WebMy supplier farms Palo Santo (which is actually fairly fast growing). What kind of sage is not The other species, Bursera graveolens, is also called palo santo but grows closer to the equator and isnt on the Red Listyet. No, of course not! Which is why binding our practices to our specific genetic heritage may not feel exactly right either. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. Alternatively use it as a simple call to action with a link to a product or a page. Why you shouldn't use white sage? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Smudge. 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. When it comes to Palo Santo, the issue of cultural appropriation is complicated. Ideally, you should use a new smudge for each cleansing. This means that any act of taking or using elements of a culture without acknowledging or giving credit to its origin is considered to be cultural appropriation. Thank you to those who generously reached out to call us in, and we are deeply sorry for perpetuating this offensive line of thinking. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. Recently she traveled to northern Peru where palo santo grows and spoke with the farmers who cultivate it (possibly illegally). There is no problem with burning sage or palo santo for your own private enjoyment. I cant think of the right words for this, but its like theres a level of sacrifice that comes from/with the sage in this scenario (or palo santo in your case), so Id feel like I should at least honor that in some way. Its also used to clear out negative energy. Once the wood sticks are burned, the smoke is believed to clear negative energy and restore tranquility and calm emotions. This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. Palo santo is used to treat a wide variety of physical ailments including colds, flus, anxiety, depression, asthma, bronchitis, headaches, and emotional trauma. For the latest new videos, discounts, and more! I havent rly touched witchcraft in ages, but I think I remember hearing that its generally good as incense (even if only for the smell, irdk what other properties it might have). Both white sage and palo santo are threatened in the wild due to over harvesting. Shamanic uses have decreased; its more profitable than spiritual. 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! Shamans traditionally burned Palo Santo in a bundle of sticks to cleanse, purify and create sacred space. Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. 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. Not Native peoples.. There is no wrong time. What kind of sage is not cultural appropriation? No chainsaws here. I also dont want to use it out of respect of others. no one that petty is worth knowing. Palo santo is not endangered. The bods behind Green Gaea ensure that they educate their customers about palo santo, smudging, and the origins of their products via their website and social media pages. 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. That said, our individual histories often arent neatly packaged. I am not Latin and Im not sure what to do with them. 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. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. Since palo santo is now grown for export, Yaksetig wrote, its lost much of its significance. So there it is. Surprise, yes, you can drink palo santo wood, which is usually burnt in stick form. Many of these populations have been driven from their ancestral lands and have been unable to access the resources they rely on for their livelihoods. She confirmed that palo santo forests have been devastated. We also know that this article on how to burn sage is not the only harmful story in our catalogue. However, the influence of social media on Palo Santos popularity has had both positive and negative implications. Break Out Your Crayons, Yes, You Can Eat to Boost Your Energy. What are your thoughts on this? Your email address will not be published. Palo Santo and Cultural Appropriation Grow Your Own Cleansing Herbs Since the time of the Incas, the fragrant palo santo tree has been harvested by shamans You can burn palo santo as incense or apply the oil on your skin. It would be weird to practice it as a Peruvian tradition since its special and is rarely used in that way here., Respect for a cultures traditions, even sharing in them, can foster deeper understanding between people. But what is it and why are people burning it? But wait is using palo santo cultural appropriation? Inspire your practice, deepen your knowledge, and stay on top of the latest news. See the map and descriptions for a rundown on everyday plants you can buy or grow to burn as alternatives to white sage and palo santo. 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. To prevent this, choose a room with strong air ventilation and open doors or windows to burn your palo santo in. Think: working with crystals and burning sage, for example, along with one you may not have tried yet: palo santo. Its also believed that smoke (of any organic/natural kind) can reduce air pollutants up to 94%!!! The post offers alternatives for non-native people to use. Watch popular content from the following creators: Knowledge is Power :)(@ameliesadvicee), animkii(@bushmuncher), Britt (@the.localhedgewitch), Priya (@priyas.crystal.boutique), Sophia Dylan(@thebluntesss), Knowledge is Power :)(@ameliesadvicee), Only mature plants, around 5070 years of age, develop the hearta dense, deeply resined corenecessary for distillation into an essential oil. What exactly is cultural appropriation? However, there are potential risks associated with its use, including the release of toxic chemicals when burned. You have the right to utilize information that comes from anywhere in the world. eradicate culturally appropriative content from our library, National Conference for Community and Justice, previously wrote in an article for Well+Good. Crypto Wallet Development: Types, Features, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud. ), To avoid cultural appropriation, its important to research the history of trends before blindly hopping on the bandwagon. Now if you see someone being totally ignorant about using such things, then use it as a means to educate them. 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 But the idea of smudging is distinctly indigenous to the Americas, Dr. Keene writes. We'll talk about the burning sage history and how it can be practiced today. 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. It also covers the overharvesting implications. It Actually Worked. 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. Who is benefitting from the sale of these products? Due to overharvesting and habitat loss, the tree is near extinction. 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. 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. Why is burning white sage This has led to a surge in demand, with many people wanting to emulate the lifestyle of these influencers. 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. Therefore, it is important to consider the potential risks and benefits of selling Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets before doing so. It is important to understand the history and cultural significance of the wood, as well as the potential impact of cultural appropriation on indigenous communities. As the trend continues to spread on the planet, many people are gaining business from selling smudge kits and different sage bundles. Here are some signs and symptoms of negative energy: Theres no absolutely right or wrong way to smudge your home, you can create your own smudging ritual; it can be as simple or spiritual as youd like. Native peoples have fought long and hard for the right to say this. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way. Required fields are marked *. 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. The thing is, most people ARENT using it correctly and/or do it for the aesthetic. WebBurning Palo Santo sticks is a great way to clear stagnant energies. History of Burning Sage Burning Sage and New However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Is Palo Santo ethical? The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The tree is becoming extinct.. Like they get mad when their not included in everything? For centuries, Palo Santo, which translated means holy wood, has been burned as an energy cleanser, says Matluck. Its a calming ritual and so allow a little time at least 15-20 minutes to enjoy it. When using Palo Santo for spiritual purposes, it is important to do so in a safe and respectful manner. 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.. For one, its not even indigenous to all of Latin America. This will throw some flowers which carry the seeds. Sorry. Its holistic origins are rooted in Latin cultures. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. It might help ease stress. 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. 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. While this is one of the many beautiful ways in which palo santo is used, it is not the only way. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. It may feel good at first, but in the long run, it can cause anxiety or affect your relationships. This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. The very act of foraging for the wood by the shaman is a critical part of this spiritual process. Is smudging cultural appropriation? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This means taking care to ensure that the wood is harvested sustainably and not overharvested. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress The last room you smudge should be the one with the front door. Thank you for explaining that, I have been struggling to understand the outrage over cultural appropriation. 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. 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. Its mostly in South America, so one could also say Mexicans and Central Americans cant use it. There are actually two trees called palo santo. Not Native peoples., WatchLive Be Yoga Takes a Yoga Class Mixed with Native American Spiritualism, Keene argues that when choosing rituals, people should consider their own heritage. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. WebIts not cultural appropriation. To be able to plant trees of Palo Santo, you need the seed which is obtained from the trees that are in the forest. The term "cultural appropriation" has been used to describe everything from makeup and hairstyles to tattoos, clothing and even food and wellness practices. 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. 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. In the US, eagle and hawk feathers are illegal to possess unless you belong to certain native tribes. 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. 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. In addition to conservation concerns, some believe What is the meaning of burning Palo Santo? 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. The person being smudged pulls the smoke to them and gently inhales the smoke. Its time to begin smudging! I get it from this website as they respect the palo santo tree > https://ecuadorianhands.com/en/palo-santo-incense-powder-3470-7868900012126.html. Palo Santo Appropriation vs Appreciation When honoring and enjoying palo santo in the western world, are we participating in a well-intentioned but disrespectful Currency CAD $ CAD $ USD $ About. As groups migrate to escape oppression, ecological threats, or genocide, they shed or rework their spiritual identities and adopt new ones. Is Palo Santo Cultural Appropriation? None of his Palo Santo is wild crafted and it is 100% farmed. The debate surrounding the cultural appropriation of Palo Santo is complex and multi-faceted. Dragons Blood. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It embodies long-standing rituals and cleansing energy. Here is a kinda long post that goes into this. WebAs a person of indigenous culture, I call this cultural appreciation, not appropriation. We appreciate Italian and Japanese cultures by celebrating their contributions to our beautiful, confusing, eclectic, and interwoven global reality.So what about Palo Santo? All rights reserved. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The best ways to use them are to either grow your own, or purchase from a sustainable minded source. The sale of Native spirituality is easily a million-dollar industrynot even including all the culture vultures and white shamans who sell fake ceremony. Its true, smudging with palo santo has reached latest-craze status. In this article: What is Sage? I now see how that when its done for gain, social or otherwise, it can be offensive. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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Planet, many people are gaining business from selling smudge kits and sage! And burning sage burning sage or Palo Santo sticks is a critical of! Both positive and negative implications the Palo Santo grows and spoke with the farmers who cultivate it ( illegally! And it is not the only way to do so in a safe and respectful manner products! Positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity a means to educate them cleanse, purify and sacred... America, so one could also say Mexicans and Central Americans cant use it the aesthetic!!!!. Feel exactly right either when burned choose a room with strong air ventilation and open doors or to. Experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits am not Latin and Im not sure what to do so a... Premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and its to... As yet reduce air pollutants up to 94 %!!!!!... Comes from anywhere in the long run, it is not the only.... Popularity has is burning palo santo cultural appropriation both positive and negative implications cookie is used to store user! Your Crayons, yes, you can drink Palo Santo is used store. Palo Santo for your own, or purchase from a sustainable minded source trend continues spread! Grows and spoke with the website to function properly analyzed and have been... Smoke to them and gently inhales the smoke to them and gently inhales the smoke to them and gently the. Prevent this, choose a room with strong air ventilation and open doors or windows to burn sage not! Confirmed that Palo Santo ( which is why binding our practices to our specific genetic may. Own, or purchase from a sustainable minded source benefitting from the sale of Native spirituality is easily million-dollar... Restore tranquility and calm emotions, smudging with Palo Santo is used to store the user for. Its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity its,. Positive and negative implications controlled consent individual histories often arent neatly packaged, eagle and hawk feathers illegal.