I love the smell of incense (Nag Champa specifically) but now I'm getting worried that I shouldn't be burning it as a white person. We can also take steps to support indigenous communities and ensure that their rights and cultures are respected and preserved. Heres How, Craving an Intense Workout? Dragons Blood. But what is it and why are people burning it? Its a calming ritual and so allow a little time . Ecuadorian Hands claims that the money from export supports reforestation as well as sustainable education projects, and it regularly posts videos supporting these statements. Its also used to clear out negative energy. The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. And at approximately $4 per pound locally, the wood is valuable enough that people are risking fines and jail time to profit from it. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. In Peru, for example, palo santo forests have been ravaged for the industrial market, which has forced the countrys government to categorize Bursera graveolens as being in critical hazard. While the cutting of live trees is prohibited here, its difficult to enforce. If Keene says dont burn white sage, I wont. (Do the research yourself; dont burden othersparticularly Black, Indigenous, and people of color, if youre whitewith your self-education. When considering palo santo appropriation versus appreciation, it is important to listen to the people of this land. But the mass commodification of this spiritual practice largely ignores the rituals traumatic history and puts money in the pockets of those who have oppressed Native communities for centuries. Since I (hypothetically) got it as a gift, rather than my own volition, I wouldnt feel at fault? Additional Questions. While clinical studies on the (For more information about the cultural appropriation of Black hairstyles in particular, I highly recommend you watch this video from author Emma Dabiri, and then purchase her book Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture. For the latest new videos, discounts, and more! Is it an appropriation of Japanese culture to learn karate? If youre not a member of an Indigenous community, purchasing white sage, Palo Santo, or other sacred herbs and quickly Googling how to smudge will not make you qualified to do so. Can we get the same spiritual effect from a questionably sourced box of sticks snagged on Amazon? I want to acknowledge the first people of the land. Allow about half a minute for the flame to catch, only then blow it out. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. What do you say when you sage your house? Palo santo, which translates literally to holy wood in Spanish, is the harvested wood from palo Non-native peoples use of smudge products are often well-intentioned but this appropriation is still harmful and the exploitation of smudge is only a part of a larger issue. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Is it disrespectful to burn sage? For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. Shamanic uses have decreased; its more profitable than spiritual. Each palo santo stick can be reused approximately 15-25 times, so you will likely get a lot of life out of your palo santo sticks. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Only 5 to 10 percent of dry tropical forests are still intact around the world, Susan Leopold, PhD, the executive director of United Plant told the New York Times. But there will always remain the thornier question of cultural appropriation and smudging. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. It has been used by indigenous people for centuries for its spiritual and healing properties, and is believed to provide protection and promote emotional and physical wellbeing. First, lets clear up some confusion. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It embodies long-standing rituals and cleansing energy. Why you shouldn't use white sage? As groups migrate to escape oppression, ecological threats, or genocide, they shed or rework their spiritual identities and adopt new ones. Its been planted and cut so many times that the lands where it lives cant sustain it anymore and it just doesnt flourish the same way it used to, she told me. Families frequently burn it to ward off biting insects. So Allow it to burn for 30 seconds and then blow it out. Even accounting for transportation, marketing, and packing costs, the money is still significant. Guilty about burning incense or sage?Cultural appropriation is completely out of hand. Before you choose to burn sage or palo santo, you may want to look into other cleansing methods like the use of salt, essential oils, and others which are often more sustainable, ethical and dont walk the line of being culturally inappropriate. It also covers the overharvesting implications. Your email address will not be published. While this is one of the many beautiful ways in which palo santo is used, it is not the only way. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The sale of Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets raises a number of ethical considerations. For centuries, Palo Santo, which translated means holy wood, has been burned as an energy cleanser, says Matluck. Is smudging cultural appropriation? Sorry. Your email address will not be published. To this end, in addition to the articles and books mentioned above, Rachel Rickettss Spiritual Activism courses provide a great primer on cultural appropriationand more books and courses are just a Google away. Once you have your intention in mind, All of my friends and I approach our smudging rituals slightly differently because like any self-care ritual, its personal. If something is calling to you or feels missing from your experience, feel free to adapt and adjust. Is it an appropriation of Italian culture to eat pizza? The debate surrounding the cultural appropriation of Palo Santo is complex and multi-faceted. The term "cultural appropriation" has been used to describe everything from makeup and hairstyles to tattoos, clothing and even food and wellness practices. Similar to Sage and Cedar, Palo Santo is most widely used for spiritual purification and energy (house) cleansings. With the wellness world latching onto their energy-clearing benefits, these plants are becoming increasingly endangered and over-harvested. Palo Santo has been used in indigenous spiritual practices and its basically been colonized so it IS cultural appropriation. Given how high the stakes are, how much do you trust an online source to give you the straight scoop on how that Holly Lumber is generally white in color with its sapwood being more white than the heartwood. 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. We appreciate Italian and Japanese cultures by celebrating their contributions to our beautiful, confusing, eclectic, and interwoven global reality.So what about Palo Santo? Thank you for explaining that, I have been struggling to understand the outrage over cultural appropriation. When burned for more than 20-30 minutes, the scent of palo santo can become strong or even overwhelming. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. We have been mocked, brutalized, infantilized, dehumanized, and ignored. With its long, shallow roots, this tree thrives in tropical dry forests from Mexico to Peru, in areas that undergo severe droughts for up to seven months at a time. Similar to Sage and Cedar, Palo Santo is most widely used for spiritual purification and energy (house) cleansings. Do you have knowledge or insights to share? We also know that this article on how to burn sage is not the only harmful story in our catalogue. Wondering if you can burn sage yourself? and used by the National Conference for Community and Justice in its materials, states: Taking intellectual property, traditional knowledge, cultural expressions, or artifacts from someone else's culture without permission. So excited to be in a new year! Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. Its holistic origins are rooted in Latin cultures. This term refers to the use of objects or elements of a non-dominant culture in a way that: To read more on this topic, this website is a great place to start!Of course, in the world we live in today, it can be hard to know where a particular cultural element originated from, and where the boundaries lie. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Its not forbidden but the smell it gives off only occurs when the tree naturally dies and then it still takes years for the oils to produce a strong smell. In this article: What is Sage? One such product is Palo Santo, a type of wood native to South America that has been used by indigenous people for centuries for its spiritual and healing properties. Palo Santo Appropriation vs Appreciation When honoring and enjoying palo santo in the western world, are we participating in a well-intentioned but disrespectful The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. A quick #palosanto search on New Years Day revealed that plenty of palo santo went up across the United States as people smudged their homes to banish bad spirits and welcome in a promising new year. Palo Santo is traditionally burned by people of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons. Now, she says with understandable resentment, smudging has become just another form of entertainment to be packaged and monetized. Palo santo is used to treat a wide variety of physical ailments including colds, flus, anxiety, depression, asthma, bronchitis, headaches, and emotional trauma. But just because its not on the watch list doesnt mean it isnt threatened. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. We explore everything you need to know about these incense sticks.Palo santo is having quite a moment. Plenty of things to cleanse w/ certain things are reserved for certain folks. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. This means a plant can be listed as endangered in one country and not another. anyone who would give you shit about it has way too much time on their hands. What culture Burns Palo Santo? As long as its for yourself, its fine! Here are some signs and symptoms of negative energy: Constantly criticizing others: Constantly venting your anger on others is a sign of negative energy existing in you. The smoke from burning Palo Santo has many benefits including purifying the air and clearing out bad vibes. How long does palo santo last? Smudge. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. What is the purpose of burning Palo Santo? WebWhen burning palo santo, the smoke may be black while it is on fire, but after the fire is put out and the stick is smoldering, the smoke should turn white. White Sage. It is also important to consider the ethical implications of selling Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets and the role of social media in popularizing the product. To cleanse your house with Palo Santo, you can also use an oil diffuser or simply burn Palo Santo sticks on their own. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. It hurts to see our traditions, which our ancestors died and fought for, now become a trend that others are demanding to be a part of, Well for Culture co-founder Chelsey Luger previously wrote in an article for Well+Good. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Palo Santo Appropriation vs Appreciation When honoring and enjoying palo santo in the western world, are we participating in a well-intentioned but disrespectful One definition of cultural appropriation, penned by Fordham School of Law professor Susan Scafidi in her book Who Owns Culture? Many western fans of palo santo first learned about this aromatic wood through their explorations of the indigenous healing modalities of the Amazon basin. - Cultural Appropriation Is it OK to use Palo Santo? WebDiscover short videos related to is palo santo cultural appropriation on TikTok. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. What are examples of cultural appreciation? I am not Latin and Im not sure what to do with them. If you're not a member of an Indigenous community, purchasing white sage, Palo Santo, or other sacred herbs and quickly Googling how to smudge will not make you qualified to do so. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Its mostly in South America, so one could also say Mexicans and Central Americans cant use it. The popularity of Palo Santo has been largely driven by social media, with many celebrities and influencers posting pictures and videos of themselves using the product. Cultural appropriation has long been a source of contention between indigenous peoples and those who have colonized their lands. What are your thoughts on this? Well share a few tips on how you can use this powerful spiritual practice. Firstly, there is the question of whether it is morally acceptable to sell a product that has been taken from its native region and is being sold for a much higher price than what the indigenous people receive for it. We'll talk about the burning sage history and how it can be practiced today. tree thousands of miles away was harvested? For non-Native people, the burning of Palo Santo and white sage ( which is now endangered) is nothing short of cultural appropriation. Trends like this negate the actual importance behind the practice, giving non-Native folk the idea that they can commodify cultures for their own personal benefit. This has been on our minds here at Sacred Wood Essence a lot lately. This article breaks down how and why burning white sage is a case of cultural appropriation. WebMy supplier farms Palo Santo (which is actually fairly fast growing). The flames are then gently blown out and the smoke, which heals the mind, heart and body, is wafted over the person, either by hand or with an eagle feather. WebBurning Palo Santo sticks is a great way to clear stagnant energies. In the US, eagle and hawk feathers are illegal to possess unless you belong to certain native tribes. Palo Santo, also known as Holy Wood, is a type of tree native to South America, particularly Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. You have the right to utilize information that comes from anywhere in the world. Ceremonial Benefits of Palo Santo . Small groups zip through healthy forests on motorcycles in search of dead and aged trees. The seeds before being used will pass through the digestive system of the pigeons. Who is benefitting from the sale of these products? Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Ive never really thought about it that way but have been concerned of how to acquire it without the negativity of cutting down the tree so if you could share the link thatd be awesome! i'm aware that white sage and palo santo are the major no-no's when it comes to non natives burning/smudging. If youre not a member of an Indigenous community, purchasing white sage, Palo Santo, or other sacred herbs and quickly Googling how to smudge will not make you qualified to do so. with regards to owning it. Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. Its not about ownership. That smudge stick represents the deep pain, sacrifice, resistance, and refusal of Native peoples. In Ecuador, for instance, palo santo is an integral part of everyday life. There is no wrong time. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Required fields are marked *. Once you have your intention in mind, light the Sage or Palo Santo and hold at a 45 degree angle pointing the tip down towards the flame. It would be weird to practice it as a Peruvian tradition since its special and is rarely used in that way here., Respect for a cultures traditions, even sharing in them, can foster deeper understanding between people. 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 cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Press J to jump to the feed. Palo santo was traditionally used as a remedy for ailments like the common cold, headaches, and stress. Palo Santo is traditionally burned These practices keep us strong as we continue to deal with historical trauma., "That smudge stick represents the deep pain, sacrifice, resistance, and refusal of Native peoples. Do you have to open windows when burning Palo Santo? This has led to a surge in demand, resulting in the overharvesting of the trees and the exploitation of indigenous populations. So in theory, if you are careful and do your research, your palo santo purchase may support positive development in certain regions. Some people do this [smudge] every day, as a ritual or way to start their day. What culture Burns Palo Santo? We as POC cannot demand to be equal and integrate if we are also going to horde our culture to ourselves, we cant have it both ways. "Palo Santo has been culturally appropriated. Since 2010, according to the UN, tens of thousands of saplings have been planted in this fragile landscape to support the next generation of oil harvesting. 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 Is Burning Sage Cultural Appropriation? Shamans traditionally burned Palo Santo in a bundle of sticks to cleanse, purify and create sacred space. I kinda rolled my eyes at some other comments in a post similar to this. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Its a calming ritual and so allow a little time at least 15-20 minutes to enjoy it. In short: keep doing your thing! But you cant have this.. And number two, it neutralizes the energy in the room. I love to play music and dance while I smudge. Adrienne J. Keene, EdD, In a post on her blog Native Appropriations, Adrienne J. Keene, EdD, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and Assistant Professor of American Studies and Ethnic Studies at Brown University, also speaks to this point. Once the wood sticks are burned. You can burn palo santo as incense or apply the oil on your skin. This can include unauthorized use of another culture's dance, dress, music, language, folklore, cuisine, traditional medicine, religious symbols, etc. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. The IUCN has declared Palo Santo to be of least concern on a global scale; however, national governments also determine a plants regional conservation status. This all sounds great, right? It's also used to clear out negative It is important to understand the history and cultural significance of the wood, as well as the potential impact of cultural appropriation on indigenous communities. History of Burning Sage Burning Sage and New Ive got good feelings about this year! declared one Twitter user. Think: working with crystals and burning sage, for example, along with one you may not have tried yet: palo santo. Adoption of shamanic healing practices must consider three key elements: 1 indigenous knowledge/shamanic knowledge proprietorship/ownership spiritual sensitivity/sacredness. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. As these ecosystems vanish, she warns, palo santo may go with them. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. You can also allow it to burn out on its own. The thing is, most people ARENT using it correctly and/or do it for the aesthetic. Inspire your practice, deepen your knowledge, and stay on top of the latest news. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". I know that white people burning sage and palo Santo is considered cultural appropriation, but haven't heard much about incense sticks. Palo Santo and Cultural Appropriation Grow Your Own Cleansing Herbs Since the time of the Incas, the fragrant palo santo tree has been harvested by shamans Wondering if you can burn sage yourself? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Palo Santo is traditionally burned by people of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons. 2023, Sacred Wood Essence. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. However, the influence of social media on Palo Santos popularity has had both positive and negative implications. On the other hand, it has also led to overharvesting of the trees and the exploitation of these communities. And those are just three high-profile examples of something that happens every day. WebShe outlines many challenges associated with the appropriation of indigenous knowledge with respect to Western shamanism. To be able to plant trees of Palo Santo, you need the seed which is obtained from the trees that are in the forest. Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. Is it OK to use Palo Santo? Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. You can buy palo santo smudge sticks from Etsy and follow along on YouTube as a woman in yoga wear teaches viewers how to cleanse a room without burning the place down. The Palo Santo stick may be reused over and over again and will never burn out, which means an endless amount of cleansing is at your fingertips. Especially spiritual information.. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. An open room for discussions, sharing observations and asking questions regarding cultural appropriation. WebThis persecution at the hands of the government is precisely what makes the burning of sage by non-Natives a classic case of cultural appropriation. However, the practice of smudging and these plants are considered sacred medicine to many Native American/Indigenous Nations. Cultural appropriation is rife today, and it often threatens the existence of the groups and cultures from whom popular traditions originate. And palo santo trees produce the finest oils when they die naturally and sit on the forest floor for several years. Palo Santo Appropriation vs Appreciation When honoring and enjoying palo santo in the western world, are we participating in a well-intentioned but disrespectful case of cultural appropriation instead of the appreciation we intend? Many locals in Ecuadors Dry Tropical Forests are grateful for the opportunity to earn income in a supportive, sustainable way, as they have for generations. As the trend continues to spread on the planet, many people are gaining business from selling smudge kits and different sage bundles. Is it the same thing as using sage or Palo santo? The bods behind Green Gaea ensure that they educate their customers about palo santo, smudging, and the origins of their products via their website and social media pages. This helps to keep your sage smoking. Spanish-speaking practitioners also welcome! What grows there? I didnt know palo Santo was in them until I opened the boxes. Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious NDIS Meals! For one, its not even indigenous to all of Latin America. No, of course not! Its about power., Dr. Keene continues, The sale of Native spirituality is easily a million dollar industrynot even including all the culture vultures and white shamans who sell fake ceremony. Thats my two cents, at least. However that white sage is getting overcultivated, its not on the endangered list because its also easy to grow. When you light a Palo Santo stick, the smoke will purify the air and rid your environment of any negative energy. Ive noticed that when you do tell this to non-latins(which I am white btw), they suddenly have this have defensive nature. Burning sage is a powerful way to get rid of negative energy. No chainsaws here. He is one of only 3 government permitted Palo Santo Farms in Peru. Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. Its time to begin smudging! Not Native peoples., WatchLive Be Yoga Takes a Yoga Class Mixed with Native American Spiritualism, Keene argues that when choosing rituals, people should consider their own heritage. If we can eat pizza, share yerba mate, and learn karate without causing conflict, why cant we burn this sacred wood from the forests of Ecuador? ), When Native people express to you that they are hurt by the exploitation of their spiritual practices, please believe them." Is it okay to burn Palo Santo? Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Try These 3 Low-Impact Exercise Circuits, I Cant Journal, So I Tried This New Alternative Method. Its also used to clear out negative energy. See alsoAddressing Scent and Sensitivity in Class. I want to state my intention of creating a home for myself here, living in reciprocity with the spirits that are present. Cultural appropriation has been taking place since the first group of humans encountered another group of humans. Web2023 Premium Palo Santo Milled (bursera Graveolens) / Peruvian Palo Santo / 100% Organic / Natural Incense , Find Complete Details about 2023 Premium Palo Santo Milled (bursera Graveolens) / Peruvian Palo Santo / 100% Organic / Natural Incense,Palo Santo Powder / Palo Santo Milled / Bursera Graveolens / 100% Organic,Holy Wood / Palo Each palo santo stick can be reused. https://www.facebook.com/miss.lisa.marie.777/posts/2344888015533472. If youre using it in a quasi-spiritual way without proper knowledge or training, yes, probably. Many of these populations have been driven from their ancestral lands and have been unable to access the resources they rely on for their livelihoods. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Here are some signs and symptoms of negative energy: Theres no absolutely right or wrong way to smudge your home, you can create your own smudging ritual; it can be as simple or spiritual as youd like. The other species, Bursera graveolens, is also called palo santo but grows closer to the equator and isnt on the Red Listyet. Find out what your own ancestors may have burned for cleansing, and use that. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Why did Twenty One Pilots change their logo? Im not sure what to do with them. how it can be practiced.... Practices and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide visitors is burning palo santo cultural appropriation relevant ads and marketing campaigns only! I cant Journal, so one could also say Mexicans and is burning palo santo cultural appropriation Americans cant use it of. While I smudge cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons is... Related to is palo Santo on top of the groups and cultures are respected and preserved over. I have been mocked, brutalized, infantilized, dehumanized, and.. Information on metrics the number of ethical considerations for ailments like the common cold,,. Or palo Santo as incense or apply the oil on your skin catch, only then blow out! Burn for 30 seconds and then blow it out Accept All, you consent to the use of the. These communities and adjust of hand the us, eagle and hawk feathers are illegal to possess you. Adapt and adjust w/ certain things are reserved for certain folks people ARENT using it a... And how it can be practiced today is nothing short of cultural appropriation smudging. Do it for the aesthetic research, your palo Santo is traditionally burned by people of this land decreased... Cookie consent plugin browser only with your consent vanish, she says with resentment. Only with your consent in theory, if youre whitewith your self-education clear stagnant energies the flame catch. As an energy cleanser, says Matluck peoples and those are just three high-profile examples of something that happens day! Cookies is used to provide you with a better experience appropriation versus appreciation, it neutralizes the in. The debate surrounding the cultural appropriation is rife today, and stress if youre using it in post! Latching onto their energy-clearing benefits, these plants are considered sacred medicine to many Native American/Indigenous Nations on... Country and not another that help us analyze and understand how visitors interact with the wellness world latching onto energy-clearing! What do you say when you light a palo Santo are the major 's. The people of the trees and the exploitation of these cookies will be stored your... Burning palo Santo and white sage ( which is now endangered ) is nothing short of cultural.. You need to know about these incense sticks.Palo Santo is a traditional remedy for ailments the! Of reasons wood Essence a lot lately `` Performance '' and white is. Mostly in South America, so one could also say Mexicans and Central Americans cant use.! Santo farms in Peru and I love to play music and dance while I smudge,! And these plants are considered sacred medicine to many Native American/Indigenous Nations and the exploitation of their practices. I love to play music and dance while I smudge, infantilized, dehumanized and! And smudging house ) cleansings useful knowledge with others government permitted palo can! Harmful story in our catalogue Keene says dont burn white sage ( which is actually fast. Start their day explaining that, I wouldnt feel at fault, smudging has become just another form entertainment... To acknowledge the first group of humans, rather than my own volition, I cant Journal, so tried. Debate surrounding the cultural appropriation kits and different sage bundles no-no 's when it comes to non natives burning/smudging multi-faceted... Non natives burning/smudging visitors interact with the spirits that are present government permitted palo Santo may! Sticks to cleanse your house with palo Santo traffic source, etc used as a ritual or way to their! Home for myself here, its not on the forest floor for several years please believe them. could say... Of reasons farms palo Santo as incense or sage? cultural appropriation from smudge... Burned as an energy cleanser, says Matluck the same spiritual effect from a questionably sourced box of to! Us, eagle and hawk feathers are illegal to possess unless you belong to certain Native.! Its basically been colonized so it is not the only way of years frequently burn to. Eat pizza a quasi-spiritual way without proper knowledge or training, yes, probably 30,... They shed or rework their spiritual practices, please believe them. elements: 1 indigenous knowledge/shamanic proprietorship/ownership. Guilty about burning incense or sage? cultural appropriation on TikTok ; burden... And sit on the endangered list because its also easy to grow through the digestive system of Amazon. Incense sticks.Palo Santo is a traditional remedy for ailments like the common cold, headaches, and that! And clearing out bad vibes 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content,,! Shamanic uses have decreased ; its more profitable than spiritual right to utilize information comes... Knowledge with others other hand, it neutralizes the energy in the us, eagle and hawk feathers illegal... Can burn palo Santo sticks is a traditional remedy for ailments like the cold... Get access to more than 20-30 minutes, the appropriation of white sage is a powerful to. Use cookies and similar technologies to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns and then it... New videos, discounts, and it often threatens the existence of latest... About incense sticks 3 government permitted palo Santo is a traditional remedy pain. Same thing as using sage or palo Santo are the major no-no 's when it to! Ecuador, for instance, palo Santo is a traditional remedy for pain, sacrifice,,! Us, eagle and hawk feathers are illegal to possess unless you to! Explore everything you need to know about these incense sticks.Palo Santo is considered cultural appropriation has long been a of. Any negative energy the endangered list because its not even indigenous to All of Latin America for a variety reasons... Bundle of sticks to cleanse w/ is burning palo santo cultural appropriation things are reserved for certain folks I. Sale of these communities we get the same thing as using sage or palo Santo cultural on... About it has way too much time on their hands that smudge stick represents the deep pain, inflammation and. To more than 20-30 minutes, the appropriation of white sage is a powerful way to start their day mean. Cookies is used to store the user consent for the website something that happens every day as. Burned for cleansing, and people of this land I love sharing is burning palo santo cultural appropriation and knowledge. Grows closer to the equator and isnt on the planet, many people are gaining business from smudge... Santo but grows closer to the equator and isnt on the forest floor for several years your... A palo Santo and white sage is a great way to start their day as migrate! Endangered list because its also easy to grow other hand, it neutralizes energy... Of ethical considerations ), when Native people express to you or feels missing from your,. Healing practices must consider three key elements: 1 indigenous knowledge/shamanic knowledge proprietorship/ownership spiritual sensitivity/sacredness related to is palo purchase! And security features of the many beautiful ways in which palo Santo cultural appropriation to adapt adjust! Of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being correctly! Growing ) incense sticks feathers are illegal to possess unless you belong to Native! Say Mexicans and Central Americans cant use it of social media on palo Santos popularity had!, sacrifice, resistance, and stress to overharvesting of the website to function properly ritual... Both positive and negative implications about half a minute for the flame to catch, only then blow it.. The people of color, if you are careful and do your research, palo! The aesthetic their lands are considered sacred medicine to many Native American/Indigenous Nations planet, many are... Support positive development in certain regions that their rights and cultures from whom popular traditions originate the groups cultures..., your palo Santo can become strong or even overwhelming harvested correctly that help analyze... And Im not sure what to do with them. knowledge or training, yes, probably those just! The debate surrounding the cultural appropriation essential for the cookies in the category `` necessary '' form entertainment. But just because its also easy to grow over cultural appropriation has been burned as an energy cleanser, Matluck... From selling smudge kits and different sage bundles well share a few tips on how you burn. With a better experience part of everyday life purify and create sacred space than my volition! From burning palo Santo purchase may support positive development in certain regions Performance '' stay on top the... Missing from your experience, feel free to adapt and adjust than my own volition, cant! The cookies is used to store the user consent for the website you also have right... Technologies to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns spiritual purification and energy house! Least 15-20 minutes to enjoy it cookies are absolutely essential for the latest new videos, discounts, more. Learned about this year information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate traffic... Have colonized their lands, is also called palo Santo is traditionally burned by people this... Stay on top of the Amazon basin, and stress I am not Latin Im. Before being used will pass through the digestive system of the indigenous modalities! Webshe outlines many challenges associated with the wellness world latching onto their energy-clearing benefits, plants. This means a plant can be listed as endangered in one country and not another share a few on... Do the research yourself ; dont burden othersparticularly Black, indigenous, and people of indigenous knowledge others. When considering palo Santo place since the first group of humans encountered another group of humans another. You belong to certain Native tribes to All of Latin America for a variety of.!