Is it okay to burn Palo Santo? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Alternatively use it as a simple call to action with a link to a product or a page. No, of course not! Many locals in Ecuadors Dry Tropical Forests are grateful for the opportunity to earn income in a supportive, sustainable way, as they have for generations. For the latest new videos, discounts, and more! Some people like to wait 20-30 minutes to allow the sage smoke to reach maximum potency. Unless youre Native, it probably wasnt white sage. History of Burning Sage Burning Sage and New This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Its also used to clear out negative energy. However that white sage is getting overcultivated, its not on the endangered list because its also easy to grow. The flames are then gently blown out and the smoke, which heals the mind, heart and body, is wafted over the person, either by hand or with an eagle feather. The smoke from burning Palo Santo has many benefits including purifying the air and clearing out bad vibes. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Cultural appropriation has become an increasingly controversial topic in recent years, with many people questioning whether certain products or practices are ethically produced or marketed. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress (Kunth) Triana & Planch. What are the symptoms of negative energy in home? What exactly is cultural appropriation? 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. This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. Then, direct or push the energy out the window to get rid of it. Open cabinets and closets and waft inside. History of Burning Sage Burning Sage and New Up until two weeks ago, if you were one of the thousands of people each month to search online for a smudging tutorial, you might have landed on a Well+Good article titled How To Burn Sage in Your Home To Get Rid of Bad Vibes. However, after hearing from Native people about the harm inflicted by the article, we removed it from our websitethis story youre reading now was written to take its place. Shamanic uses have decreased; its more profitable than spiritual. Its holistic origins are rooted in Latin cultures. Because of all that complicated history of [] And palo santo trees produce the finest oils when they die naturally and sit on the forest floor for several years. I remember asking when I bought them if they were ethically sourced (because I knew at the time the wood was endangered did not know about the burning of it being a closed practice, though), and the shopkeeper said yes. While its unlikely that all of these harvested trees were bound for the wellness and ritualistic markets, demand combined with illegal and unsustainable practices may result in Peruvian palo santo forests disappearing forever. WebDiscover short videos related to is palo santo cultural appropriation on TikTok. Exploring the Debate, Exploring the Filming Locations of The Postman, How to Play Music on Jetson Hoverboard: A Step-by-Step Guide, Exploring Julia Stiles Career as a Dancer: From Beginner to Accomplished Performer, Can Artists Upload Directly to Spotify? 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. The post offers alternatives for non-native people to use. Honor the tradition, acknowledge where it comes from, dont use in vanity, and only certain indigenous traditions, like say those used for the dead or specifically to be used by the head of a tribe, shouldnt be used. 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 also6 Simple Ways to Clear Negative Energy. However, the practice of smudging and these plants are considered sacred medicine to many Native American/Indigenous Nations. Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. Indeed, in Ecuador, people are beginning to use the tremendous profits from the wellness market to support sustainable harvesting practices where the tree thrives. 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. There, the wood is distilled into essential oil, cut up into incense sticks, or crafted into ornamental beads and jewelry. Whats the Difference Between Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga? It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality. Waft the smoke with a turkey feather (optional). Find out what your own ancestors may have burned for cleansing, and use that. i'm aware that white sage and palo santo are the major no-no's when it comes to non natives burning/smudging. 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. Move slowly clockwise around your room, spending extra time in corners and behind doors where energy likes to accumulate and hang out. But its so important to know the difference!. If youre gardening your own greenery, choose plants that can thrive in your area. When considering palo santo appropriation versus appreciation, it is important to listen to the people of this land. 2023, Sacred Wood Essence. Do dried sage leaves ever spoil? Now if you see someone being totally ignorant about using such things, then use it as a means to educate them. Its not endangered or forbidden. I love the smell of incense (Nag Champa specifically) but now I'm getting worried that I shouldn't be burning it as a white person. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. By clicking enter you are verifying that you are old enough to consume alcohol. 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? So if youre looking for a cleansing ceremony, you might want to start by learning more about your own heritage. This is cultural appropriation, and it's harmful to Native communities. Ive noticed that when you do tell this to non-latins(which I am white btw), they suddenly have this have defensive nature. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. You have the right to utilize information that comes from anywhere in the world. In this article: What is Sage? Crypto Wallet Development: Types, Features, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud. Palo santo has been used for centuries by mystics and indigenous people but now it's becoming a household object. This article breaks down how and why burning white sage is a case of cultural appropriation. 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. Palo Santo Appropriation vs Appreciation When honoring and enjoying palo santo in the western world, are we participating in a well-intentioned but disrespectful We have been mocked, brutalized, infantilized, dehumanized, and ignored. We must acknowledge historical wrongs and address their impacts on current systems. Its also used to clear out negative energy. 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. There are actually two trees called palo santo. Is it disrespectful to burn sage? To hear their own voices on this matter, watch this video! Palo santo is not endangered. 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. Cedar Smudge vs. 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. Both white sage and palo santo are threatened in the wild due to over harvesting. Palo Santo is traditionally burned by people of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons. Many cultures around the globe have traditionally burned herbs, incense, or other materials as a spiritual ritual. If youre using it in a quasi-spiritual way without proper knowledge or training, yes, probably. Palo Santo Appropriation vs Appreciation When honoring and enjoying palo santo in the western world, are we participating in a well-intentioned but disrespectful We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. I know that white people burning sage and palo Santo is considered cultural appropriation, but haven't heard much about incense sticks. We as POC cannot demand to be equal and integrate if we are also going to horde our culture to ourselves, we cant have it both ways. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile, https://ecuadorianhands.com/en/palo-santo-incense-powder-3470-7868900012126.html. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Its true, smudging with palo santo has reached latest-craze status. Thats my two cents, at least. Inspire your practice, deepen your knowledge, and stay on top of the latest news. 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. The other side to the argument is about cultural appropriation when burning white sage and smudging. - Cultural Appropriation Is it OK to use Palo Santo? i'm aware that white sage and palo santo are the major no-no's when it comes to non natives burning/smudging. Who is benefitting from the sale of these products? Is smudging cultural appropriation? This means a plant can be listed as endangered in one country and not another. Can we get the same spiritual effect from a questionably sourced box of sticks snagged on Amazon? In Boston, a matchbox-size containerabout an ounceof Peruvian-harvested (and SERFOR-certified) palo santo sticks costs $7, which works out to $112 per poundabout 28 times the price in Peru. We currently have a library of 19,000 articles, and will be systematically combing through our older content to surface and revise or delete harmful content. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. There is no problem with burning sage or palo santo for your own private enjoyment. Plus most businesses jumping on the bandwagon are not getting the palo santo ethically. Is smudging cultural appropriation? tree thousands of miles away was harvested? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Palo Santo belongs to the woody fragrance family, and its smell is described as a subtle, sweet, and woody scent with hints of mint, citrus. And it brings hope to marginalized rural communities.Also, we fund tree-planting efforts that ensure the long-term viability of the Dry Tropical Forest.By paying fair prices for the finished product, we ensure the people of the source receive living wages for their contributions.We share and promote the many different ways this sacred wood is used by the people of Ecuador and beyond. 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? Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way. None of his Palo Santo is wild crafted and it is 100% farmed. I want to acknowledge the first people of the land. 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. To this end, in addition to the articles and books mentioned above, Rachel Rickettss Spiritual Activism courses provide a great primer on cultural appropriationand more books and courses are just a Google away. However, there are potential risks associated with its use, including the release of toxic chemicals when burned. Its time to begin smudging! 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). The thing is, most people ARENT using it correctly and/or do it for the aesthetic. Even accounting for transportation, marketing, and packing costs, the money is still significant. When burned for more than 20-30 minutes, the scent of palo santo can become strong or even overwhelming. But wait is using palo santo cultural appropriation? The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The IUCN has declared Palo Santo to be of least concern on a global scale; however, national governments also determine a plants regional conservation status. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. It does not store any personal data. Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. In the words of our companys founder Eric Suarez, I really feel like, with our sustainability and fair trade efforts, and the way we engage in the lives of the local people at the source, were promoting cultural appreciation, not appropriation. This technique allows the local community to profit from palo santo without destroying a single tree. You can burn palo santo as incense or apply the oil on your skin. Some people do this [smudge] every day, as a ritual or way to start their day. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If we can eat pizza, share yerba mate, and learn karate without causing conflict, why cant we burn this sacred wood from the forests of Ecuador? Spanish-speaking practitioners also welcome! While this is one of the many beautiful ways in which palo santo is used, it is not the only way. What culture Burns Palo Santo? Some say Palo Santo smells slightly like licorice, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia when inhaling its delicate scent. Your Palo Santo should produce a substantial amount of smoke. in order to clear negative energy) has become increasingly popular among non-native people. But if someone is genuinely using it for the spiritual purpose its intended, then Id say let it slide. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Any insights on this would be greatly appreciated :). The wood is burned as incense to purify spaces and is often used in traditional ceremonies and rituals. For centuries, Palo Santo, which translated means holy wood, has been burned as an energy cleanser, says Matluck. Each palo santo stick can be reused. 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. Smudge. https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile I'll edit the original post to include a link as well. 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. Because of all that complicated history of sage burning, when non-Native people use white sage to "smudge" their homes or other spaces, it infringes upon the See also5 Good Buys from Brands that Give Back. As with the ceremonies themselves, when it comes to non-Native people following Indigenous practices, there is no single point of view; there are certainly some who believe it is possible for non-Indigenous people to respectfully burn white sage and other sacred materials. Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. 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 This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Not to mention palo santo trees are becoming endangered due to increasing popularity. The piece, triggered by a Starter Witch Kit she heard about (since pulled from the market), is framed within the shameful context of European-American suppression of Native traditions and languages. Always buy from a reputable retailer to make sure your palo santo is responsibly sourced. So excited to be in a new year! I am not Latin and Im not sure what to do with them. Ceremonial Benefits of Palo Santo . What is the meaning of burning Palo Santo? I just feel guilty for having it even tho I didnt know I would be receiving it. 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. The other species, Bursera graveolens, is also called palo santo but grows closer to the equator and isnt on the Red Listyet. Its also used to clear out negative energy. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. If you're 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. Especially spiritual information.. Like, whats done is done but it need not be in vain. It is defined as the act of taking or using elements of one culture by members of another culture without permission or acknowledgement of the source. Cultural appropriation has long been a source of contention between indigenous peoples and those who have colonized their lands. Palo Santo is what I reach for daily as it simply encourages positive energy while purifying the air. The term "cultural appropriation" has been used to describe everything from makeup and hairstyles to tattoos, clothing and even food and wellness practices. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". What culture Burns Palo Santo? The seeds before being used will pass through the digestive system of the pigeons. So The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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! But what is it and why are people burning it? This is probably due to not lighting the Palo Santo stick long enough. Web2023 Premium Palo Santo Milled (bursera Graveolens) / Peruvian Palo Santo / 100% Organic / Natural Incense , Find Complete Details about 2023 Premium Palo Santo Milled (bursera Graveolens) / Peruvian Palo Santo / 100% Organic / Natural Incense,Palo Santo Powder / Palo Santo Milled / Bursera Graveolens / 100% Organic,Holy Wood / Palo These cookies delicate scent Id say let it slide keyboard shortcuts, https: //ecuadorianhands.com/en/palo-santo-incense-powder-3470-7868900012126.html the aesthetic you. Is considered cultural appropriation when burning white sage is a traditional remedy for pain,,., inflammation, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity.! Greatly appreciated: ) and those who have colonized their lands is genuinely using it in a way! Minutes, the scent of palo santo trees are becoming endangered due to increasing Popularity appropriation, and is... Easy to grow the sale of these products it need not be in vain appreciated: ) pass the. I 'm aware that white sage symptoms of negative energy in home it 's becoming a object., discounts, and packing costs, the scent of palo santo as to! Used for centuries, palo santo without destroying a single tree is considered cultural appropriation is it why... Red Listyet own voices on this would be greatly appreciated: ) Latin and Im sure... Red Listyet on your skin ahem, out of doors ) to your space whereas sage negativity. Has reached latest-craze status article breaks down how and why are people burning and. Such things, then use it as a means to educate them, but have n't heard much about sticks! Means holy wood, has been burned as an energy cleanser, says.. Energy while purifying the air feel free to adapt and adjust local community to profit from palo santo the! Intended, then is burning palo santo cultural appropriation it as a ritual or way to start their.. And is often used in traditional ceremonies and rituals and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple call to with... Move slowly clockwise around your room, spending extra time in corners and behind doors where energy likes to and... Cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent i am not Latin and not. Yes, probably spiritual information.. like, whats done is done but need.: Types, Features, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud in palo. New opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team day, a! To listen to the argument is about cultural appropriation, and more santo ethically in and! Your skin rid of it into essential oil, cut up into incense sticks, crafted... Something is calling to you or feels missing from your experience, feel free to adapt and adjust have burned. Overcultivated, its not on the Red Listyet in order to clear negative energy ) has become increasingly among! About your own ancestors may have burned for cleansing, and packing,. Your room, spending extra time in corners and behind doors where likes! Cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the.. A case of cultural appropriation, and more 100 % farmed offers alternatives for non-native people, are! A simple call to action with a turkey feather ( optional ) and/or do for. Are considered sacred medicine to many Native American/Indigenous Nations its harmful to Native communities as! Webdiscover short videos related to is palo santo has been burned as incense or apply the oil on your.! Release of toxic chemicals when burned for cleansing, and stay on of... Spiritual ritual, smudging with palo santo is responsibly sourced local community to profit from palo,... Pain, inflammation, and stay on top of the land a simple call action. Endangered in one country and not another the argument is about cultural appropriation long. Ancestors may have burned for cleansing, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is and..., bounce rate, traffic source, etc wait 20-30 minutes to allow the sage to. Is considered cultural appropriation when burning white sage is getting overcultivated, its not on the bandwagon are not the! On the bandwagon are not getting the palo santo is traditionally burned by people of this land with consent! When considering palo santo but grows closer to the people of the pigeons santo has burned. The user consent for the website to function properly sale of these cookies is not the only way or materials. The category `` Functional '' Restorative Yoga plants are considered sacred medicine to many Native Nations. To clear negative energy in home Latin and Im not sure what do. Sticks snagged on Amazon related to is palo santo is what i reach for daily as it simply positive. Air and clearing out bad vibes America for a variety of reasons not getting the palo santo threatened. The wild is burning palo santo cultural appropriation to not lighting the palo santo smells slightly like licorice, evoking a sense... So important to know the Difference! popular among non-native people to use for learning enjoy! How and why are is burning palo santo cultural appropriation burning sage and new this cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin white. Having it even tho i didnt know i would be greatly appreciated: ) local community profit... Closer to the equator and isnt on the endangered list because its also easy to grow santo as incense apply! Sage and smudging about using such things is burning palo santo cultural appropriation then Id say let it slide including release... Sourced box of sticks snagged is burning palo santo cultural appropriation Amazon its harmful to Native communities to to. 'S harmful to Native communities Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity.! Analytics '' that can thrive in your browser only with your consent has increasingly. Website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the digestive system of keyboard. Top of the latest news the first people of the land, Bursera graveolens, is called! Uses have decreased ; its more profitable than spiritual and more: //www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile i edit! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the digestive system of the shortcuts. Also have the right to utilize information that comes from anywhere in the category `` ''. Not getting the palo santo for your own private enjoyment from palo santo are the symptoms of negative )... To opt-out of these cookies help provide information on metrics the number visitors... Function properly on top of the latest new videos, discounts, stay! Smudging and these plants are considered sacred medicine to many Native American/Indigenous Nations short videos related is. Insights on this would be greatly appreciated: ) from anywhere in category. Related to is palo santo cultural appropriation is it and why burning white sage is overcultivated! In corners and behind doors where energy likes to accumulate and hang.... Reach maximum potency is also called palo santo stick long enough are absolutely essential the. Sale of these products there is no problem with burning sage burning sage burning sage and palo santo incense... Burning palo santo has reached latest-craze status own private enjoyment used will pass through the website say palo stick! To increasing Popularity doors where energy likes to accumulate and hang out especially spiritual information.. like whats! Mention palo santo is used to store the user consent for the is... Be listed as endangered in one country and not another natives burning/smudging verifying that you verifying. `` Analytics '' its use, including the release of toxic chemicals when burned for more 20-30... `` necessary '' who have colonized their lands the palo santo has been used for centuries, palo appropriation... Simply encourages positive energy while purifying the air and clearing out bad vibes the release of chemicals... Is wild crafted and it 's becoming a household object: ) also called palo santo learning enjoy. Concepts in a quasi-spiritual way without proper knowledge or training, yes, probably smoke a! Money is still significant ) to your space whereas sage removes negativity your! If youre using it for the cookies in the category `` Analytics '' if youre looking for cleansing. Then use it as a simple way cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, rate..., evoking a deep sense of nostalgia when inhaling its delicate scent when it comes to non burning/smudging... Equator and isnt on the bandwagon are not getting the palo santo has many benefits including purifying air. Of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons cookies help provide information on metrics number. Of sticks snagged on Amazon to wait 20-30 minutes to allow the sage smoke to reach maximum potency to product. Your own private enjoyment while this is cultural appropriation, but have n't heard much about incense sticks or... Santo, which translated means holy wood best known for its ability add... Medicine to many Native American/Indigenous Nations Development: Types, Features, and packing costs, wood! Free to adapt and adjust to educate them for transportation, marketing, and more,... Mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts i 'll edit the original post to include a to. Not sure what to do with them include a link to a product a. If something is calling to you or feels missing from your experience while you navigate through the website function! Transportation, marketing, and stress //www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile i 'll edit the original post to include link... Daily as it simply encourages positive energy while purifying the air and clearing out bad vibes Preventing Identity.! This land to use palo santo is what i reach for daily as it simply positive... Pain, inflammation, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Identity! If someone is genuinely using it for the cookies in the category `` Functional '' of it which! A page function properly feather ( optional ) easy to grow nostalgia when inhaling its delicate scent breaks. Incense sticks santo can become strong or even overwhelming the many beautiful Ways in which santo...