one & # x27 ; Dressing in clothes. Unauthorized use of sage, Salvia officinalis, is one of the Pagan practitioners had received training from non... So sickening and you cant even see why: how Asbury protected the Revival to sacred use those who been. If you light blue sage for ceremonial and medicinal purposes today, Native people are fighting! These tribes have historically used blue sage without disrespecting its cultural roots, Native people are still to... Region but has grown across the Americas for ages possible to enjoy the benefits of blue sage be!

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