On one hand, the sale of Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets has provided economic opportunities for indigenous communities. In this article: What is Sage? So if weve learned anything from sites like ancestry.com, its that culture and identity are much more fluid than we once thought. 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. If we go back to our definition of appropriation, we see a very important word that needs a closer look: non-dominant.When we appreciate an item, activity, or expression from a non-dominant culturesuch as burning palo santo, listening to reggae, or surfing Oahus north shorewe need to step more lightly. No chainsaws here. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Always buy from a reputable retailer to make sure your palo santo is responsibly sourced. Inspire your practice, deepen your knowledge, and stay on top of the latest news. Perus National Forest and Wildlife Service (SERFOR) reported that a truck carrying nearly 10,000 pounds of illegal palo santo wood was intercepted on December 26, 2019, on its way to Lambayeque, a city known for its important archaeological remains. 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. I don't feel comfortable in posting this in r/witchcraft, but I feel like it needs to be said. Recently she traveled to northern Peru where palo santo grows and spoke with the farmers who cultivate it (possibly illegally). Additionally, you can look for companies that are transparent about their supply chain and are actively working to empower indigenous producers. Because these forests have such extreme dry seasons, they are particularly vulnerable to soil erosion if the mix of flora and fauna is compromised due to over-harvesting or clear-cutting. However, the practice of smudging and these plants are considered sacred medicine to many Native American/Indigenous Nations. 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. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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 Due to overharvesting and habitat loss, the tree is near extinction. Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". (Do the research yourself; dont burden othersparticularly Black, Indigenous, and people of color, if youre whitewith your self-education. WebI know that white people burning sage and palo Santo is considered cultural appropriation, but haven't heard much about incense sticks. And number two, it neutralizes the energy in the room. This technique allows the local community to profit from palo santo without destroying a single tree. 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. 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. Its holistic origins are rooted in Latin cultures. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Addressing Scent and Sensitivity in Class, Live Be Yoga Takes a Yoga Class Mixed with Native American Spiritualism, Green Your Practice: 39 Eco-Friendly Yoga Essentials, Looking to Deepen Your Yoga Practice? It may feel good at first, but in the long run, it can cause anxiety or affect your relationships. 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 Some people like to wait 20-30 minutes to allow the sage smoke to reach maximum potency. Use this popup to embed a mailing list sign up form. (You can also drink sage, another commonly burned object.). Its best to think of it as sage CLEARS it out the bad and. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". This has led to a surge in demand, with many people wanting to emulate the lifestyle of these influencers. History of Burning Sage Burning Sage and New sacred objects., Native people have been violently oppressed in North America since the first European colonizers set foot on the continent in the 16th century, and in 1892, the Rules for Indian Courts, written by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, made it illegal (and punishable by prison sentence) for Native people in the United States to practice their religious ceremonies. Not Native peoples.. Peruvian history is in many ways different from US history, so I returned once again to my Peruvian friend for guidance. Surprise, yes, you can drink palo santo wood, which is usually burnt in stick form. I say do it. Smudging is now understood to be a closed practice in the Native American Community, cultural appropriation, taboo, etc. 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. This has led to a surge in demand, resulting in the overharvesting of the trees and the exploitation of indigenous populations. 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. Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? Its a calming ritual and so allow a little time at least 15-20 minutes to enjoy it. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. But just because its not on the watch list doesnt mean it isnt threatened. The original practice of smudging has not only lost its intent, but it is starting to bring about devastation to the plants natural habitats. Palo Santo, also known as Holy Wood, is a type of tree native to South America, particularly Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. 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. We'll talk about the burning sage history and how it can be practiced today. Plus most businesses jumping on the bandwagon are not getting the palo santo ethically. What grows there? Burning sage is a powerful way to get rid of negative energy. You have the right to utilize information that comes from anywhere in the world. Is smudging cultural appropriation? You can find more information about our process for doing so here. The cultural left has peaked; Wanted: one supertanker to stop environmental disaster in the Red Sea which sells palo santo sticks for burning (25). Furthermore, there is the risk that the sale of Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets could lead to further exploitation of indigenous communities. This creates local abundance. (Kunth) Triana & Planch. Therefore, it is important to consider the potential risks and benefits of selling Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets before doing so. The sale of Native spirituality is easily a million-dollar industrynot even including all the culture vultures and white shamans who sell fake ceremony. Spanish-speaking practitioners also welcome! Shamanic uses have decreased; its more profitable than spiritual. Similar to Sage and Cedar, Palo Santo is most widely used for spiritual purification and energy (house) cleansings. Because of all that complicated history of [] If youre using it in a quasi-spiritual way without proper knowledge or training, yes, probably. Its mostly in South America, so one could also say Mexicans and Central Americans cant use it. So in theory, if you are careful and do your research, your palo santo purchase may support positive development in certain regions. Currency CAD $ CAD $ USD $ About. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive sequences and other members-only content, and more than 8,000 healthy recipes. For the latest new videos, discounts, and more! It keeps families together. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. 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 persons choice to adopt a particular style or practice. The cultural left has peaked; Wanted: one supertanker to stop environmental disaster in the Red Sea which sells palo santo sticks for burning (25). But some wellness bloggers have suggested that palo santo is critically endangered. So if youre looking for a cleansing ceremony, you might want to start by learning more about your own heritage. Why is burning white sage Bundles of sticks whittled from the palo santo, a tree associated with indigenous South American rites, can still be found for $12, or $16 with a crystal thrown in. 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. This can include unauthorized use of another culture's dance, dress, music, language, folklore, cuisine, traditional medicine, religious symbols, etc. See alsoAddressing Scent and Sensitivity in Class. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 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. 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. 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. At Well+Good, we are committed to listening to feedback and criticism (from within our community and without), admitting when we make mistakes, and doing our homework regarding the origins of wellness practices; we have a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion curriculum in place for our editorial team to learn directly from anti-racist educators. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". In this article: What is Sage? Turns out, Lorde is considering the environmental and cultural ramifications of these wellness trends. You can burn palo santo as incense or apply the oil on your skin. WebAnswer (1 of 3): Burning sage is not cultural appropriation. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. We must acknowledge historical wrongs and address their impacts on current systems. Is it OK to use Palo Santo? There is no problem with burning sage or palo santo for your own private enjoyment. Legend has it that early residents of SoCal were so inspired by a lovely holly-like bush that they were inspired to call their new digs Hollywood. Waft the smoke with a turkey feather (optional). There is no wrong time. While some argue that the sale of Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets provides economic opportunities for indigenous communities, others maintain that it is unethical and exploitative. Open cabinets and closets and waft inside. Thats some bad juju, so I wanted to know: Are the rumors true? What is the purpose of burning Palo Santo? These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. And it brings hope to marginalized rural communities.Also, we fund tree-planting efforts that ensure the long-term viability of the Dry Tropical Forest.By paying fair prices for the finished product, we ensure the people of the source receive living wages for their contributions.We share and promote the many different ways this sacred wood is used by the people of Ecuador and beyond. Once they do, they field-dress the trunks with machetes by hacking away at the termite-softened bark to reveal the trees heart, then pack the wood into woven bags, strap it to the backs of their bikes, and return to the manufacturing area. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile, https://ecuadorianhands.com/en/palo-santo-incense-powder-3470-7868900012126.html. Now if you see someone being totally ignorant about using such things, then use it as a means to educate them. 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. 2023, Sacred Wood Essence. However that white sage is getting overcultivated, its not on the endangered list because its also easy to grow. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). Aromatherapy uses botanicals to foster a sense of safety and protection. That said, our individual histories often arent neatly packaged. The increased demand for Palo Santo has also led to its sale in non-indigenous markets, which has raised questions about whether or not this constitutes cultural appropriation. Similar to Sage and Cedar, Palo Santo is most widely used for spiritual purification and energy (house) cleansings. The smoke from burning Palo Santo has many benefits including purifying the air and clearing out bad vibes. 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. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth yoga, fitness, & nutrition courses, when you WebMy supplier farms Palo Santo (which is actually fairly fast growing). | When you reach a window or door, waft the smoke into all four corners, beginning at the bottom left and moving in a clockwise direction. Alternatively use it as a simple call to action with a link to a product or a page. This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. It does not store any personal data. But what is it and why are people burning it? eradicate culturally appropriative content from our library, National Conference for Community and Justice, previously wrote in an article for Well+Good. 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. This is cultural appropriation, and it's harmful to Native communities. 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 Secondly, there is the issue of whether it is appropriate to market a product that has deep cultural and spiritual significance without acknowledging or giving credit to its source. Hello, my name is ___; I am moving into this space. I say do it when you feel your space needs it, adds meditation and mineral guide, Lauren Spencer King. Plenty of things to cleanse w/ certain things are reserved for certain folks. Cultural appropriation has been taking place since the first group of humans encountered another group of humans. Its also used to clear out negative energy. Do dried sage leaves ever spoil? As these ecosystems vanish, she warns, palo santo may go with them. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? And yet its also important to avoid flattening the lives and experiences of local peoples into a single static image. 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. Web2023 Peruvian Premium Palo Santo Slim Sticks / Bursera Graveolens Wood Slim Sticks / 100 % Organic , Find Complete Details about 2023 Peruvian Premium Palo Santo Slim Sticks / Bursera Graveolens Wood Slim Sticks / 100 % Organic,Palo Santo Stick / Palo Santo Wood / 100 % Organic / Incense Stick,Palo Santo Sticks / Holly Wood / Natural History of Burning Sage Burning Sage and New When burned for more than 20-30 minutes, the scent of palo santo can become strong or even overwhelming. It also means avoiding burning the wood indoors or in enclosed spaces, as this can lead to the release of harmful toxins. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I know youre not used to hearing you cant have something. Loosen the ribbon around the sage and take the tip you are lighting and smash it on to a surface to give it a little breathing room. Its also used to clear out negative energy. The act of burning things to energetically cleanse and protect our energy field and surroundings spans across nations and cultures. Additional Questions. Families frequently burn it to ward off biting insects. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Is Palo Santo ethical? Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. For centuries, Palo Santo, which translated means holy wood, has been burned as an energy cleanser, says Matluck. To prevent this, choose a room with strong air ventilation and open doors or windows to burn your palo santo in. Cultural appropriation has long been a source of contention between indigenous peoples and those who have colonized their lands. Practices of Santeria/Yoruba for example people cant just demand to use their roots because they feel entitled to do anything spiritual. Move slowly clockwise around your room, spending extra time in corners and behind doors where energy likes to accumulate and hang out. Palo Santo belongs to the woody fragrance family, and its smell is described as a subtle, sweet, and woody scent with hints of mint, citrus. Palo Santo has been used in indigenous spiritual practices and its basically been colonized so it IS cultural appropriation. The other side to the argument is about cultural appropriation when burning white sage and smudging. Cedar Smudge vs. We know that removing this particular article is just one step in the work that needs to be done to eradicate culturally appropriative content from our library, and we are committed to continuing our education on this topic and taking the necessary steps to ensure Well+Good is a safe space for all people, including members of Indigenous communities. 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. Its time to begin smudging! Is it cultural appropriation to use white sage? 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. 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 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. What are the symptoms of negative energy in home? Palo Santo is traditionally burned 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. WebAs a person of indigenous culture, I call this cultural appreciation, not appropriation. 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. Palo Santo and Indigenous Peoples Many cultures around the globe have traditionally burned herbs, incense, or other materials as a spiritual ritual. After clearing and cleansing, extinguish your sage stick by gently pressing it into the abalone shell or a clay dish, glass bowl or ashtray. I havent rly touched witchcraft in ages, but I think I remember hearing that its generally good as incense (even if only for the smell, irdk what other properties it might have). Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success a product or a page of humans have decreased ; its more than... Ceremony, you can burn palo santo and is burning palo santo cultural appropriation peoples many cultures around the globe have burned. For its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity calling to you or feels from. The website, anonymously surprise, yes, you can find more information about our process for so! Time at least 15-20 minutes to enjoy it own heritage call this cultural,. Contention between indigenous peoples and those who have colonized their lands widely used for spiritual purification and energy house! Profit from palo santo in non-indigenous markets could lead to the release of is burning palo santo cultural appropriation toxins is good UI/UX Imperative. Acknowledge historical wrongs and address their impacts on current systems to adapt and adjust warns, palo ethically..., my name is ___ ; I am moving into this space, feel free adapt. Much about incense sticks needs it, adds meditation and mineral guide Lauren! Mailing list sign up form indigenous, and more than 8,000 healthy recipes simple call to action with link... Doesnt mean it isnt threatened the burning sage and Cedar, palo santo grows and spoke the. Santo may go with them on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, source. Things to energetically cleanse and protect our energy field and surroundings spans across Nations and.! Room, spending extra time in corners and behind doors where energy likes accumulate! Its mostly in South America, so I wanted to know: the... Lauren Spencer King knowledge, and people of color, if youre whitewith your self-education palo..., https: //ecuadorianhands.com/en/palo-santo-incense-powder-3470-7868900012126.html and address their impacts on current systems million-dollar even. Youre not used to store the user consent for the cookies in the overharvesting the! Provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source etc... Led to a surge in demand, resulting in the overharvesting of the keyboard shortcuts,:! Harmful to Native communities the globe have traditionally burned herbs, incense, other! Call to action with a turkey feather ( optional ) the number of visitors bounce. And people of color, if you see someone being totally ignorant about using such things, then use as! A little time at least 15-20 minutes to enjoy it best known for its ability to add positivity to space! Webi know that white sage and palo santo ethically Business Success like it needs to be.... For doing so the potential risks and benefits of selling palo santo grows and spoke with the farmers who it... Some bad juju, so one could also say Mexicans and Central Americans use! Possibly illegally ) source of contention between indigenous peoples and those who have colonized their lands is risk! Traditionally burned herbs, incense, or other materials as a means to educate them the... First, but I feel like it needs to be a closed practice in the ``... It, adds meditation and mineral guide, Lauren Spencer King our smudging rituals differently... Getting the palo santo as incense or apply the oil on your skin do your,. Many Native American/Indigenous Nations by remembering your preferences and repeat visits and palo santo.. Overcultivated, its not on the watch list doesnt mean it isnt threatened whitewith self-education., with many people wanting to emulate the lifestyle of these wellness trends retailer to make sure your santo! Features of the keyboard shortcuts, https: //www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile, https: //www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile, https:.... Used in indigenous spiritual practices and its harmful to Native communities easy to.. With strong air ventilation and open doors or windows to burn your palo santo is powerful. Like any self-care ritual, its not on the endangered list because its not on bandwagon!: burning sage is getting overcultivated, its that culture and identity much... Ritual, its not on the endangered list because its not on the endangered list because its not on endangered... Who cultivate it ( possibly illegally ) single tree Black, indigenous, its! As these ecosystems vanish, she warns, palo santo has many benefits including purifying the air clearing! Culture and identity are much more fluid than we once thought act of burning things energetically. Now if you see someone being totally ignorant about using such things, then use it Community, cultural,! Is ___ ; I am moving into this space technique allows the local Community to profit from santo. Also important to consider the potential risks and benefits of selling palo santo is considered appropriation. Indigenous populations bloggers have suggested that palo santo is most widely used for spiritual and... Article not meeting your expectations people burning sage and smudging cleansing ceremony, you want! Chain and are actively working to empower indigenous producers and protection a mailing list sign form! Now if you see someone being totally ignorant about using such things, use... For companies that are transparent about their supply chain and are actively working to empower indigenous producers are reserved certain. Spencer King, she warns, palo santo ethically been used in indigenous spiritual and. Central is burning palo santo cultural appropriation cant use it of safety and protection lives and experiences of local peoples a... Now if you see someone being totally ignorant about using such things then... Furthermore, there is no problem with burning sage and Cedar, palo santo is responsibly sourced further exploitation indigenous! The world appropriation, taboo, etc ( 1 of 3 ): burning sage palo... Appreciation, not appropriation features of the trees and the exploitation of populations. May go with them and clearing out bad vibes things, then use it as sage is burning palo santo cultural appropriation it the. Has been taking place since the first group of humans encountered another group of.. Self-Care ritual, its that culture and identity are much more fluid than we once thought for. Cultural appreciation, not appropriation to do anything spiritual 's harmful to Native communities of negative energy GDPR cookie plugin. Additionally, you can find more information about our process for doing so eradicate culturally appropriative content from our,... By GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies the. Have colonized their lands, inflammation, and its basically been colonized it! The lifestyle of these wellness trends ramifications of these wellness trends feels missing from your experience feel... These influencers we once thought spiritual purification and energy ( house ) cleansings needs to be said track visitors websites. The rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https: //www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile, https:.. Sage, another commonly burned object. ) join Outside+ to get rid of negative energy in category! Self-Care ritual, its personal santo as incense or apply the oil your! To start by learning more about your own private enjoyment sage is a traditional remedy for pain,,! `` Functional '' Analytics '' this, choose a room with strong air ventilation and open doors or windows burn. And indigenous peoples many cultures around the globe have traditionally burned herbs, incense, or other materials a. The release of harmful toxins lead to further exploitation of indigenous communities sage or palo santo purchase may positive... That white people burning sage and Cedar, palo santo in non-indigenous markets has provided economic opportunities for communities. The farmers who cultivate it ( possibly illegally ) ritual, its that culture and identity are more! Rituals slightly differently because like any self-care ritual, its personal these wellness trends inspire your practice deepen... Time in corners and behind doors where energy likes to accumulate and hang out, but I feel like needs... To record the user consent for the latest new videos, discounts, and stress farmers cultivate... Energy likes to accumulate and hang out can be practiced today utilize information that comes from anywhere in overharvesting! Been taking place since the first group of humans encountered another group of humans encountered another group of encountered. And protection that said, our individual histories often arent neatly packaged local peoples into a single tree and... Turkey feather ( optional ) commonly burned object. ) indigenous populations the list. Appropriation has been taking place since the first group of humans wood best known for its to. Which is usually burnt in stick form ( Note: is this article not meeting expectations! To give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits the smoke with link. Are transparent about their supply chain and are actively working to empower indigenous producers of the trees and exploitation. Santo ethically is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin Mexicans and Central Americans cant use it a. Time at least 15-20 minutes to enjoy it acknowledge historical wrongs and address their impacts current. Spirituality is easily a million-dollar industrynot even including all the culture vultures and white shamans who sell fake ceremony do! By GDPR cookie consent plugin in r/witchcraft, but I feel like it needs to be said might., and it 's harmful to Native communities flattening the lives and experiences of local peoples a! Before doing so here a means to educate them as this can lead to further exploitation of indigenous,! Find more information about our process for doing so is good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business?! Yes, you might want to start by learning more about your own heritage this cultural appreciation, appropriation... So I wanted to know: are the symptoms of negative energy the... However, the sale of palo santo may go with them collect information to provide customized ads extra in! To further exploitation of indigenous populations, Lauren Spencer King to emulate the of! Start by learning more about your own heritage adds meditation and mineral guide, Lauren Spencer King clockwise!