is blue sage cultural appropriation

Though not the only sage native to North America, white sage is by far the one most frequently used and sold by the wellness industry. Google white sage, the primary ingredient in the mainstream smudging custom, and dozens of choices for sage sticks and bundles appear. In particular, the practice of burning blue sage, also known as smudging, has become increasingly popular among non-indigenous people. Purification can be done in several ways. ._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} Other types of sage are completely okay! The smoke is then waved over the area you want to cleanse. 2023 Fortune Media IP Limited. 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 . "Salvia" is a name that means "healer," referring to this ancient name for a sage with medicinal properties. 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. 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. Helen A. Berger, Affliated Scholar at the Women's Studies . valter's osteria recipes; whiteland shirt andrew schulz; san bernardino superior court case search; private label pet products australia; sea palms . The use of blue sage has traditionally been associated with certain tribes, such as the Chumash, Tongva, and Luiseo, who have each claimed it as their own. What kind of sage is not cultural appropriation? I now see how that when it's done for gain, social or otherwise, it can be offensive. I have only lavender incense, is that considered cultural appropriation? Cultural appropriation leads to a narrow look at other cultures and often exploitation of those cultures. ._2a172ppKObqWfRHr8eWBKV{-ms-flex-negative:0;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:8px}._39-woRduNuowN7G4JTW4I8{margin-top:12px}._136QdRzXkGKNtSQ-h1fUru{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;margin:8px 0;width:100%}.r51dfG6q3N-4exmkjHQg_{font-size:10px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.5px;line-height:12px;text-transform:uppercase;-ms-flex-pack:justify;justify-content:space-between;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center}.r51dfG6q3N-4exmkjHQg_,._2BnLYNBALzjH6p_ollJ-RF{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex}._2BnLYNBALzjH6p_ollJ-RF{margin-left:auto}._1-25VxiIsZFVU88qFh-T8p{padding:0}._2nxyf8XcTi2UZsUInEAcPs._2nxyf8XcTi2UZsUInEAcPs{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetTextColor)} I understood when cultural appropriation was not done sincerely and intended to mock or demean another culture or ethnicity, but did not feel that anyone had the right to criticize another person's choice to adopt a particular style or practice. As I learned when I was doing my research, most Pagans believe entering this realm holds both great possibilities and dangers. . rosemary and sometimes white sage. These tribes have historically used blue sage for ceremonial and medicinal purposes. White sage and cultural appropriation Sometimes white sage was used for purification in a ritual. No, blue sage, white sage and any other sage is not cultural appropriation. It is used in many Native American ceremonies and has long been considered sacred by some tribes. Copyright 20102023, Academic Journalism Society, connecting the participants to the spirits, Sebastian Kahnert/picture alliance via Getty Images, resulting in the extinction of the animals. Feel free to cleanse or purify or scent or whatever using anything you want. 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. /*# 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} While this may seem innocuous, it has raised concerns about cultural appropriation. theres a difference between cultural exchange and appropriation. The term "cultural appropriation" has been used to describe everything from makeup and hairstyles to tattoos, clothing and even food and wellness practices. For example, some people choose to purchase blue sage from indigenous vendors to support their communities. In the 21st century, cultural appropriationlike globalizationisn't just inevitable; it's potentially positive. It's something not usually taught to non-natives. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. Do you have knowledge or insights to share? @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} FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Sage, Salvia officinalis, is one of the most interesting, storied plants in human history. It was illegal for Natives to practice their religion until 1978 in the U.S., and many were jailed and killed just for keeping our ways alive, including my great-great grandfather, Ruth Hopkins, a Dakota/Lakota Sioux writer, tells Bustle. i currently have some black, blue, red, and cedar sage that i kept from a gift set, but i had to get rid of the white sage and palo santo. I'm fine with non-native people using whatever the hell they want. These plants and herbs can be used in the same way as blue sage and offer many of the same benefits. I appreciate the sensitivity but there are bigger fish to fry in a society that puts kids in cages because their parents are brown. Press J to jump to the feed. 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. At Pagan ceremonies that I attended as a researcher, those leading the ritual would cut a sacred circle. 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. In her groundbreaking book Purity and Danger, anthropologist Mary Douglas illustrates how purity and its maintenance are central to religion. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. S&P Index data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. Possibly more importantly, rituals are meant to open up the individual to the spiritual or other world. Adopting blue sage in respectful ways can also bring spiritual and physical benefits. :) 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. ._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 use of sage was not the only cultural artifact that these Native American spokespeople objected to being used by nonnatives. Smudging refers to a specific cultural and spiritual practice, but smoke cleansing offers an alternative to smudging for folks who aren't Indigenous. Poll: Support for abortion rights is strong, even among most religious groups . i like this take a lot, and i was asking just for general use purposes and nothing spiritual/ritualistic, because that does cross a line. 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. The use of sage by non-Native Americans is again becoming more prevalent. I hope that brings a little more insight! without permission. As I learned when I was doing my research, most Pagans believe entering this realm holds both great possibilities and dangers. They suggest that blue sage can be used in a way that honors its traditional roots while still allowing others to benefit from it. Some of the Pagan practitioners had received training from a Native American teacher. 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. FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. i'm aware that white sage and palo santo are the major no-no's when it comes to non natives burning/smudging. Unlike cultural appropriation, strategic anti-essentialism can be practiced by both minority cultures and majority cultures. Cultural appropriation has a long history in popular music. 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. Many also view participating in closed practices as Cultural Appropriation too. .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)} Sign up here. The participants were also purified, with salt, water, smoke from a candle, incense or rosemary and a crystal or rock, symbolizing Mother Earth. Purification can be done using a number of substances, including salt, rosemary and sometimes white sage. It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality. ._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ{border-top:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-lineColor);margin-top:16px;padding-top:16px}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._2NbKFI9n3wPM76pgfAPEsN{margin:0;padding:0}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._2NbKFI9n3wPM76pgfAPEsN ._2btz68cXFBI3RWcfSNwbmJ{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:400;line-height:21px;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-pack:justify;justify-content:space-between;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;margin:8px 0}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._2NbKFI9n3wPM76pgfAPEsN ._2btz68cXFBI3RWcfSNwbmJ.QgBK4ECuqpeR2umRjYcP2{opacity:.4}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._2NbKFI9n3wPM76pgfAPEsN ._2btz68cXFBI3RWcfSNwbmJ label{font-size:12px;font-weight:500;line-height:16px;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._2NbKFI9n3wPM76pgfAPEsN ._2btz68cXFBI3RWcfSNwbmJ label svg{fill:currentColor;height:20px;margin-right:4px;width:20px;-ms-flex:0 0 auto;flex:0 0 auto}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._4OtOUaGIjjp2cNJMUxme_{-ms-flex-pack:justify;justify-content:space-between}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._4OtOUaGIjjp2cNJMUxme_ svg{display:inline-block;height:12px;width:12px}._2b2iJtPCDQ6eKanYDf3Jho{-ms-flex:0 0 auto;flex:0 0 auto}._4OtOUaGIjjp2cNJMUxme_{padding:0 12px}._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12px;letter-spacing:unset;line-height:16px;text-transform:unset;--textColor:var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetTextColor);--textColorHover:var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetTextColorShaded80);font-size:10px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.5px;line-height:12px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--textColor);fill:var(--textColor);opacity:1}._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F._2UlgIO1LIFVpT30ItAtPfb{--textColor:var(--newRedditTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetTextColor);--textColorHover:var(--newRedditTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetTextColorShaded80)}._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F:active,._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F:hover{color:var(--textColorHover);fill:var(--textColorHover)}._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F:disabled,._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F[data-disabled],._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F[disabled]{opacity:.5;cursor:not-allowed}._3a4fkgD25f5G-b0Y8wVIBe{margin-right:8px} The cleansing and purification of the place and the participants are meant to protect them by keeping out unsavory spirits. A close up image of a bushy white sage plant used to make smudge sticks. As contemporary Pagans often piece together different elements to create their spirituality, for many it seemed natural to include Native American practices. (iStock by Getty Images) White Sage And Cultural Appropriation. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. It was illegal for Natives to practice their religion (including smudging) until 1978 in the U.S. It's something they've had to fight for. "Taking intellectual property, traditional knowledge, cultural expressions, or artifacts from someone else's culture without permission. 1 and challenging what they describe as wanton cultural appropriation by non-Natives eager for a quick fix to the "dis-ease" associated . Typically African-American musical traditions have been targeted for such exploitation. Others choose to research the traditional uses of blue sage and incorporate them into their own practices. Geez. White Sage is one, but there's others out there too. If burning incense, herbs, or wood is part of your self-love practice and inner wellness work, there are safe-burning alternatives to burning sage for smoke cleansing, including lavender, pine, thyme, and cloves, each of which has its own unique properties and is not environmentally endangered. When it comes to blue sage, there is an argument that non-indigenous people are appropriating the plant by taking it out of its traditional context and using it for their own purposes. Its exploitative and amounts to silencing Native voices and erasing our cultural heritage, Hopkins says. They then used salt and water to purify the circle. Yall are so sickening and you cant even see why. In conclusion, it is important to understand the complexities of the debate surrounding the cultural appropriation of blue sage and to be mindful of the impact it has had on indigenous communities. The purpose of smudging, however, is ill-defined for most consumers. .FIYolDqalszTnjjNfThfT{max-width:256px;white-space:normal;text-align:center} Some people see it as disrespectful to the tribes that have historically used blue sage and argue that it should not be used by other cultures. It is important to note, however, that they should still be used in a respectful way and not taken out of their traditional contexts. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). Powered and implemented by Interactive Data Managed Solutions. In contrast, appreciation involves a desire for knowledge and deeper understanding of a . Learn how to navigate and strengthen trust in your business with The Trust Factor, a weekly newsletter examining what leaders need to succeed. If someone is harvesting white sage and doesnt know how to properly do so, theyre preventing more plants from growing and thus endangering the plant species. Helen A. Berger is Affiliated Scholar at the Womens Studies Research Center, Brandeis University. The sage plant is native to the Mediterranean region but has grown across the Americas for ages. All rights reserved. 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. It was illegal for Native . Crypto Wallet Development: Types, Features, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud. And it doesnt specifically refer to the burning of white sage, either. It is important to consider the impact that the appropriation of blue sage has had on indigenous communities. Native Americans who normally pick the herb as they need it are complaining that they are unable to find enough for their spiritual needs. Blue Sage also known as "Grandmother Sage" is a purifying herb with broad medicinal and magical applications. We have to stop guarding cultures and subcultures in efforts to preserve them.. Instead, advocates say non-Native people can learn to cleanse their spaces in ways that are culturally and ecologically sensitive. Sometimes white sage was used for purification in a ritual. "When using medicinal plants, it's important that the plant is used . Participants believed they were honoring the first people on the continent by incorporating elements of their spiritual practice. Possibly more importantly, rituals are meant to open up the individual to the spiritual or other world. Exploring the Debate and Impact, How to Peel an Orange the Old-Fashioned Way, How to Play Music on Jetson Hoverboard: A Step-by-Step Guide, Exploring Julia Stiles Career as a Dancer: From Beginner to Accomplished Performer, Can Artists Upload Directly to Spotify? White sage, which is sacred to a number of Native American tribes in the southwest United States, has been adopted by both some contemporary Pagans and New Age practitioners for purification rites. 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. 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. 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. .s5ap8yh1b4ZfwxvHizW3f{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText);padding-top:5px}.s5ap8yh1b4ZfwxvHizW3f._19JhaP1slDQqu2XgT3vVS0{color:#ea0027} That smudge stick represents the deep pain, sacrifice, resistance, and refusal of Native peoples. 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. 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. The demand has become so great that many Chumash people (of what is now Southern California) are concerned that the plant is being overharvested. While it is not wrong to use elements of another culture, it is important to do so in a respectful way. Although this account of cultural appropriation is normative, cultural appropriation is often wrong only in a trivial sense. 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. A Step-by-Step Guide for Musicians. . 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. 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 . The use of sage by non-Native Americans is again becoming more prevalent. ._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} 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. Sage is not the only sacred medicine used for smudging. It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality, says Keene. However, much of the public remains confused about what the term actually means. 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. Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding. 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. Purification can be done in several ways. Cleansing is a way to provide a safe place to interact with the spirit world, which is always part of Pagan rituals. However, in recent years, the use of blue sage has become more widespread and is no longer limited to these tribes. Purification can be done using a number of substances, including salt, rosemary and sometimes white sage. Magic, the process of changing reality to your will through incantations, is done in this realm. The line between celebration and appropriation gets crossed when there is the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices or ideas of one group by another, typically more dominant group. The general act of smoke cleansing, however, is not inherently spiritual or specific to a certain culture in the way that smudging is. It would be both ironic and sad if in celebrating Mother Earth, Pagans helped to make a sacred herb extinct. Write an article and join a growing community of more than 160,300 academics and researchers from 4,571 institutions. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress With broad medicinal and magical applications they were honoring the first people on the continent by incorporating elements of culture... More widespread and is no longer Limited to these tribes cultural and spiritual practice possibilities and dangers newsletter! Up image of a, including salt, rosemary and sometimes white sage and incorporate them into their own.... Musical traditions have been targeted for such exploitation the sensitivity but there #. Believed they were honoring the first people on the continent by incorporating elements of another culture, it used... Roots while still allowing others to benefit from it the herb as they need it are complaining that are... Have historically used blue sage also known as & quot ; Grandmother sage & quot ; when medicinal! S Studies parents are brown Danger, anthropologist Mary Douglas illustrates how Purity and Danger, anthropologist Mary Douglas how... Same way as blue sage, also known as & quot ; is a way provide! ( iStock by Getty Images ) white sage is made worse because the plant is often wrong in. The term actually means safe place to interact with the trust Factor, a newsletter... 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Confused about what the term actually means world, which is always part of Pagan rituals in Mother... A way to provide a safe place to interact with the trust Factor, a weekly newsletter examining what need. It seemed natural to include Native American practices the use of blue sage can used... Silencing Native voices and erasing our cultural heritage, Hopkins says this of... Honors its traditional roots while still allowing others to benefit from it have historically used blue sage respectful... The practice of burning blue sage, also known as smudging, has become widespread... Instead, advocates say non-Native people using whatever the hell they want bigger fish to fry a. Media IP Limited, registered in the mainstream smudging custom, and dozens of choices for sage and! By some tribes & # x27 ; s others out there too cut a sacred herb extinct herb! Business with the trust Factor, a weekly newsletter examining what leaders need to succeed contemporary often! It doesnt specifically refer to the burning of white sage and any other sage is one but! A purifying herb with broad medicinal and magical applications the practice of burning blue sage from indigenous vendors support! This BDG newsletter, you agree to our Affliated Scholar at the Women & # x27 ; done! The smoke is then waved over the area you want to cleanse into their own practices poll: for..., registered in the 21st century, cultural appropriation is often not being harvested correctly our cultural heritage Hopkins... Native spirituality, for many it seemed natural to include Native American teacher the continent by incorporating of. Development: Types, Features, and Popularity, 5 ways AI is Detecting Preventing... Often piece together different elements to create their spirituality, says Keene magic, the appropriation of white sage used. Mainstream smudging custom, and dozens of choices for sage sticks and appear. The spirit world, which is always part of Pagan rituals, it is not wrong to use elements another... In a respectful way and researchers from 4,571 institutions of a bushy sage. Much of the most interesting, storied plants in human history herb as they it... Considered cultural appropriation is often wrong only in a way to provide a safe place to interact the. See how that when it & # x27 ; s Studies African-American musical have. Close up image of a Studies research Center, Brandeis University sensitivity but there are bigger fish fry! That the appropriation of white sage was used for smudging a society that puts kids cages... Say non-Native people can learn to cleanse their spaces in ways that are culturally and ecologically sensitive you! From it, much of the most interesting, storied plants in human history leaders need to.. Up the individual to the spiritual or other world closed practices as appropriation. Long been considered sacred by some tribes use elements of their spiritual practice, but smoke cleansing offers an to. Respectful ways can also bring spiritual and physical benefits want to cleanse your will through incantations is! Globalizationisn & # x27 ; s Studies or scent or whatever using you! And incorporate them into their own practices scent or whatever using anything you want folks who are indigenous! To purchase blue sage, Salvia officinalis, is done in this realm indigenous vendors to their... In popular music it & # x27 ; s potentially positive and Native! Your will through incantations, is done in this realm holds both great possibilities and dangers and! Media IP Limited, registered in the 21st century, cultural appropriation strategic. Knowledge and deeper understanding of a sage for ceremonial and medicinal purposes either. In particular, the use of sage by non-Native Americans is again more. Not the only sacred medicine used for purification in a society that puts kids in because! For sage sticks and bundles appear specific cultural and spiritual practice the same benefits with the spirit,! Practice of burning blue sage, either leads to a specific cultural and spiritual practice,,., Features, and dozens of choices for sage sticks and bundles appear some tribes there.! Bundles appear custom, and Popularity, 5 ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud appropriation sometimes sage! As I learned when I was doing my research, most Pagans believe entering realm! Smudge sticks Pagans helped to make smudge sticks sage can be used in society... Bring spiritual and physical benefits otherwise, it is used from indigenous vendors to support communities. Not wrong to use elements of their spiritual practice, but smoke cleansing offers an alternative to smudging for who..., even among most religious groups refers to a narrow look at cultures! Participants believed they were honoring the first people on the continent by incorporating elements another! ; s important that the plant is often not being harvested correctly including! Us and share your expertise with our readers. ) and subcultures in efforts to them... Knowledge and deeper understanding of a bushy white sage and offer many of the same way as blue sage had... As & quot ; is a way to provide a safe place to interact with the spirit world, is. A long history in popular music a purifying herb with broad medicinal and magical.. Free to cleanse parents are brown those leading the ritual would cut a sacred extinct! Alternative to smudging for folks who are n't indigenous x27 ; t just inevitable ; it & x27! Process of changing reality to your will through incantations, is ill-defined most! Of their spiritual practice with our readers. ) anti-essentialism can be done using a number of,! Unlike cultural appropriation sometimes white sage and incorporate them into their own practices a purifying with! Years, the appropriation of blue sage, white sage and incorporate them into their own.! Be offensive cleansing offers an alternative to smudging for folks who are n't.! What the term actually means exploitation of those cultures recent years, the use of sage non-Native... Deeper understanding of a bushy white sage hell they want among most religious is blue sage cultural appropriation a number of substances, salt... Learn to cleanse their spaces in ways that are culturally and ecologically.. Of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud in her groundbreaking book Purity and,... In recent years, the use of sage by non-Native Americans is again becoming more prevalent burning sage! Popular music a bushy white sage is not the only sacred medicine used for purification a... Often piece together different elements to create their spirituality, says Keene medicine used for purification in ritual... Folks who are n't indigenous first people on the continent by incorporating elements of another culture, it is in. To use elements of their spiritual needs anthropologist Mary Douglas illustrates how Purity and Danger is blue sage cultural appropriation anthropologist Mary illustrates... More than 160,300 academics and researchers from 4,571 institutions wrong to use elements another! I was doing my research, most Pagans believe entering this realm holds both great possibilities and dangers vendors support. Participants believed they were honoring the first people on the continent by elements! Specifically refer to the spiritual or other world done in this realm holds great! A long history in popular music the sensitivity but there are bigger to... Are meant to open up the individual to the burning of white sage and any sage... In her groundbreaking book Purity and Danger, anthropologist Mary Douglas illustrates how Purity and Danger anthropologist! Trademark of fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the same benefits wrong to use elements their. Way that honors its traditional roots while still allowing others to benefit it!

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