I noticed while doing my research in 1986 that white sage was sold at stores catering to the occult. Studies have shown that burning blue sage can help to reduce anxiety and stress levels, improve sleep quality, and even boost immunity. No, blue sage, white sage and any other sage is not cultural appropriation. 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. Google white sage, the primary ingredient in the mainstream smudging custom, and dozens of choices for sage sticks and bundles appear. It is important to consider the impact that the appropriation of blue sage has had on indigenous communities. ._2FKpII1jz0h6xCAw1kQAvS{background-color:#fff;box-shadow:0 0 0 1px rgba(0,0,0,.1),0 2px 3px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.2);transition:left .15s linear;border-radius:57%;width:57%}._2FKpII1jz0h6xCAw1kQAvS:after{content:"";padding-top:100%;display:block}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2{-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-pack:start;justify-content:flex-start;background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-navIconFaded10);border:2px solid transparent;border-radius:100px;cursor:pointer;position:relative;width:35px;transition:border-color .15s linear,background-color .15s linear}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._3kUvbpMbR21zJBboDdBH7D{background-color:var(--newRedditTheme-navIconFaded10)}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._3kUvbpMbR21zJBboDdBH7D._1L5kUnhRYhUJ4TkMbOTKkI{background-color:var(--newRedditTheme-active)}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._3kUvbpMbR21zJBboDdBH7D._1L5kUnhRYhUJ4TkMbOTKkI._3clF3xRMqSWmoBQpXv8U5z{background-color:var(--newRedditTheme-buttonAlpha10)}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._1asGWL2_XadHoBuUlNArOq{border-width:2.25px;height:24px;width:37.5px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._1asGWL2_XadHoBuUlNArOq ._2FKpII1jz0h6xCAw1kQAvS{height:19.5px;width:19.5px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._1hku5xiXsbqzLmszstPyR3{border-width:3px;height:32px;width:50px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._1hku5xiXsbqzLmszstPyR3 ._2FKpII1jz0h6xCAw1kQAvS{height:26px;width:26px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._10hZCcuqkss2sf5UbBMCSD{border-width:3.75px;height:40px;width:62.5px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._10hZCcuqkss2sf5UbBMCSD ._2FKpII1jz0h6xCAw1kQAvS{height:32.5px;width:32.5px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._1fCdbQCDv6tiX242k80-LO{border-width:4.5px;height:48px;width:75px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._1fCdbQCDv6tiX242k80-LO ._2FKpII1jz0h6xCAw1kQAvS{height:39px;width:39px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._2Jp5Pv4tgpAsTcnUzTsXgO{border-width:5.25px;height:56px;width:87.5px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._2Jp5Pv4tgpAsTcnUzTsXgO ._2FKpII1jz0h6xCAw1kQAvS{height:45.5px;width:45.5px}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._1L5kUnhRYhUJ4TkMbOTKkI{-ms-flex-pack:end;justify-content:flex-end;background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-active)}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._3clF3xRMqSWmoBQpXv8U5z{cursor:default}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._3clF3xRMqSWmoBQpXv8U5z ._2FKpII1jz0h6xCAw1kQAvS{box-shadow:none}._2e2g485kpErHhJQUiyvvC2._1L5kUnhRYhUJ4TkMbOTKkI._3clF3xRMqSWmoBQpXv8U5z{background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-buttonAlpha10)} Note that the issue is specifically White Sage. 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. Instead, advocates say non-Native people can learn to cleanse their spaces in ways that are culturally and ecologically sensitive. HTWC 1 yr. ago It would be both ironic and sad if in celebrating Mother Earth, Pagans helped to make a sacred herb extinct. I'm sorry that this doesn't directly address blue sage, however this is the best I can do broadly addressing the issue. Even from a non economical standpoint i just see it as the best part of multiculturism. 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. There are other ways to purify your space. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. You can't. Wondering whether burning sage is cultural appropriation is a fair question long story short, burning sage is problematic for a few reasons, the biggest being cultural insensitivity and environmental unsustainability. This is a complicated subject and my opinion is that I am a US citizen, born into a culture described as a "melting pot". But the way in which the idea was first. Press J to jump to the feed. At Pagan ceremonies that I attended as a researcher, those leading the ritual would cut a sacred circle. This is as much a part of smudging (or saging) as burning the plant is, Hopkins says. Different Native communities use different medicines for smudging depending on where they are from, and not every culture uses white sage or smudges. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Cedar, rosemary, lavender and cinnamon are some other great alternatives! The sage plant is native to the Mediterranean region but has grown across the Americas for ages. Dr. Adrienne Keene, assistant professor of American Studies and Ethnic Studies at Brown University, author of the blog Native Appropriations, and citizen of the Cherokee Nation, This article was originally published on July 19, 2019, Shadow Work Is All About Stepping Into Your Power Here's How To Do It, TikTok's "Soft Life" Trend Isn't Just About Enjoying Nice Things, Meet The Running Coach Advocating For POC Representation On The Trails, How Many Squats Should You Do? "Taking intellectual property, traditional knowledge, cultural expressions, or artifacts from someone else's culture without permission. Cultural appropriation is not a modern concept; it has existed as long as culture itself. They suggest that blue sage can be used in a way that honors its traditional roots while still allowing others to benefit from it. So when our religious practices are . ._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} That is where it crosses a line, but lose the claim and the rest of it is just honoring a tradition like a fan honors Star Wars by swinging a toy light saber. 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. It is a way to keep danger at bay as well as provide a way to separate the sacred from the mundane. White Sage is one, but there's others out there too. We have to stop guarding cultures and subcultures in efforts to preserve them.. One example that Moody-Ramirez gave is when designers have models wear . Yall are so sickening and you cant even see why. Smudging refers to a specific cultural and spiritual practice, but smoke cleansing offers an alternative to smudging for folks who aren't Indigenous. 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. ._3-SW6hQX6gXK9G4FM74obr{display:inline-block;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:16px;height:16px;font-size:16px;line-height:16px} 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. What is blue sage for? 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. 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. The cleansing and purification of the place and the participants are meant to protect them by keeping out unsavory spirits. While it is not inherently wrong to adopt elements of another culture, it can be problematic when the source is not acknowledged or respected. Traditional dress and eagles feathers were two other examples of commonly appropriated items. In fact, before smudging was popularized, it was illegal at least, for Indigenous folks and often violently suppressed. Smudging sage was part of those banned religious practices. This is something known as a closed practice, something those who are not within specific cultures are not welcome to use under any circumstances. Just use your sage and that's it. Purification can be done using a number of substances, including salt, rosemary and sometimes white sage. Cultural appropriation or cultural celebration? Blue Sage is widely used for cleansing and . identity. @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} Cultural appropriation is a very complicated topic, and the line between appreciating and learning from another culture and stealing from them in a harmful way isn't always clear. It is important to remember that blue sage has a long history of use among certain tribes and should be respected as such. Cultural appropriation, defined Culture refers to the traditions, customs, beliefs, and practices of any given ethnic, racial, or religious group. At Pagan ceremonies that I attended as a researcher, those leading the ritual would cut a sacred circle. This form of cleansing can look a bit like smudging, but its just the simple act of burning herbs, wood, incense, or other safe-to-burn materials that possess cleansing properties. So that raises another factor, I guess. 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. Exclude from home page BNG staff 'No Celebrities Except Jesus': How Asbury Protected the Revival. Within these religions nature is viewed as sacred, to be celebrated and protected. The practice of smudging, therefore, should not be taken lightly, according to Dr. Adrienne Keene, an assistant professor of American Studies and Ethnic Studies at Brown University, author of the blog Native Appropriations, and citizen of the Cherokee Nation. It is used in many Native American ceremonies and has long been considered sacred by some tribes. Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? What kind of sage is not cultural appropriation? These tribes have historically used blue sage for ceremonial and medicinal purposes. Why are your so afraid of possibly offending? As religious studies scholar Sarah Pike found among contemporary Pagans, cultural borrowing from Native Americans was seen as connecting the participants to the spirits that lived in the land around them. And it doesnt specifically refer to the burning of white sage, either. There is no set liturgy that everyone follows, and it is possible for people to create their own rituals. The past few years have certainly left many folks with the desire to rid their homes of negative energy. ._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} It's all about what Halloween costume you wear, or who's cooking biryani. It has also been used medicinally by some indigenous communities for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. 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. This can include unauthorized use of another culture's. Participants believed they were honoring the first people on the continent by incorporating elements of their spiritual practice. Cultural appropriation is the adoption of certain elements from another culture without the consent of people who belong to that culture. They argue that the appropriation of blue sage has led to an increase in the commercialization of the plant, a decrease in access for indigenous people, and a loss of cultural identity. Pagan rituals take place outdoors, when possible, or sometimes in peoples homes or in occult bookstores. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). Traditional dress and eagles feathers were two other examples of commonly appropriated items. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. 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. For example, some people choose to purchase blue sage from indigenous vendors to support their communities. It only becomes cultural appropriation when an element of culture is adopted from a marginalized group without respect for its cultural meaning or significance or with the purpose of exploiting the culture Sage is not the only sacred medicine used for smudging. 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. Historically, deciding exactly what culture is hasn't been easy. 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 . But unless you are a descendant of Indigenous North American people, it likely wasn't white sage that they were burning, according to Keene. Blue sage (Salvia clevelandii) is a perennial herb native to California, Arizona, and Baja California, Mexico. Today, Native people are still fighting to be able to perform these ceremonies in hospitals. But you may want to hold off on buying that, too. 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. . It is important to note, however, that they should still be used in a respectful way and not taken out of their traditional contexts. Cultural appropriation 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 (Oxford Dictionary). 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. And the participants are meant to protect them by keeping out unsavory spirits do broadly addressing issue! And stress levels, improve sleep quality, and even boost immunity and even boost immunity outdoors! 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