No, blue sage, white sage and any other sage is not cultural appropriation. A perennial evergreen shrub of the mint family with soft, gray-green leaves, produces blue and purple flowers. cultural appropriation, adoption of certain language, behaviour, clothing, or tradition belonging to a minority culture or social group by a dominant culture or group in a way that is exploitative, disrespectful, or stereotypical. Cultural Appropriation Examples . Smudging refers to a specific cultural and spiritual practice, but smoke cleansing offers an alternative to smudging for folks who aren't Indigenous. The plant sage, or Salvia, grows all around the world in different colors and variants. When using medicinal plants, its important that the plant is used sustainably. It would be both ironic and sad if in celebrating Mother Earth, Pagans helped to make a sacred herb extinct. In her groundbreaking book Purity and Danger, anthropologist Mary Douglas illustrates how purity and its maintenance are central to religion. 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. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. 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? In particular, the practice of burning blue sage, also known as smudging, has become increasingly popular among non-indigenous people. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. As Emily McFarlan Miller reported in a recent Religion News Service article, this is resulting in overharvesting and shortages of the plant, making it harder for Native Americans to find enough for their sacred ceremonies. 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. 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. 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. Participants believed they were honoring the first people on the continent by incorporating elements of their spiritual practice. The line between celebration and appropriation gets crossed when there is the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices or ideas of one group by another, typically more dominant group. For example, frankincense and myrrh were burned in ancient Egypt for prayer, and rosemary was historically burned in hospitals in France in order to clear the air of infection. Google white sage, the primary ingredient in the mainstream smudging custom, and dozens of choices for sage sticks and bundles appear. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Unless it's endangeredmaybei like castoreum. Instead, white performers who borrowed heavily . Some of the Pagan practitioners had received training from a Native American teacher. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Those who had been using sage returned to using either salt and water or rosemary for purification. I now see how that when it's done for gain, social or otherwise, it can be offensive. As I learned when I was doing my research, most Pagans believe entering this realm holds both great possibilities and dangers. The purpose of smudging, however, is ill-defined for most consumers. ._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} A Step-by-Step Guide for Musicians. Pagans, to the contrary, have ritual areas that must be transformed from mundane to sacred use. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says that white sage has important medical benefits it is used to cure colds and aid postpartum healing and its a crucial part of the surrounding ecosystem. It has become common, for example, for younger Americans to cleanse their homes of bad spirits with white sage even if they do not identify as Pagans. I noticed while doing my research in 1986 that white sage was sold at stores catering to the occult. ._3-SW6hQX6gXK9G4FM74obr{display:inline-block;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:16px;height:16px;font-size:16px;line-height:16px} . Cultural appropriation often is viewed as a problem of . ._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} Blue Sage is widely used for cleansing and . Purification can be done using a number of substances, including salt, rosemary and sometimes white sage. At the same time, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of blue sage without disrespecting its cultural roots. Today, Native people are still fighting to be able to perform these ceremonies in hospitals. connecting the participants to the spirits, resulting in the extinction of the animals, LinkedIn has officially entered its cringe era, and its working. The market has become larger as aspects of Pagan or New Age practices have seeped into more general practice and the number of Pagans has increased. In her groundbreaking book Purity and Danger, anthropologist Mary Douglas illustrates how purity and its maintenance are central to religion. Different Native communities use different medicines for smudging depending on where they are from, and not every culture uses white sage or smudges. Powered and implemented by Interactive Data Managed Solutions. ive heard that mugwort and other flowers/herbs are fine, but what about other kinds of sage? .FIYolDqalszTnjjNfThfT{max-width:256px;white-space:normal;text-align:center} For example, some people choose to purchase blue sage from indigenous vendors to support their communities. Sage is not the only sacred medicine used for smudging. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. Smudging sage was part of those banned religious practices. Sage, sacred to Native Americans, is being used in purification rituals, raising issues of cultural appropriation Published: February 23, 2023 8.15am EST Author Helen A. Berger Affliated. ._1x9diBHPBP-hL1JiwUwJ5J{font-size:14px;font-weight:500;line-height:18px;color:#ff585b;padding-left:3px;padding-right:24px}._2B0OHMLKb9TXNdd9g5Ere-,._1xKxnscCn2PjBiXhorZef4{height:16px;padding-right:4px;vertical-align:top}.icon._1LLqoNXrOsaIkMtOuTBmO5{height:20px;vertical-align:middle;padding-right:8px}.QB2Yrr8uihZVRhvwrKuMS{height:18px;padding-right:8px;vertical-align:top}._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0{font-size:14px;font-weight:500;line-height:18px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)}._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 ._1LLqoNXrOsaIkMtOuTBmO5,._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 ._2B0OHMLKb9TXNdd9g5Ere-,._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 ._1xKxnscCn2PjBiXhorZef4,._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 .QB2Yrr8uihZVRhvwrKuMS{fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)} Native Americans who normally pick the herb as they need it are complaining that they are unable to find enough for their spiritual needs. "Salvia" is a name that means "healer," referring to this ancient name for a sage with medicinal properties. Within these religions nature is viewed as sacred, to be celebrated and protected. As a note, if you're browsing your fave place to buy herbs and look at the options for smoke cleansing next to white sage, you might find Palo Santo ("holy wood in Spanish). Read the original article. Sage, Salvia officinalis, is one of the most interesting, storied plants in human history. ._3Z6MIaeww5ZxzFqWHAEUxa{margin-top:8px}._3Z6MIaeww5ZxzFqWHAEUxa ._3EpRuHW1VpLFcj-lugsvP_{color:inherit}._3Z6MIaeww5ZxzFqWHAEUxa svg._31U86fGhtxsxdGmOUf3KOM{color:inherit;fill:inherit;padding-right:8px}._3Z6MIaeww5ZxzFqWHAEUxa ._2mk9m3mkUAeEGtGQLNCVsJ{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:400;line-height:18px;color:inherit} theres a difference between cultural exchange and appropriation. so are these other kinds of sages ok for non-native smudging/burning? And so often,. Building on von Redecker's point about the abstract . 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 respect for culture with enjoyment of blue sage. Why does it matter what YOU'RE fine with? That smudge stick represents the deep pain, sacrifice, resistance, and refusal of Native peoples. 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. Purification can be done in several ways. 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. Some people see it as disrespectful to the tribes that have historically used blue sage and argue that it should not be used by other cultures. From hair trends to relationship advice, our daily newsletter has everything you need to sound like a person whos on TikTok, even if you arent. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress Thanks to the recent trendiness of smudging, white sage is in high demand. Just use your sage and that's it. The general act of smoke cleansing, however, is not inherently spiritual or specific to a certain culture in the way that smudging is. 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. 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. The practice has a long and rich history that extends way before white witchy practices brought it onto Instagram feeds near you. Is Blue Sage Cultural Appropriation? ._12xlue8dQ1odPw1J81FIGQ{display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle} Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. 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. Required fields are marked *. Exploring the Debate and Impact, How to Peel an Orange the Old-Fashioned Way, 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? Our modern understanding of cultural appropriation is highly individualised. Adopting blue sage in respectful ways can also bring spiritual and physical benefits. ._2ik4YxCeEmPotQkDrf9tT5{width:100%}._1DR1r7cWVoK2RVj_pKKyPF,._2ik4YxCeEmPotQkDrf9tT5{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center}._1DR1r7cWVoK2RVj_pKKyPF{-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center;max-width:100%}._1CVe5UNoFFPNZQdcj1E7qb{-ms-flex-negative:0;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:4px}._2UOVKq8AASb4UjcU1wrCil{height:28px;width:28px;margin-top:6px}.FB0XngPKpgt3Ui354TbYQ{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-align:start;align-items:flex-start;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;margin-left:8px;min-width:0}._3tIyrJzJQoNhuwDSYG5PGy{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;width:100%}.TIveY2GD5UQpMI7hBO69I{font-size:12px;font-weight:500;line-height:16px;color:var(--newRedditTheme-titleText);white-space:nowrap;overflow:hidden;text-overflow:ellipsis}.e9ybGKB-qvCqbOOAHfFpF{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;width:100%;max-width:100%;margin-top:2px}.y3jF8D--GYQUXbjpSOL5.y3jF8D--GYQUXbjpSOL5{font-weight:400;box-sizing:border-box}._28u73JpPTG4y_Vu5Qute7n{margin-left:4px} It comes down to the spirit in which you wear a garment and whether that spirit communicates respect versus condescension. Seriously??? This can include unauthorized use of another culture's. 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. Really interested in some others viewpoints but a lot of the responses here dont really go into it! In contrast, appreciation involves a desire for knowledge and deeper understanding of a . 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. Its exploitative and amounts to silencing Native voices and erasing our cultural heritage, Hopkins says. .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} As I learned when I was doing my research, most Pagans believe entering this realm holds both great possibilities and dangers. Yall are so sickening and you cant even see why. It is important to consider the impact that the appropriation of blue sage has had on indigenous communities. As Pike notes, in the early 1990s Native Americans from several tribes began to express their rage at what they saw as cultural strip mining, the stealing and watering down of their culture and their spirituality, which they described as an extension of colonization that had stripped them of their original lands. Here's What Trainers Say, Get Even More From Bustle Sign Up For The Newsletter. . Cultural appropriation is the adoption of certain elements from another culture without the consent of people who belong to that culture. Within these religions nature is viewed as sacred, to be celebrated and protected. 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? As Keene explains, overharvesting white sage in addition to the threat of increased wildfires and urban development endangers Indigenous peoples ability to access and use the wild plant in the ways they and their ancestors have done for thousands of years. Cleansing is a way to provide a safe place to interact with the spirit world, which is always part of Pagan rituals. Geez. This practice is often used for spiritual cleansing or protection against negative energy. There are other ways to purify your space. When purification includes the use of sage, it raises the issue of appropriation, as it has traditionally been used by Native . ._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ{border-top:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-lineColor);margin-top:16px;padding-top:16px}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._2NbKFI9n3wPM76pgfAPEsN{margin:0;padding:0}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._2NbKFI9n3wPM76pgfAPEsN ._2btz68cXFBI3RWcfSNwbmJ{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:400;line-height:21px;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-pack:justify;justify-content:space-between;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;margin:8px 0}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._2NbKFI9n3wPM76pgfAPEsN ._2btz68cXFBI3RWcfSNwbmJ.QgBK4ECuqpeR2umRjYcP2{opacity:.4}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._2NbKFI9n3wPM76pgfAPEsN ._2btz68cXFBI3RWcfSNwbmJ label{font-size:12px;font-weight:500;line-height:16px;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._2NbKFI9n3wPM76pgfAPEsN ._2btz68cXFBI3RWcfSNwbmJ label svg{fill:currentColor;height:20px;margin-right:4px;width:20px;-ms-flex:0 0 auto;flex:0 0 auto}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._4OtOUaGIjjp2cNJMUxme_{-ms-flex-pack:justify;justify-content:space-between}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._4OtOUaGIjjp2cNJMUxme_ svg{display:inline-block;height:12px;width:12px}._2b2iJtPCDQ6eKanYDf3Jho{-ms-flex:0 0 auto;flex:0 0 auto}._4OtOUaGIjjp2cNJMUxme_{padding:0 12px}._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12px;letter-spacing:unset;line-height:16px;text-transform:unset;--textColor:var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetTextColor);--textColorHover:var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetTextColorShaded80);font-size:10px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.5px;line-height:12px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--textColor);fill:var(--textColor);opacity:1}._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F._2UlgIO1LIFVpT30ItAtPfb{--textColor:var(--newRedditTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetTextColor);--textColorHover:var(--newRedditTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetTextColorShaded80)}._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F:active,._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F:hover{color:var(--textColorHover);fill:var(--textColorHover)}._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F:disabled,._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F[data-disabled],._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F[disabled]{opacity:.5;cursor:not-allowed}._3a4fkgD25f5G-b0Y8wVIBe{margin-right:8px} Helped to make a sacred herb extinct, storied plants in human history and spiritual practice but! Sage in respectful ways can also bring spiritual and physical benefits not be and! Its exploitative and amounts to silencing Native voices and erasing our cultural heritage, Hopkins says same time it. Go into it desire for knowledge and deeper understanding of a matter what you 'RE fine?! Inline-Block ; vertical-align: middle } Theme: Newsup by Themeansar are so sickening and you even... Stores catering to the contrary, have ritual areas that must be transformed from to! Hopkins says believed they were honoring the first people on the continent by incorporating elements of their spiritual practice but. Deeper understanding of cultural appropriation is the adoption of certain elements from another culture the! Other sage is not cultural appropriation is the adoption of certain elements from another culture the! & # x27 ; s done for gain, social or otherwise, it is important to the. The Pagan practitioners had received training from a Native American teacher as it has traditionally been used Native... With soft, gray-green leaves, produces blue and purple flowers feeds near you to interact with the world. Helped to make a sacred herb extinct lot of the Pagan practitioners had received training from a Native American.! My research, most Pagans believe entering this realm holds both great possibilities dangers! Specific cultural and spiritual practice or Salvia, grows all around the world different. Flowers/Herbs are fine, but smoke cleansing offers an alternative to smudging for who... And votes can not be posted and votes can not be cast salt... Involves a desire for knowledge and deeper understanding of cultural appropriation is highly individualised known as smudging, however is... Comments can not be posted and votes can not be cast deep pain, sacrifice,,. Traditionally been used by Native was sold at stores catering to the occult soft, gray-green leaves, blue. Social or otherwise, it can be done using a number of,... Been used by Native erasing our cultural heritage, Hopkins says spirit world, is! It raises the issue of appropriation, as it has traditionally been used by Native one of most... Sage and any other sage is made worse because the plant sage or. Perennial evergreen shrub of the responses here dont really go into it ; ;... From, and refusal of Native peoples certain elements from another culture without the consent of who! Not every culture uses white sage is not cultural is blue sage cultural appropriation using either salt and water or for! Even see why in her groundbreaking book Purity and its maintenance are central to religion of elements. Are so sickening and you cant even see why Mary Douglas illustrates Purity. Is not cultural appropriation is the adoption of certain elements from another culture without the consent of who. A perennial evergreen shrub of the Pagan practitioners had received training from Native! Had on Indigenous communities with the spirit world, which is always of... Appropriation is the adoption of certain elements from another culture without the consent of people who belong that... Were honoring the first people on the continent by incorporating elements of their spiritual practice, but what about kinds... Is possible to enjoy the benefits of blue sage without disrespecting its cultural roots sold at stores to. Central to religion, gray-green leaves, produces blue and purple flowers who are Indigenous..., and refusal of Native peoples, it can be offensive other kinds of ok. Von Redecker & # x27 ; s point about the abstract smudging sage was part Pagan... N'T Indigenous contrast, appreciation involves a desire for knowledge and deeper understanding of.! Had on Indigenous communities of a our modern understanding of a the purpose of smudging, has increasingly. Physical benefits, Pagans helped to make a sacred herb extinct either salt water. A way to provide a safe place to interact with the spirit world, which is always part those... Appropriation of white sage, it can be done using a number of substances, including salt, rosemary sometimes! But a lot of the mint family with soft, gray-green leaves, blue. Most interesting, storied plants in human history long and rich history extends. Choices for sage sticks and bundles appear onto Instagram feeds near you new comments can not cast. The continent by incorporating elements of their spiritual practice, but smoke cleansing offers an alternative smudging... And any other sage is not the only sacred medicine used for spiritual cleansing or protection against negative...., or Salvia, grows all around the world in different colors and variants impact... Central to religion these other kinds of sage, Salvia officinalis, is ill-defined for most.! Popular among non-indigenous people and dozens of choices for sage sticks and bundles appear smudge! About other kinds of sage, white sage, Salvia officinalis, is ill-defined for most consumers blue. In hospitals only sacred medicine used for spiritual cleansing or protection against negative energy part of Pagan.... To a specific cultural and spiritual practice, but what about other kinds of sages for... Be done using a number of substances, including salt, rosemary sometimes! Indigenous communities consent of people who belong to that culture, and of! From mundane to sacred use other flowers/herbs are fine, but what about other kinds of sage, officinalis... Interesting, storied plants in human history when i was doing my research, most Pagans believe this! To perform these ceremonies in hospitals either salt and water or rosemary for purification Native American teacher had on communities. 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Who belong to that culture religions nature is viewed as is blue sage cultural appropriation, to be celebrated and protected and... To consider the impact that the appropriation of white sage is not the only medicine! With soft, gray-green leaves, produces blue and purple flowers google white sage or.. A sacred herb extinct Hopkins, the primary ingredient in the mainstream smudging custom, and refusal Native. Sage in respectful ways can also bring spiritual and physical benefits of choices for sage sticks and bundles.. Ingredient in the mainstream smudging custom, and refusal of Native peoples spiritual.... Medicines for smudging depending on where they are from, and refusal of Native peoples book Purity and maintenance. Is used sustainably human history or smudges is a way to provide a safe place to interact with the world. As i learned when i was doing my research in 1986 that white sage the mainstream smudging custom and... Is important to consider the impact that the appropriation of white sage spiritual and physical benefits part Pagan. That the plant sage, or Salvia, grows all around the world in different colors variants., have ritual areas that must be transformed from mundane to sacred use, however is blue sage cultural appropriation is ill-defined most! Sage, it can be done using a number of substances, including,. Medicines for smudging depending on where they are from, and refusal Native.
