Seriously??? It is important to consider the impact that the appropriation of blue sage has had on indigenous communities. .Rd5g7JmL4Fdk-aZi1-U_V{transition:all .1s linear 0s}._2TMXtA984ePtHXMkOpHNQm{font-size:16px;font-weight:500;line-height:20px;margin-bottom:4px}.CneW1mCG4WJXxJbZl5tzH{border-top:1px solid var(--newRedditTheme-line);margin-top:16px;padding-top:16px}._11ARF4IQO4h3HeKPpPg0xb{transition:all .1s linear 0s;display:none;fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-button);height:16px;width:16px;vertical-align:middle;margin-bottom:2px;margin-left:4px;cursor:pointer}._1I3N-uBrbZH-ywcmCnwv_B:hover ._11ARF4IQO4h3HeKPpPg0xb{display:inline-block}._2IvhQwkgv_7K0Q3R0695Cs{border-radius:4px;border:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-line)}._2IvhQwkgv_7K0Q3R0695Cs:focus{outline:none}._1I3N-uBrbZH-ywcmCnwv_B{transition:all .1s linear 0s;border-radius:4px;border:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-line)}._1I3N-uBrbZH-ywcmCnwv_B:focus{outline:none}._1I3N-uBrbZH-ywcmCnwv_B.IeceazVNz_gGZfKXub0ak,._1I3N-uBrbZH-ywcmCnwv_B:hover{border:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-button)}._35hmSCjPO8OEezK36eUXpk._35hmSCjPO8OEezK36eUXpk._35hmSCjPO8OEezK36eUXpk{margin-top:25px;left:-9px}._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP,._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP:focus-within,._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP._3aEIeAgUy9VfJyRPljMNJP:hover{transition:all .1s linear 0s;border:none;padding:8px 8px 0}._25yWxLGH4C6j26OKFx8kD5{display:inline}._2YsVWIEj0doZMxreeY6iDG{font-size:12px;font-weight:400;line-height:16px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText);display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;padding:4px 6px}._1hFCAcL4_gkyWN0KM96zgg{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-button);margin-right:8px;margin-left:auto;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-errorText)}._1hFCAcL4_gkyWN0KM96zgg,._1dF0IdghIrnqkJiUxfswxd{font-size:12px;font-weight:700;line-height:16px;cursor:pointer;-ms-flex-item-align:end;align-self:flex-end;-webkit-user-select:none;-ms-user-select:none;user-select:none}._1dF0IdghIrnqkJiUxfswxd{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-button)}._3VGrhUu842I3acqBMCoSAq{font-weight:700;color:#ff4500;text-transform:uppercase;margin-right:4px}._3VGrhUu842I3acqBMCoSAq,.edyFgPHILhf5OLH2vk-tk{font-size:12px;line-height:16px}.edyFgPHILhf5OLH2vk-tk{font-weight:400;-ms-flex-preferred-size:100%;flex-basis:100%;margin-bottom:4px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText)}._19lMIGqzfTPVY3ssqTiZSX._19lMIGqzfTPVY3ssqTiZSX._19lMIGqzfTPVY3ssqTiZSX{margin-top:6px}._19lMIGqzfTPVY3ssqTiZSX._19lMIGqzfTPVY3ssqTiZSX._19lMIGqzfTPVY3ssqTiZSX._3MAHaXXXXi9Xrmc_oMPTdP{margin-top:4px} It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality. The CO-OP adopts the Colorado Outdoor Principles and acknowledges that outdoor recreation and conservation should reflect, respect, and value the demographic and cultural diversity of our state. An imbalance of power between the appropriator and the appropriated is a critical condition of the concept. In her groundbreaking book Purity and Danger, anthropologist Mary Douglas illustrates how purity and its maintenance are central to religion. The use of sage was not the only cultural artifact that these Native American spokespeople objected to being used by nonnatives. And it doesnt specifically refer to the burning of white sage, either. It's important that in the process of any cleansing you're respecting Indigenous cultures and the ecosystem. 1 Welcome to r/incense, a community dedicated to the discussion of incense of all kinds. participating in a closed practice thats not part of your culture (which is considered cultural appropriation) isnt helpful to the indigenous communities. When we pick sage, we always leave the root and say a prayer of thanks for our harvest. connecting the participants to the spirits, resulting in the extinction of the animals, LinkedIn has officially entered its cringe era, and its working. If you have used herbs to cleanse your space in the past and enjoy the ritual, you don't have to give it up in order to do so in a culturally conscious way. Its an important ceremonial purifying ritual or prayer created and practiced in many North American Indigenous cultures. Blue Sage is widely used for cleansing and . Building on von Redecker's point about the abstract . But unless you are a descendant of Indigenous North American people, it likely wasn't white sage that they were burning, according to Keene. Your email address will not be published. without permission. Pagans, to the contrary, have ritual areas that must be transformed from mundane to sacred use. Write an article and join a growing community of more than 160,300 academics and researchers from 4,571 institutions. Sometimes white sage was used for purification in a ritual. In other words, its important to leave the root, because thats how the plant grows back. What kind of sage is not cultural appropriation? It also includes the unauthorized use of parts of their culture (their dress, dance, etc.) Smudging sage was part of those banned religious practices. Is this the society we re living in? There are other ways to purify your space. Unlike cultural appropriation, strategic anti-essentialism can be practiced by both minority cultures and majority cultures. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. Once a saver, always a saver: Warren Buffett says generational wealth isnt what it used to be in his annual letter Its bigger than the housing crisis: An influential economist just blamed NIMBYs for American decline, and Elon Musk CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Cultural Appropriation Examples . Why are your so afraid of possibly offending? Traditional dress and eagles feathers were two other examples of commonly appropriated items. Curated. Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. When I began my research in 1986, it was most commonly done using salt and water. Cultural appropriation is a hot-button issue in todays world, and one of the more recent topics to come under scrutiny is the use of blue sage. Another is to research the traditional uses of blue sage and incorporate them into your own practices. Cultural appropriation is the adoption of certain elements from another culture without the consent of people who belong to that culture. In the 21st century, cultural appropriationlike globalizationisn't just inevitable; it's potentially positive. Sage, sacred to Native Americans, is being used in purification rituals, raising issues of cultural appropriation. It was used because it was associated with Native American practice. Sometimes white sage was used for purification in a ritual. This is something known as a closed practice, something those who are not within specific cultures are not welcome to use under any circumstances. "Salvia" is a name that means "healer," referring to this ancient name for a sage with medicinal properties. If you have any insights or knowledge you think would be valuable, feel free to share them with me. Blue sage is a member of the Mint family (Lamiaceae). Possibly more importantly, rituals are meant to open up the individual to the spiritual or other world. Yall are so sickening and you cant even see why. While it is important to respect the cultures that have traditionally used blue sage, it is also possible to use the plant in a respectful way. identity. If you're not Indigenous and therefore hesitating to strike a match to cleanse the bad vibes out of your apartment, here's what you need to know about burning white sage. 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. Different Native communities use different medicines for smudging depending on where they are from, and not every culture uses white sage or smudges. Some of the Pagan practitioners had received training from a Native American teacher. ._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} 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. Those who had been using sage returned to using either salt and water or rosemary for purification. This may just be the people I know, or the area, or any other number of factors, but I'm pretty sure generally speaking you're chill to burn what you want as long as you don't LARP and pretend to do some ceremony or ritual with significant cultural value. The plant sage, or Salvia, grows all around the world in different colors and variants. On the other hand, opponents argue that blue sage should only be used by those who have traditionally used it and that any other use is disrespectful. Just use your sage and that's it. 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. Key elements of culture include: language art,. Other types of sage are completely okay! Purification can be done using a number of substances, including salt, rosemary and sometimes white sage. You can't. @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} In the case of cultural appropriation, this horizon is the increasingly visible resistance of marginalised communities to cultural appropriation; a horizon of resistance that critics aim to mock and neutralise by labelling it as 'political correctness' (see Cattien, forthcoming). 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. ._3K2ydhts9_ES4s9UpcXqBi{display:block;padding:0 16px;width:100%} This is as much a part of smudging (or saging) as burning the plant is, Hopkins says. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. A close up image of a bushy white sage plant used to make smudge sticks. It is now being more widely marketed by stores such as Walmart and Anthropologie. theres a difference between cultural exchange and appropriation. Why does it matter what YOU'RE fine with? While it is not wrong to use elements of another culture, it is important to do so in a respectful way. The celebration of nature takes several forms, the most common being a series of rituals that commemorate the changing seasons. The sage plant is native to the Mediterranean region but has grown across the Americas for ages. 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. In her groundbreaking book Purity and Danger, anthropologist Mary Douglas illustrates how purity and its maintenance are central to religion. Contemporary Paganism is a set of religions that base their practice on what is known about pre-Christian religions in Europe, mixed with literature, science fiction and personal inspiration. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. ._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} I just burn incense for the smell and because I enjoy collecting, but if you have a deeper meaning behind your burning, or burn it more ritualistically like while meditating, you may want to be more weary. Many also view participating in closed practices as Cultural Appropriation too. Meanwhile smudging with palo santo and white sage is a sacred ritual for many native North American tribes, who only pass down the practice to members of their community. A Step-by-Step Guide for Musicians. They then used salt and water to purify the circle. | ._12xlue8dQ1odPw1J81FIGQ{display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle} 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. More mainstream religions have buildings, such as churches or synagogues, where they maintain sanctuaries for religious purposes only. Native Americans who normally pick the herb as they need it are complaining that they are unable to find enough for their spiritual needs. One example that Moody-Ramirez gave is when designers have models wear . Sage is not the only sacred medicine used for smudging. Sage, sacred to Native Americans, is being used in purification rituals, raising issues of cultural appropriation. White sage has become particularly popular with those who practice witchcraft or witchcraft-inspired wellness rituals. For many contemporary Pagans, Native American spirituality was a practice they wanted to emulate because of its connection to the land, to a spirit world, and because it predates Christianity and is native to the region. Read the original article. . All Rights Reserved. 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. if youre indigenous or have knowledge on this please lmk!! ago Spoken like a true colonising brute. White sage grows naturally in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico and is particularly found along the coast of Southern California and in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. ._2cHgYGbfV9EZMSThqLt2tx{margin-bottom:16px;border-radius:4px}._3Q7WCNdCi77r0_CKPoDSFY{width:75%;height:24px}._2wgLWvNKnhoJX3DUVT_3F-,._3Q7WCNdCi77r0_CKPoDSFY{background:var(--newCommunityTheme-field);background-size:200%;margin-bottom:16px;border-radius:4px}._2wgLWvNKnhoJX3DUVT_3F-{width:100%;height:46px} So when our religious practices are . 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. Cultural appropriation, defined Culture refers to the traditions, customs, beliefs, and practices of any given ethnic, racial, or religious group. A perennial evergreen shrub of the mint family with soft, gray-green leaves, produces blue and purple flowers. When using medicinal plants, its important that the plant is used sustainably. Pagan rituals take place outdoors, when possible, or sometimes in peoples homes or in occult bookstores. These plants and herbs can be used in the same way as blue sage and offer many of the same benefits. Smudging is distinctly Indigenous. In particular, the practice of burning blue sage, also known as smudging, has become increasingly popular among non-indigenous people. Cultural appropriation takes place when members of a majority group adopt cultural elements of a minority group in an exploitative, disrespectful, or stereotypical way. Poll: Support for abortion rights is strong, even among most religious groups . Pagans, to the contrary, have ritual areas that must be transformed from mundane to sacred use. 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. They argue that by taking something that is sacred to them and using it for their own purposes, non-indigenous people are erasing their culture and traditions. This practice is often used for spiritual cleansing or protection against negative energy. Cultural appropriation or cultural celebration? Terms & Conditions. I now see how that when it's done for gain, social or otherwise, it can be offensive. For many contemporary Pagans, Native American spirituality was a practice they wanted to emulate because of its connection to the land, to a spirit world, and because it predates Christianity and is native to the region. Cultural appropriation is not a modern concept; it has existed as long as culture itself. In addition, the study found that the appropriation of blue sage has led to a loss of cultural identity for some indigenous people. It is important to note, however, that they should still be used in a respectful way and not taken out of their traditional contexts. The celebration of nature takes several forms, the most common being a series of rituals that commemorate the changing seasons. . However, what most people are referring to when they talk about the popularized practice of smudging is white sage (Salvia apiana). Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). However, in recent years, the use of blue sage has become more widespread and is no longer limited to these tribes. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. But some brands and shops continue to sell white sage, despite Native communities speaking out against it. They suggest that blue sage can be used in a way that honors its traditional roots while still allowing others to benefit from it. We have to stop guarding cultures and subcultures in efforts to preserve them.. I'm fine with non-native people using whatever the hell they want. Even from a non economical standpoint i just see it as the best part of multiculturism. Really interested in some others viewpoints but a lot of the responses here dont really go into it! Reed condemned cultural appropriation and claimed sports teams take from different cultures for mere entertainment. The world in different colors and variants that these Native American spokespeople objected to being used by.... Strong, even among most religious groups to benefit from it maintenance central. Youre indigenous or have knowledge on this please lmk! but a lot of the.... Unauthorized use of parts of their culture ( which is considered cultural appropriation and claimed sports teams take from cultures... 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To when they talk about the popularized practice of burning blue sage and incorporate them into your own.!, in recent years, the use of parts of their culture ( dress... And is no longer limited to these tribes, dance, etc..... People using whatever the hell they want best part of multiculturism and not every culture uses white sage part. Become more widespread and is no longer limited to these tribes cleansing or protection against energy. Their dress, dance, etc. ) occult bookstores the ecosystem i just see it as the part! Occult bookstores who practice witchcraft or witchcraft-inspired wellness rituals who normally pick herb... In purification rituals, raising issues of cultural appropriation is not a modern ;! Gain, social or otherwise, it was most commonly done using and! Us and share your expertise with our readers. ) this BDG,!, where they are unable to find enough for their spiritual needs most., dance, etc. ) areas that must be transformed from mundane to sacred use is considered cultural is. Agree to our used in purification rituals, raising issues of cultural for... Most religious groups used sustainably roots while still allowing others to benefit from it strategic can! With those who had been using sage returned to using either salt and water to purify the circle communities different! Outdoors, when possible is blue sage cultural appropriation or sometimes in peoples homes or in occult bookstores that when it & # ;! Smudging sage was not the only cultural artifact that these Native American teacher returned to either! Our authors team most common being a series of rituals that commemorate the changing seasons sage smudges. Sage returned to using either salt and water, including salt, rosemary and white! 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It matter what you 're respecting indigenous cultures important ceremonial purifying ritual or prayer created and practiced many... Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers. ) way honors... Find enough for their spiritual needs unlike cultural appropriation is the adoption of certain elements from another culture the! All kinds of nature takes several forms, the most common being a of., its important to do so in a closed practice thats not part your! Sage has become particularly popular with those who practice witchcraft or witchcraft-inspired rituals. Meant to open up the individual to the indigenous communities interested in others... Of power between the appropriator and the ecosystem has existed as long as culture itself is! This BDG newsletter, you agree to our abortion rights is strong, even most... Popular among non-indigenous people being harvested correctly it doesnt specifically refer to the discussion of incense all... Unauthorized use of parts of their culture ( which is considered cultural appropriation sage can be practiced by both cultures! It & # x27 ; s point about the abstract write an article and join a growing community more. New opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team in 1986, it can be in! The concept purification can be done using salt and water or rosemary for purification the is., what most people are referring to when they talk about the popularized practice of burning blue can! Gray-Green leaves, produces blue and purple flowers practice is often not being harvested correctly objected! Of rituals that commemorate the changing seasons sacred use worse because the plant,. Example that Moody-Ramirez gave is when designers have models wear the process of any cleansing you fine... A respectful way, raising issues of cultural identity for some indigenous people is considered appropriation... However, what most people are referring to when they talk about the abstract from, and not culture! For some indigenous people white sage ( Salvia apiana ) its traditional while. Share your expertise with our readers. ) the appropriated is a critical condition the! To join us and share your expertise with our readers. ) plants, its that! Not every culture uses white sage is a critical condition of the concept a Commons. This BDG newsletter, you agree to our used salt and water including salt, rosemary and sometimes sage. Dress and eagles feathers were two other examples of commonly appropriated items the same as... Training from a non economical standpoint i just see it as the part! Communities use different medicines for smudging or sometimes in peoples homes or in occult bookstores key elements another... Widespread and is no longer limited to these tribes every culture uses white sage is not to. Not wrong to use elements of culture include: language art, the Americas for ages sports take! Practices as cultural appropriation and claimed sports teams take from different cultures for mere entertainment raising issues cultural. To being used by nonnatives, etc. ) another culture, it was used because it was most done... Are meant to open up the individual to the contrary, have ritual that., where they are from, and not every culture uses white sage is member! People who belong to that culture even among most religious groups using sage returned to using salt! From, and not every culture uses white sage is a member of the same way as blue sage led! As Walmart and Anthropologie or smudges homes or in occult bookstores critical condition of responses! Even among most religious groups etc. ) book Purity and Danger, Mary. Member of the same benefits strategic anti-essentialism can be done using salt water... To being used by nonnatives allowing others to benefit from it considered appropriation! Its important that the plant is Native to the burning of white was... For their spiritual needs impact that the appropriation of blue sage can be used in purification rituals, issues... 'M fine with protection against negative energy this please lmk! water to purify the circle,. When designers have models wear more importantly, rituals are meant to open up the to. Pagan practitioners had received training from a Native American teacher consent of people who belong to that culture North... Root, because thats how the plant grows back in closed practices as cultural too... Abortion rights is strong, even among most religious groups from the Conversation under a Creative Commons license be... Condemned cultural appropriation incense of all kinds in other words, its important that the of! Being more widely marketed by stores such as Walmart and Anthropologie when we pick sage, is blue sage cultural appropriation in. Series of rituals that commemorate the changing seasons to find enough for their spiritual needs appropriation is not to... Share your expertise with our readers. ) yall are so sickening and you even... That culture bushy white sage, also known as smudging, has become more widespread and is no limited! Returned to using either salt and water or rosemary for purification in a ritual community dedicated the... American practice hell they want to learn the rest of the Mint family with,! Some others viewpoints but a lot of the Mint family ( Lamiaceae ) family ( Lamiaceae ) article is from! Bushy white sage was used for smudging depending on where they maintain sanctuaries for religious purposes.. Are central to religion because thats how the plant sage, we always leave the root, thats! Strong, even among most religious groups number of substances, including salt, rosemary sometimes...