However, there are potential risks associated with its use, including the release of toxic chemicals when burned. Many people use a feather or fan of feathers to waft the smoke during a smudging ceremony. You have the right to utilize information that comes from anywhere in the world. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. 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. But what is it and why are people burning it? 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? Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Palo santo has been used for centuries by mystics and indigenous people but now it's becoming a household object. https://www.facebook.com/miss.lisa.marie.777/posts/2344888015533472. Furthermore, the lack of acknowledgement of the cultural significance of Palo Santo has meant that many of its spiritual and healing properties have been overlooked or misrepresented. As such, it is important to consider the role of social media in promoting products like Palo Santo and the potential implications of its use. Private sincere enjoyment for ones own pleasure is not appropriation; it becomes appropriative when there is a performative aspect or some desire to leverage the experience for social capital. 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. One, known as Bulnesia sarmientoi, grows in Paraguay, Argentina, and Bolivia; this plant has indeed been placed on the Red List of Threatened Species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the leading organization dedicated to tracking global conservation of plants and animals. Holly Lumber is generally white in color with its sapwood being more white than the heartwood. Burning sage is a powerful way to get rid of negative energy. A Comprehensive Review. As these ecosystems vanish, she warns, palo santo may go with them. 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. Each palo santo stick can be reused. Practices of Santeria/Yoruba for example people cant just demand to use their roots because they feel entitled to do anything spiritual. Why you shouldn't use white sage? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. 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! 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. Burning these sticks is a sacred practice used by Indigenous communities of the Andes to cleanse their space and ward off evil spirits. If youre gardening your own greenery, choose plants that can thrive in your area. Plus most businesses jumping on the bandwagon are not getting the palo santo ethically. Is it OK to use Palo Santo? Since palo santo is now grown for export, Yaksetig wrote, its lost much of its significance. So there it is. But what is it and why are people burning it? You can burn palo santo as incense or apply the oil on your skin. Therefore, it is important to assess the potential benefits and risks of using Palo Santo in spiritual practices. What culture Burns Palo Santo? It does not store any personal data. What kind of sage is not Then, direct or push the energy out the window to get rid of it. That said, our individual histories often arent neatly packaged. 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 By doing so, you can help to ensure that indigenous communities are able to access the resources they need to sustain their livelihoods and preserve their cultures. Holly features a irregular, very close grain an an even, very fine texture. 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. In recent years, however, the popularity of Palo Santo has skyrocketed, leading to questions about whether its sale in non-indigenous markets constitutes cultural appropriation. I've done some reading and palo santo is similar in that it's a tool used primarily in Latine witchcraft similar to smudging (primarily in Mexico and South America). Many of my family members said that they would look down on and disapprove of someone who uses it spiritually since its uncommonly used in Peru nowadays. This has led to a surge in demand, with many people wanting to emulate the lifestyle of these influencers. You can also allow it to burn out on its own. Indeed, in Ecuador, people are beginning to use the tremendous profits from the wellness market to support sustainable harvesting practices where the tree thrives. What exactly is cultural appropriation? You can reuse the same smudge stick until there is nothing left to burn. Is it OK to use Palo Santo? Cultural appropriation has been taking place since the first group of humans encountered another group of humans. You dont need sage to do it. I have two things of palo santo that came in mystery boxes that were gifts from family. But you cant have this.. And those are just three high-profile examples of something that happens every day. Use the oil to provide pain relief for arthritis and joint pain with its anti-inflammatory properties. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. And at approximately $4 per pound locally, the wood is valuable enough that people are risking fines and jail time to profit from it. 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. I want to acknowledge the first people of the land. Some people do this [smudge] every day, as a ritual or way to start their day. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. History of Burning Sage Burning Sage and New Idk if thats the trendy modern use of it or a simplified version of traditional practice, so I would just avoid using it with that goal. Palo Santo has been used in indigenous spiritual practices and its basically been colonized so it IS cultural appropriation. And palo santo trees produce the finest oils when they die naturally and sit on the forest floor for several years. 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 can also support organizations and initiatives that are working to protect indigenous peoples rights and promote sustainable production practices. This creates local abundance. 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. Aromatherapy uses botanicals to foster a sense of safety and protection. We never want to disrespect the traditional ways in which a plant is used. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. She confirmed that palo santo forests have been devastated. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. | See also6 Simple Ways to Clear Negative Energy. In the words of our companys founder Eric Suarez, I really feel like, with our sustainability and fair trade efforts, and the way we engage in the lives of the local people at the source, were promoting cultural appreciation, not appropriation. 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. It also means avoiding burning the wood indoors or in enclosed spaces, as this can lead to the release of harmful toxins. However, if you pretend to hold some sort of native smudging ceremonyWell, you know how that will be rightfully viewed. It may feel good at first, but in the long run, it can cause anxiety or affect your relationships. 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. For centuries, Palo Santo, which translated means holy wood, has been burned as an energy cleanser, says Matluck. 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. Other suppliers, such as Sacred Wood Essence, have partnered with Ecuadors Bolvar Tello Community Association (awarded the United Nations Development Programmes Equator Prize, which recognizes community efforts to reduce poverty through conservation and sustainability) to extract palo santo oil from the trees seeds, rather than from the wood itself. This is the tree often used for spiritual purposes. Personally, I think youre okay to use it considering ur situation. eradicate culturally appropriative content from our library, National Conference for Community and Justice, previously wrote in an article for Well+Good. Surprise, yes, you can drink palo santo wood, which is usually burnt in stick form. Palo Santo is derived from South America and is commonly used in purification rituals. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. White Sage. If the sage bundle was packed too tight when made, then the oxygen cant get in properly and the sage wont stay lit. Allow about half a minute for the flame to catch, only then blow it out. Ideally, you should use a new smudge for each cleansing. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. If youre using it in a quasi-spiritual way without proper knowledge or training, yes, probably. 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. Dragons Blood. We have been mocked, brutalized, infantilized, dehumanized, and ignored. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. So if youre looking for a cleansing ceremony, you might want to start by learning more about your own heritage. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". But if we are talking about the Palo These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. Which is why binding our practices to our specific genetic heritage may not feel exactly right either. What kind of sage is not cultural appropriation? It's most likely to be harmful when the source community is a minority group that has been oppressed or exploited in other ways or when the object of appropriation is particularly sensitive, e.g. While brujos (witch doctors) and curanderos (shamans) once used palo santo to remove spirits and malicious energy and even carved branches into voodoo-like figures, in modern Peru, the plant is now mainly burned as an insect repellent. Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding. Always buy from a reputable retailer to make sure your palo santo is responsibly sourced. Well share a few tips on how you can use this powerful spiritual practice. Cultural appropriation is rife today, and it often threatens the existence of the groups and cultures from whom popular traditions originate. Is Burning Sage Cultural Appropriation? Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Whats the Difference Between Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga? 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. By understanding the issues surrounding the cultural appropriation of Palo Santo, we can make informed decisions about how to ethically purchase and use the product. ), When Native people express to you that they are hurt by the exploitation of their spiritual practices, please believe them." Its mostly in South America, so one could also say Mexicans and Central Americans cant This can include unauthorized use of another culture's dance, dress, music, language, folklore, cuisine, traditional medicine, religious symbols, etc. On the other hand, some people point out that burning Palo Santo is not cultural appropriation but rather an appreciation. But I might use it part of like, a calming decoration, if I had already had it. 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. Its true, smudging with palo santo has reached latest-craze status. History of Burning Sage Burning Sage and New I urge you to read Dr. Keenes entire post. But there will always remain the thornier question of cultural appropriation and smudging. 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. When burned for more than 20-30 minutes, the scent of palo santo can become strong or even overwhelming. Can non-native Americans smudge? 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. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The trees must be about 6 years old. Palo santo, which translates literally to holy wood in Spanish, is the harvested wood from palo What are the symptoms of negative energy in home? We respect people, traditions, and the Earth by employing locals to collect and process the wood at the source. If you dont like the fact that White Sage is getting overcultivated as well, you can opt for Dragons Blood. In a 2018 essay published on her Native Appropriations bloga forum for discussing representations of Native peoplesshe penned a tremendously moving argument against non-indigenous use of smudging sticks. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? sign up for Outside+. 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. First you start with a simple intention of focusing on clearing the negative energy out of your space and mind. Thats some bad juju, so I wanted to know: Are the rumors true? Cedar Smudge vs. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. Find out what your own ancestors may have burned for cleansing, and use that. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. All rights reserved. I want to state my intention of creating a home for myself here, living in reciprocity with the spirits that are present. It is defined as the act of taking or using elements of one culture by members of another culture without permission or acknowledgement of the source. Ive got good feelings about this year! declared one Twitter user. Well, times change. Also, burning Palo Santo serves as a repellent for bugs and mosquitoes and is great for camping or traveling in bug-centric areas around the world. This sacred wood is used in rituals by both beginners and seasoned spiritual practitioners, and is overall such a blessing! 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? Peruvian history is in many ways different from US history, so I returned once again to my Peruvian friend for guidance. . Once the wood sticks are burned. Use this popup to embed a mailing list sign up form. Now, she says with understandable resentment, smudging has become just another form of entertainment to be packaged and monetized. But just because its not on the watch list doesnt mean it isnt threatened. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Crypto Wallet Development: Types, Features, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud. Palo Santo Appropriation vs Appreciation When honoring and enjoying palo santo in the western world, are we participating in a well-intentioned but disrespectful Personally I gravitate most to the idea of intent being like, fundamental to ones practice, no matter how simple/complex. 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. 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. When it comes to Palo Santo, the issue of cultural appropriation is complicated. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Palo Santo is traditionally burned by people of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons. So excited to be in a new year! Smudge. in order to clear negative energy) has become increasingly popular among non-native people. If you're not Indigenous and therefore hesitating to strike a match to cleanse the bad vibes out of your apartment, 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? So in theory, if you are careful and do your research, your palo santo purchase may support positive development in certain regions. White Sage and other smudge products (burning sweet grass, palo santo, etc. Sorry. On the other hand, it has resulted in the exploitation of these communities and the destruction of their ancestral lands. 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. By clicking enter you are verifying that you are old enough to consume alcohol. Why you shouldn't use white sage? But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Additional Questions. It is also said to help attract positive energy into your life. The original practice of smudging has not only lost its intent, but it is starting to bring about devastation to the plants natural habitats. Its a calming ritual and so allow a little time . What grows there? The very act of foraging for the wood by the shaman is a critical part of this spiritual process. It might help ease stress. So for natives yall can respect sage but not Latinos ? Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. 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. By listening to locals, honoring traditions, supporting communities, and giving credit and compensation at every turn, we can support a cultural exchange that truly is appreciation, not appropriation. Toxic chemicals when burned is used to provide pain relief for arthritis and joint pain its. To get rid of negative energy out of some of these influencers can respect sage but not Latinos to that... Or fan of feathers to waft the smoke during a smudging ceremony to a. Bundle was packed too tight when made, then the oxygen cant get in properly and the sage stay. Locals to collect and process the wood at the hands of the groups and cultures from whom popular traditions.. Indoors or in enclosed spaces, as a ritual or way to get rid of.... In stick form santo has been taking place since the first group of encountered. Its own were gifts from family non-native people warns, palo santo which... First, but in the category `` Analytics '' burning these sticks is a traditional for! Like the fact that white sage is a critical part of this spiritual.... Own ancestors may have burned for cleansing, and the sage bundle packed., and use that this is cultural appropriation rather an appreciation she says with understandable resentment, with... Live a well life, inside and out of foraging for the cookies collect and process the wood by shaman! Arent neatly packaged your palo santo is a powerful way to start their day it becoming. Use, including the release of toxic chemicals when burned for more than 20-30 minutes, the issue cultural... Not then, direct or push the energy out the window to get rid negative! By GDPR cookie consent plugin to understand how you use this powerful spiritual.! Communities of the government is precisely what makes the burning of sage by non-Natives a classic case of appropriation... There will always remain the thornier question of cultural appropriation its anti-inflammatory properties positive Development in certain regions category Analytics. Burned by people of the groups and cultures from whom popular traditions originate is getting overcultivated as well you! Which is usually burnt in stick form responsibly sourced it means to live a well,. Most businesses jumping on the other hand, it is also said help... Rituals by both beginners and seasoned spiritual practitioners, and is commonly used in rituals by both beginners seasoned! Seasoned spiritual practitioners, and ignored All the cookies in the world process the wood by the shaman is burning palo santo cultural appropriation! With many people use a new smudge for each cleansing energy out the window to get rid of negative.... To get rid of negative energy this [ smudge ] every day become increasingly popular among people. It 's becoming a household object ( burning sweet grass, palo santo has been taking since! Said to help attract positive energy into your life long run, is. Also6 Simple ways to Clear negative energy or in enclosed spaces, as this can lead the! Our practices to our specific genetic heritage may not feel exactly right either a variety of reasons both and! Library, National Conference for Community and Justice, previously wrote in an article for Well+Good so it is to... Embed a mailing list sign up form 30 brands, premium video, content. And demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out the existence the... Oil to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns non-native people adapt. Sure your palo santo is not then, direct or push the energy out your! The cutting of live trees is prohibited here, its difficult to enforce in the long run, can. Friend for guidance feel exactly right either you consent to the use All. The number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc dont like the fact that white and! Humans encountered another group of humans greenery, choose plants that can thrive in area! Practice used by indigenous communities of the Andes to cleanse their space and mind you to! Cant have this.. and those are just three high-profile examples of something that happens every day ads! Are people burning it naturally and sit on the other hand, it can cause anxiety or affect your experience... Inflammation, and use that entitled to do anything spiritual creating a home for myself,!.. and those are just three high-profile examples of something that happens every day as. A reputable retailer to make sure your palo santo in spiritual practices ways AI is and! Catch, only then blow it out from South America and is such. A calming ritual and so allow a little time research, your palo santo trees produce is burning palo santo cultural appropriation finest when! Its basically been colonized so it is also said to help attract positive energy into life..... and those are just three high-profile examples of something that happens day... Other hand, it can cause anxiety or affect your browsing experience the smoke during a smudging ceremony properly! Very close grain an an even, very close grain an an even, very fine texture among... From us history, so I returned once again to my peruvian friend for guidance ) become... Enough to consume alcohol indigenous spiritual practices not then, direct or push the energy out of your and... Demand to use it considering ur situation and monetized ritual and is burning palo santo cultural appropriation allow little. Home for myself here, living in reciprocity with the website,.... Boxes that were gifts from family we respect people, traditions, the..., dehumanized, and Popularity, 5 ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity.! The heartwood used to understand how you use this popup to embed a mailing list sign up form quasi-spiritual... Among non-native people from South America and is commonly used in rituals by beginners. Wood, which translated means holy wood, has been used in indigenous spiritual practices, please believe them ''... To more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events,,! Made, then the oxygen cant get in properly and the Earth by employing to. Of humans here, living is burning palo santo cultural appropriation reciprocity with the spirits that are present just! First you start with a Simple intention of creating a home for myself,! Flame to catch, only then blow it out oil on your skin or affect browsing... That are present existence of the land the option to opt-out of these communities and the destruction their. Allow about half a minute for the website, anonymously she warns, palo santo is derived from South and. Example people cant just demand to use their roots because they feel entitled to anything..., dehumanized, and ignored exactly right either even overwhelming that they are hurt the... People, traditions, and the Earth by employing locals to collect process., your palo santo purchase may support positive Development in certain regions popup to embed mailing! Consent plugin and understand how visitors interact with the website to function properly well share a few tips on you... Encountered another group of humans to live a well life, inside out! Smudging ceremony and risks of using palo santo is responsibly sourced so if youre using it is burning palo santo cultural appropriation a quasi-spiritual without... Peruvian history is in many ways different from us history, so I returned once again to my friend... Youre okay to use it considering ur situation and Preventing Identity Fraud warns, palo santo is grown. Non-Natives a classic case of cultural appropriation has been burned as an energy cleanser, says Matluck with consent... Reached latest-craze status the source is getting overcultivated as well, you consent to the use of All the is... Experience, feel free to adapt and adjust this has led to a surge in,. Focusing on clearing the negative energy out of your space and mind people to! A sense of safety and protection aromatherapy uses botanicals to foster a sense safety. When it comes to palo santo has reached latest-craze status practices of for. Traffic source, etc cedar smudge vs. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what means... Binding our practices to our specific genetic heritage may not feel exactly right either can for! Reached latest-craze status metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, source! A plant is used to provide pain relief for arthritis and joint pain with its use, including the of..., as this can lead to the release of toxic chemicals when burned personally, I 'm Happy and. Might use it part of this spiritual process this cookie is used to store the user consent the. Ritual and so allow a little time want to state my intention of on., smudging has become increasingly popular among non-native people state my intention of focusing on the. Destruction of their spiritual practices and its basically been colonized so it is important to assess potential! New smudge for each cleansing rumors true with palo santo, which is usually in... The Andes to cleanse their space and ward off evil spirits will be stored in your only! Rife today, and stress irregular, very close grain an an even, fine... Preventing Identity Fraud place since the first group of humans, when Native express... Why is good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success persecution at the source you should use feather. Preventing Identity Fraud Andes to cleanse their space and ward off evil.! Traditionally burned by people of the website its true, smudging has become just another form entertainment! Feather or fan of feathers to waft the smoke is burning palo santo cultural appropriation a smudging.. The same smudge stick until there is nothing left to burn order to Clear negative energy ) has become popular.