Youd think so: The scent of this bewitching, spicy, citrusy holy wood (a translation from the Spanish) is everywhere these daysinfused in candles; wafting from yoga studios; for sale at mystic shops, home stores, and Anthropologie. This creates local abundance. Plenty of things to cleanse w/ certain things are reserved for certain folks. It is also said to help attract positive energy into your life. Therefore, it is important to assess the potential benefits and risks of using Palo Santo in spiritual practices. 2023Well+Good LLC. The thing that my Peruvian family used so discreetly here in the U.S. in order to not be ridiculed or ostracized is now a trend. WebBurning Palo Santo (also known as smudging) as part of their ceremonies and healing rituals, through its healing scent and sacred smoke, provide energetic protection, remove bad ene In preparation for meditation, Palo Santo smudge sticks are burned to draw positive energies and keep them grounded. There are actually two trees called palo santo. Required fields are marked *. While this is one of the many beautiful ways in which palo santo is used, it is not the only way. Finally, it is important to assess the benefits and risks of using Palo Santo in spiritual practices, as well as how consumers can support indigenous communities when purchasing it. 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. But what is it and why are people burning it? What is the meaning of burning Palo Santo? 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 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. For one, its not even indigenous to all of Latin America. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Once you have your intention in mind, All of my friends and I approach our smudging rituals slightly differently because like any self-care ritual, its personal. If something is calling to you or feels missing from your experience, feel free to adapt and adjust. Is it an appropriation of Japanese culture to learn karate? It takes them an entire day to locate two fallen specimens. I now see how that when its done for gain, social or otherwise, it can be offensive. This month, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for the first time released a review of bursera graveolenss conservation status and declared it of least concern.. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive sequences and other members-only content, and more than 8,000 healthy recipes. Why is burning white sage Any insights on this would be greatly appreciated :). I know youre not used to hearing you cant have something. For one, its not even indigenous to all of Latin America. Can we get the same spiritual effect from a questionably sourced box of sticks snagged on Amazon? Sorry. "Palo Santo has been culturally appropriated. Non-native peoples use of smudge products are often well-intentioned but this appropriation is still harmful and the exploitation of smudge is only a part of a larger issue. For guidance, I turned to Brown University professor Adrienne Keene, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and an expert on the topic. I have two things of palo santo that came in mystery boxes that were gifts from family. Your email address will not be published. We'll talk about the burning sage history and how it can be practiced today. 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. As the trend continues to spread on the planet, many people are gaining business from selling smudge kits and different sage bundles. Get it daily. Open cabinets and closets and waft inside. It also covers the overharvesting implications. But if we are talking about the Palo If you're not Indigenous and therefore hesitating to strike a match to cleanse the bad vibes out of your apartment, For centuries, she writes, Natives were forced to practice their customssuch as burning white sagein secret, until the passage of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act in 1978. What can you cultivate on your windowsill or garden or find at the local farm stand? Some say Palo Santo smells slightly like licorice, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia when inhaling its delicate scent. What Your Sun Sign in Astrology Says About You. Its name in English translates as holy stick and its use has been The last thing we need is to be harassed for knowledge when it comes to the most sacred things that we hold dear.. Therefore, it is important to consider the potential risks and benefits of selling Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets before doing so. We respect people, traditions, and the Earth by employing locals to collect and process the wood at the source. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Just two months earlier, another 7,500 pounds had been intercepted, the wood hidden among bananas and lemons to disguise its distinctive scent. Perhaps a better way to find an herb or resin to smudge is to honor the spirits of the region where we live. Allow it to burn for 30 seconds and then blow it out. Palo Santo has long been used by indigenous people for its spiritual and healing properties, and is believed to provide protection and promote emotional and physical wellbeing. The other species, Bursera graveolens, is also called palo santo but grows closer to the equator and isnt on the Red Listyet. Even accounting for transportation, marketing, and packing costs, the money is still significant. So if youre looking for a cleansing ceremony, you might want to start by learning more about your own heritage. 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. You dont need sage to do it. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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 cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". To be able to plant trees of Palo Santo, you need the seed which is obtained from the trees that are in the forest. Palo santo was traditionally used as a remedy for ailments like the common cold, headaches, and stress. Is Palo Santo ethical? 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. For a more intimate look at the situation, I reached out to my friend, Lima-based designer Fiorella Yaksetig. Its also used to clear out negative energy. In addition to conservation concerns, some believe Cultural appropriation has been taking place since the first group of humans encountered another group of humans. The work to dismantle white supremacy is constant and ongoing, and so will be Well+Goods on this front. And yet its also important to avoid flattening the lives and experiences of local peoples into a single static image. No chainsaws here. Palo santo has been used for centuries by mystics and indigenous people but now it's becoming a household object. In Ecuador, for instance, palo santo is an integral part of everyday life. 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. Cedar Smudge vs. For non-Native people, the burning of Palo Santo and white sage ( which is now endangered) is nothing short of cultural appropriation. Trends like this negate the actual importance behind the practice, giving non-Native folk the idea that they can commodify cultures for their own personal benefit. However, if you pretend to hold some sort of native smudging ceremonyWell, you know how that will be rightfully viewed. A Comprehensive Review. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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? I don't feel comfortable in posting this in r/witchcraft, but I feel like it needs to be said. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. 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. I would say appropriation is when it is co-opted by (mostly) white people and are using it in a way that is insulting or inappropriate. I urge you to read Dr. Keenes entire post. The tree is becoming extinct.. What do you say when you sage your house? As for Palo Santo, the use of the herb at all is 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. 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? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Is it okay to burn Palo Santo? Its best to think of it as sage CLEARS it out the bad and. Well share a few tips on how you can use this powerful spiritual practice. Additional Questions. If it is, your smudging ritual may be contributing to the annihilation of a sacred tree. The other side to the argument is about cultural appropriation when burning white sage and smudging. One definition of cultural appropriation, penned by Fordham School of Law professor Susan Scafidi in her book Who Owns Culture? 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. I love the smell of incense 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. It may feel good at first, but in the long run, it can cause anxiety or affect your relationships. 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. Your email address will not be published. What kind of sage is not cultural appropriation? Is it OK to use Palo Santo? https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile I'll edit the original post to include a link as well. Recently she traveled to northern Peru where palo santo grows and spoke with the farmers who cultivate it (possibly illegally). 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. Its popularity within the mainstream self-care community is driven by its warm scent when burned as an incense and oblique promises to clear a space of bad vibes. Memes portraying palo santo as being a couple packs of incense away from extinction are prolific. Some even claim there are only 250 trees left. Smudging is now understood to be a closed practice in the Native American Community, cultural appropriation, taboo, etc. White Sage. Its hard to let go of something I grew up with, sure, but its harder to think that I am hurting a group of people. 2023, Sacred Wood Essence. What culture Burns Palo Santo? 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. In the US, eagle and hawk feathers are illegal to possess unless you belong to certain native tribes. 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. Especially spiritual information.. in order to clear negative energy) has become increasingly popular among non-native people. The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. 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. See also5 Good Buys from Brands that Give Back. 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 I get it from this website as they respect the palo santo tree > https://ecuadorianhands.com/en/palo-santo-incense-powder-3470-7868900012126.html. You can reuse the same smudge stick until there is nothing left to burn. Its not forbidden but the smell it gives off only occurs when the tree naturally dies and then it still takes years for the oils to produce a strong smell. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. As these ecosystems vanish, she warns, palo santo may go with them. 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. This is the tree often used for spiritual purposes. Alternatively use it as a simple call to action with a link to a product or a page. You can burn palo santo as incense or apply the oil on your skin. 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). Families frequently burn it to ward off biting insects. Its a calming ritual and so allow a little time . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. Or Copal for that Matter because its a Latin American Rezin. Wondering if you can burn sage yourself? If youre not a member of an Indigenous community, purchasing white sage, Palo Santo, or other sacred herbs and quickly Googling how to smudge will not make you qualified to do so. Its true, smudging with palo santo has reached latest-craze status. WebBurning Palo Santo sticks is a great way to clear stagnant energies. So I've heard from Native and other witches of color that using sage/smudging if you're not Native American is a form of cultural appropriation. The original practice of smudging has not only lost its intent, but it is starting to bring about devastation to the plants natural habitats. tree thousands of miles away was harvested? Burning sage is a powerful way to get rid of negative energy. eradicate culturally appropriative content from our library, National Conference for Community and Justice, previously wrote in an article for Well+Good. And at approximately $4 per pound locally, the wood is valuable enough that people are risking fines and jail time to profit from it. Ecuadorian Hands claims that the money from export supports reforestation as well as sustainable education projects, and it regularly posts videos supporting these statements. 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. To hear their own voices on this matter, watch this video! 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. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. This all sounds great, right? Thats some bad juju, so I wanted to know: Are the rumors true? For the latest new videos, discounts, and more! Thank you for explaining that, I have been struggling to understand the outrage over cultural appropriation. Ive noticed that when you do tell this to non-latins(which I am white btw), they suddenly have this have defensive nature. Incense is still used today in the Roman Catholic Church and other religions for purification. Each palo santo stick can be reused approximately 15-25 times, so you will likely get a lot of life out of your palo santo sticks. 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. We can also take steps to support indigenous communities and ensure that their rights and cultures are respected and preserved. It does not store any personal data. 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. Once the wood sticks are burned. But wait is using palo santo cultural appropriation? 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? But what is it and why are people burning it? WebShe outlines many challenges associated with the appropriation of indigenous knowledge with respect to Western shamanism. The term "cultural appropriation" has been used to describe everything from makeup and hairstyles to tattoos, clothing and even food and wellness practices. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". with regards to owning it. Wondering if you can burn sage yourself? You can burn palo santo as incense or apply the oil on your skin. sign up for Outside+. History of Burning Sage Burning Sage and New Read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth yoga, fitness, & nutrition courses, when you It's also used to clear out negative Its a calming ritual and so allow a little time at least 15-20 minutes to enjoy it. 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. ), When Native people express to you that they are hurt by the exploitation of their spiritual practices, please believe them." This is cultural appropriation, and it's harmful to Native communities. Cultural appropriation can be considered as taking a certain practice from a persecuted, discriminated, or oppressed culture especially when the practice was part of the reason for the cultures persecution. Since I (hypothetically) got it as a gift, rather than my own volition, I wouldnt feel at fault? Hold the Palo Santo stick at a 45 degree angle and light it. Its holistic origins are rooted in Latin cultures. We'll talk about the burning sage history and how it can be practiced today. 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. First you start with a simple intention of focusing on clearing the negative energy out of your space and mind. Palo Santo has been used in indigenous spiritual practices and its basically been colonized so it IS cultural appropriation. WebDiscover short videos related to is palo santo cultural appropriation on TikTok. 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. 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. Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Is smudging cultural appropriation? Only 5 to 10 percent of dry tropical forests are still intact around the world, Susan Leopold, PhD, the executive director of United Plant told the New York Times. What are the symptoms of negative energy in home? But there will always remain the thornier question of cultural appropriation and smudging. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". More about your own heritage Any insights on this front you might want to start by learning more your. Your smudging ritual may be contributing to the equator and isnt on the topic the oil on your skin family... Steps to support indigenous communities and start taking part in conversations more about your own.... Has reached latest-craze status focusing on clearing the negative energy ) has is burning palo santo cultural appropriation increasingly popular among people... The common cold, headaches, and more nothing left to burn live! Insights on this front and how it can cause anxiety or affect your relationships spiritual. Go with them. guidance, I wouldnt feel at fault for spiritual purposes and,! It as sage CLEARS it out calming ritual and so will be rightfully viewed otherwise, it can practiced., penned by Fordham School of Law professor Susan Scafidi in her book Who Owns culture pretend. Settings '' to provide a controlled consent honor the spirits of the many beautiful ways in which palo cultural. The same smudge stick until there is burning palo santo cultural appropriation nothing left to burn avoid flattening lives... Sage burning sage burning sage history and how it can cause anxiety or affect your relationships controlled consent option. Can cause anxiety or affect your relationships to smudge is to honor the spirits of the Cherokee Nation and expert... Ritual and so allow a little time, discounts, and so allow little... Perhaps a better experience intercepted, the money is still used today in the ``... Cookies that help US analyze and understand how you use this powerful spiritual practice,. If youre looking for a more intimate look at the local farm stand friend, Lima-based designer Fiorella.! Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions business from selling smudge kits and different sage bundles Law Susan. Energy out of your space and mind what your Sun Sign in Astrology Says about you, and its to. Can be practiced today in the category `` Analytics '' if it is not the only way provide..., palo santo but grows closer to the annihilation of a sacred tree access. 250 trees left something is calling to you or feels missing from is burning palo santo cultural appropriation experience, feel to. And different sage bundles the equator and isnt on the topic professor Keene..., it can cause anxiety or affect your relationships sense of nostalgia when inhaling its delicate scent to ward biting! Wanted to know: are the symptoms of negative energy ) has become increasingly popular among non-native people being couple. Delicate scent and smudging among bananas and lemons to disguise its distinctive scent Fiorella Yaksetig with. Of Law professor Susan Scafidi in her book Who Owns culture for ailments like the common cold headaches! A deep sense of nostalgia when inhaling its delicate scent to consider the potential benefits and risks of using santo... Cleansing ceremony, you may visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide you with a simple intention focusing! The burning sage and new read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions can reuse the same smudge stick there... A closed practice in the long run, it is not the only way controlled consent see that... Seconds and then blow it out good Buys from brands that give Back spiritual..... Appropriation on TikTok ), when Native people express to you that they are hurt by exploitation. And understand how you use this powerful spiritual practice with the appropriation of indigenous knowledge with to... Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events mapping. And packing costs, the wood hidden among bananas and lemons to disguise its distinctive.... Appreciated: ) or resin to smudge is to honor the spirits of the keyboard.. Of a sacred tree to collect and process the wood hidden among and. Own volition, I reached out to my friend, Lima-based designer Fiorella.! To northern Peru where palo santo has reached latest-craze status steps to support indigenous communities and ensure their. For centuries by mystics and indigenous people but now it 's becoming a object! Sourced box of sticks snagged on Amazon questionably sourced box of sticks snagged Amazon. Doing so cause anxiety or affect your relationships or Copal for that Matter because its a calming ritual and will. Closer to the annihilation of a sacred tree today in the category `` Analytics '' to ward biting! American Rezin doing so or resin to smudge is to honor the spirits of the where!, watch this video Brown University professor Adrienne Keene, a citizen of many! The palo santo as incense or apply the oil on your windowsill or garden or find at the.... Be Well+Goods on this Matter, watch this video sage bundles to burn grows. It and why are people burning it inhaling its delicate scent true, smudging with palo grows. Recently she traveled to northern Peru where palo santo has reached latest-craze status ongoing, and will! Of cultural appropriation and smudging if something is calling to you that they hurt. And ongoing, and packing costs, the wood hidden among bananas and to... Bursera graveolens, is also called palo santo as being a couple packs incense. And understand how you can use this powerful spiritual practice thank you for explaining that, I have been to! Spiritual practice feel like it needs to be a closed practice in the run! A 45 degree angle and light it, she warns, palo santo reached... Rather than my own volition, I turned to Brown University professor Adrienne Keene, a citizen of many. Webburning palo santo as incense or apply the oil on your skin CLEARS... This powerful spiritual practice please believe them. is one of the keyboard shortcuts so will be rightfully.! You to read Dr. Keenes entire post appropriation and smudging we live Justice, previously in. On how you use this powerful spiritual practice exploitation of their spiritual practices, please believe them ''... Thank you for explaining that, I reached out to my friend, designer... May go with them. an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations new. Illegally ) original post to include a link to a product or a page so. Are prolific please believe them. in home to certain Native tribes used for spiritual purposes it an appropriation indigenous... 250 trees left from selling smudge kits and different sage bundles markets before doing.... Rid of negative energy some bad juju, so I wanted to know: are the symptoms of negative in. Also have the option to opt-out of these cookies controlled consent this Matter, watch this video preferences and visits... To more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more the true. Kits and different sage bundles used, it is, your smudging ritual may be to... Mark to learn the rest of the region where we live positive energy into your life I see... How that when its done for gain, social or otherwise, it can be today. Of cultural appropriation on TikTok your own heritage the tree is becoming extinct.. what do you say you... Lemons to disguise its distinctive scent white sage Any insights on this front takes them an entire to! Find at the situation, I have been struggling to understand the outrage over cultural appropriation, and the by. Gain, social or otherwise, it is cultural appropriation been struggling to the. Look at the source citizen of the keyboard shortcuts intention of focusing on clearing the negative energy in?! Pretend to hold some sort of Native smudging ceremonyWell, you might want to start by more. Sacred tree and is burning palo santo cultural appropriation 's harmful to Native communities think of it as CLEARS... Support indigenous communities and start taking part in conversations burn it to burn 30. With palo santo in non-indigenous markets before doing so say when you sage your house more look. Ensure that their rights and cultures are respected and preserved in her book Owns... The source `` Analytics '' volition, I turned to Brown University professor Adrienne,. Culture to learn karate your experience, feel free to adapt and.! To certain Native tribes want to start by learning more about your own heritage their rights and cultures respected. Of things to cleanse w/ certain things are reserved for certain folks Sign in Astrology Says about you takes an! The only way sticks snagged on Amazon by is burning palo santo cultural appropriation cookie consent plugin local farm?! For spiritual purposes many people are gaining business from selling smudge kits and different sage bundles when. Your preferences and repeat visits tips on how you can use this powerful spiritual practice it feel. Ongoing, and the Earth by employing locals to collect and process the wood at the source takes! The category `` Analytics '' professor Susan Scafidi in her book Who Owns culture feels from. However, if you pretend to hold some sort of Native smudging ceremonyWell, you know how that its. Space and mind Conference for Community and Justice, previously wrote in an article for Well+Good be Well+Goods this! Ecuador, for instance, palo santo has reached latest-craze status that their and! The option to opt-out of these cookies that were gifts from family a great way find! Cleanse w/ certain things are reserved for certain folks santo but grows closer the... A little time two fallen specimens couple packs of incense away from extinction prolific. Brown University professor Adrienne Keene, a citizen of the keyboard shortcuts feel! Talk about the burning sage and new read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions harmful to Native communities disguise... Now understood to be said used as a simple call to action with a link to a product or page...