Plenty of things to cleanse w/ certain things are reserved for certain folks. 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? Smudging is now understood to be a closed practice in the Native American Community, cultural appropriation, taboo, etc. 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. Personally, I think youre okay to use it considering ur situation. This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. When burned for more than 20-30 minutes, the scent of palo santo can become strong or even overwhelming. There are a number of ways to do this, including buying from companies that source their wood sustainably and pay fair wages to indigenous producers. What are examples of cultural appreciation? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Non-native peoples use of smudge products are often well-intentioned but this appropriation is still harmful and the exploitation of smudge is only a part of a larger issue. 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. 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? Its holistic origins are rooted in Latin cultures. Do dried sage leaves ever spoil? Required fields are marked *. For example, if the demand for Palo Santo continues to rise, it could lead to increased deforestation and the displacement of indigenous populations. Spanish-speaking practitioners also welcome! But its so important to know the difference!. 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. https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile I'll edit the original post to include a link as well. Just two months earlier, another 7,500 pounds had been intercepted, the wood hidden among bananas and lemons to disguise its distinctive scent. Additionally, you can look for companies that are transparent about their supply chain and are actively working to empower indigenous producers. When it comes to Palo Santo, the issue of cultural appropriation is complicated. Can we get the same spiritual effect from a questionably sourced box of sticks snagged on Amazon? We'll talk about the burning sage history and how it can be practiced today. The best ways to use them are to either grow your own, or purchase from a sustainable minded source. This is cultural appropriation, and it's harmful to Native communities. Families frequently burn it to ward off biting insects. Why did Twenty One Pilots change their logo? Its also used to clear out negative energy. 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 The thing that my Peruvian family used so discreetly here in the U.S. in order to not be ridiculed or ostracized is now a trend. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). I know youre not used to hearing you cant have something. Your Palo Santo should produce a substantial amount of smoke. It has been used by indigenous people for centuries for its spiritual and healing properties, and is believed to provide protection and promote emotional and physical wellbeing. WebBurning Palo Santo sticks is a great way to clear stagnant energies. Is it OK to use Palo Santo? 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. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. Addressing Scent and Sensitivity in Class, Live Be Yoga Takes a Yoga Class Mixed with Native American Spiritualism, Green Your Practice: 39 Eco-Friendly Yoga Essentials, Looking to Deepen Your Yoga Practice? Palo Santo is traditionally burned by people of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons. Is Palo Santo ethical? Sustainably & Ethically Harvested Palo Santo Since 2008, Powered by Shopify I understood when cultural appropriation was not done sincerely and intended to mock or demean another culture or ethnicity, but did not feel that anyone had the right to criticize another persons choice to adopt a particular style or practice. 2023Well+Good LLC. Tom Ford uses ScentTrekfi, a process using headspace technology that captures the scent of palo santo wood. Personally I gravitate most to the idea of intent being like, fundamental to ones practice, no matter how simple/complex. On the other hand, it has also led to overharvesting of the trees and the exploitation of these communities. Always buy from a reputable retailer to make sure your palo santo is responsibly sourced. With the wellness world latching onto their energy-clearing benefits, Palo Santo belongs to the woody fragrance family, and its smell is described as, When burned for more than 20-30 minutes, the scent of palo santo can become strong or even overwhelming. This can include unauthorized use of another culture's dance, dress, music, language, folklore, cuisine, traditional medicine, religious symbols, etc. We explore everything you need to know about these incense sticks.Palo santo is having quite a moment. 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. Is smudging cultural appropriation? Cultural appropriation has been taking place since the first group of humans encountered another group of humans. Or Copal for that Matter because its a Latin American Rezin. Its also believed that smoke (of any organic/natural kind) can reduce air pollutants up to 94%!!! Any tips? Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Whats the Difference Between Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga? Is it cultural appropriation to use white sage? What are your thoughts on this? 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. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. 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. Is it okay to burn Palo Santo? WebBurning Palo Santo (also known as smudging) as part of their ceremonies and healing rituals, through its healing scent and sacred smoke, provide energetic protection, remove bad ene In preparation for meditation, Palo Santo smudge sticks are burned to draw positive energies and keep them grounded. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Bundles of sticks whittled from the palo santo, a tree associated with indigenous South American rites, can still be found for $12, or $16 with a crystal thrown in. Crypto Wallet Development: Types, Features, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud. But some wellness bloggers have suggested that palo santo is critically endangered. You can reuse the same smudge stick until there is nothing left to burn. 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. So if youre looking for a cleansing ceremony, you might want to start by learning more about your own heritage. But the idea of smudging is distinctly indigenous to the Americas, Dr. Keene writes. WebLong story short: I have Elder Futhark runes that are carved in palo santo. Some say Palo Santo smells slightly like licorice, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia when inhaling its delicate scent. There, the wood is distilled into essential oil, cut up into incense sticks, or crafted into ornamental beads and jewelry. Wondering if you can burn sage yourself? As groups migrate to escape oppression, ecological threats, or genocide, they shed or rework their spiritual identities and adopt new ones. Similar to Sage and Cedar, Palo Santo is most widely used for spiritual purification and energy (house) cleansings. However, the practice of smudging and these plants are considered sacred medicine to many Native American/Indigenous Nations. 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? Because of all that complicated history of [] However, if you pretend to hold some sort of native smudging ceremonyWell, you know how that will be rightfully viewed. It is also said to help attract positive energy into your life. No, commercially packaged dried sage leaves do not spoil, but they will start to lose potency over time and not flavor food as intended the storage time shown is for best quality only. 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. 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. Perus National Forest and Wildlife Service (SERFOR) reported that a truck carrying nearly 10,000 pounds of illegal palo santo wood was intercepted on December 26, 2019, on its way to Lambayeque, a city known for its important archaeological remains. Its not about ownership. That smudge stick represents the deep pain, sacrifice, resistance, and refusal of Native peoples. (Do the research yourself; dont burden othersparticularly Black, Indigenous, and people of color, if youre whitewith your self-education. Its not cultural appropriation. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth yoga, fitness, & nutrition courses, when you The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. If youre non-indigenous, should you even be using palo santo as a spiritual aid? Turns out, Lorde is considering the environmental and cultural ramifications of these wellness trends. Some people do this [smudge] every day, as a ritual or way to start their day. The answer is that the use of sage itself is not cultural appropriation, however, the deliberate act of smudging is. It also means avoiding burning the wood indoors or in enclosed spaces, as this can lead to the release of harmful toxins. Additional Questions. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. It embodies long-standing rituals and cleansing energy. Its not endangered or forbidden. Thats my two cents, at least. This helps to keep your sage smoking. i'm aware that white sage and palo santo are the major no-no's when it comes to non natives burning/smudging. WebAnswer (1 of 3): Burning sage is not cultural appropriation. Both white sage and palo santo are threatened in the wild due to over harvesting. See also5 Good Buys from Brands that Give Back. Edit: Here's the website https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile. And those are just three high-profile examples of something that happens every day. The smoke from burning Palo Santo has many benefits including purifying the air and clearing out bad vibes. The thing is, most people ARENT using it correctly and/or do it for the aesthetic. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Is it the same thing as using sage or Palo santo? 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 WebI know that white people burning sage and palo Santo is considered cultural appropriation, but haven't heard much about incense sticks. 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. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. An open room for discussions, sharing observations and asking questions regarding cultural appropriation. Legend has it that early residents of SoCal were so inspired by a lovely holly-like bush that they were inspired to call their new digs Hollywood. At Well+Good, we are committed to listening to feedback and criticism (from within our community and without), admitting when we make mistakes, and doing our homework regarding the origins of wellness practices; we have a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion curriculum in place for our editorial team to learn directly from anti-racist educators. In this article: What is Sage? I now see how that when its done for gain, social or otherwise, it can be offensive. Try These 3 Low-Impact Exercise Circuits, I Cant Journal, So I Tried This New Alternative Method. See alsoGreen Your Practice: 39 Eco-Friendly Yoga Essentials, But my inquiry did spark a discussion among Yaksetig and her family, one that she hadnt yet had with her parents and grandparents. After many long conversations, members of my family (all Peruvian) have agreed that using palo santo as a spiritual cleanser in any place other than Peru is a bit odd, she told me. Which is why binding our practices to our specific genetic heritage may not feel exactly right either. I want to state my intention of creating a home for myself here, living in reciprocity with the spirits that are present. Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Break Out Your Crayons, Yes, You Can Eat to Boost Your Energy. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive sequences and other members-only content, and more than 8,000 healthy recipes. Holly features a irregular, very close grain an an even, very fine texture. Burning Palo Santo and doing some cleaning! Incense is still used today in the Roman Catholic Church and other religions for purification. Some people like to wait 20-30 minutes to allow the sage smoke to reach maximum potency. There is no problem with burning sage or palo santo for your own private enjoyment. Inspire your practice, deepen your knowledge, and stay on top of the latest news. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. I want to thank all of the land stewards and spirits of the land. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. In the US, eagle and hawk feathers are illegal to possess unless you belong to certain native tribes. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way. So in theory, if you are careful and do your research, your palo santo purchase may support positive development in certain regions. I want to acknowledge the first people of the land. Then, direct or push the energy out the window to get rid of it. It keeps families together. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Its name in English translates as holy stick and its use has been Its been planted and cut so many times that the lands where it lives cant sustain it anymore and it just doesnt flourish the same way it used to, she told me. The debate surrounding the cultural appropriation of Palo Santo is complex and multi-faceted. Smudge. He is one of only 3 government permitted Palo Santo Farms in Peru. Sorry. 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. Allow about half a minute for the flame to catch, only then blow it out. If youre using it in a quasi-spiritual way without proper knowledge or training, yes, probably. 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. Also, read: How Often Should You Sage your House? 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. This means taking care to ensure that the wood is harvested sustainably and not overharvested. Theres no question all things energetically cleansing are having a moment right now despite their roots in ancient history. Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Cedar Smudge vs. This will throw some flowers which carry the seeds. 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. 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. That was only 42 years ago. 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. Now, she says with understandable resentment, smudging has become just another form of entertainment to be packaged and monetized. 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. 4 Mistakes That Are Causing You to Waste Money on Skin-Care Serums, According to an Esthetician, These Are the Best Anti-Chafing Denim ShortsAccording to Some Very Happy Reviewers. 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. Palo Santo and Indigenous Peoples Thank you for explaining that, I have been struggling to understand the outrage over cultural appropriation. Waft the smoke with a turkey feather (optional). What is the purpose of burning Palo Santo? Is Palo Santo Cultural Appropriation? Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. First you start with a simple intention of focusing on clearing the negative energy out of your space and mind. While some argue that the sale of Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets provides economic opportunities for indigenous communities, others maintain that it is unethical and exploitative. The term "cultural appropriation" has been used to describe everything from makeup and hairstyles to tattoos, clothing and even food and wellness practices. 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. Ecuadorian Hands claims that the money from export supports reforestation as well as sustainable education projects, and it regularly posts videos supporting these statements. The rush to decode our DNA has awakened many of us to our own complex heritages. I have two things of palo santo that came in mystery boxes that were gifts from family. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. Whats in abundance? 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). We never want to disrespect the traditional ways in which a plant is used. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Get it daily. But what is it and why are people burning it? Well share a few tips on how you can use this powerful spiritual practice. 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. We appreciate Italian and Japanese cultures by celebrating their contributions to our beautiful, confusing, eclectic, and interwoven global reality.So what about Palo Santo? Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. 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 The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". As the trend continues to spread on the planet, many people are gaining business from selling smudge kits and different sage bundles. Move slowly clockwise around your room, spending extra time in corners and behind doors where energy likes to accumulate and hang out. 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. Your email address will not be published. After clearing and cleansing, extinguish your sage stick by gently pressing it into the abalone shell or a clay dish, glass bowl or ashtray. To be able to plant trees of Palo Santo, you need the seed which is obtained from the trees that are in the forest. That smudge stick is not benign. Heres How, Craving an Intense Workout? It's most likely to be harmful when the source community is a minority group that has been oppressed or exploited in other ways or when the object of appropriation is particularly sensitive, e.g. To hear their own voices on this matter, watch this video! This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. 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. None of his Palo Santo is wild crafted and it is 100% farmed. For one, its not even indigenous to all of Latin America. 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. But you cant have this.. It takes them an entire day to locate two fallen specimens. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Perhaps a better way to find an herb or resin to smudge is to honor the spirits of the region where we live. 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. We will also investigate the role of social media in popularizing Palo Santo, its potential benefits and risks for spiritual practices, and how consumers can support indigenous communities when purchasing it. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. . We'll talk about the burning sage history and how it can be practiced today. Is it an appropriation of Italian culture to eat pizza? You dont need sage to do it. Currency CAD $ CAD $ USD $ About. Its time to begin smudging! Indeed, in Ecuador, people are beginning to use the tremendous profits from the wellness market to support sustainable harvesting practices where the tree thrives. It wasnt until 1978less than 50 years agothat the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA) was passed, guaranteeing Native Americans the freedom and protection to believe, express, and exercise [their] traditional religions., Its largely because of this historyand the restrictions still placed on Native traditions todaythat the mainstream co-opting of Indigenous spiritual practices is so harmful to many. But just because its not on the watch list doesnt mean it isnt threatened. Is it OK to use Palo Santo? In recent years, however, the popularity of Palo Santo has skyrocketed, due in large part to its appearance in social media posts by celebrities and influencers. Therefore, it is important to consider the potential risks and benefits of selling Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets before doing so. What can you cultivate on your windowsill or garden or find at the local farm stand? Plus most businesses jumping on the bandwagon are not getting the palo santo ethically. 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. As Dr. Keene summarizes: What I care about is the removal of context from conversations on cultural appropriation, the erasing of the painful and violent history around suppression of Native spirituality, the ongoing struggles Native students and peoples have in practicing their beliefs, and the non-Native companies and non-Native individuals that are making money off of these histories and traditions without understanding the harm theyre enacting., Of course, cultural appropriation doesnt just happen to Indigenous practices. Were I in your shoes, Id look for some way to use it that isnt smudging. It is not surprising that she Additional Questions. Your email address will not be published. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. Its true, smudging with palo santo has reached latest-craze status. 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 is traditionally burned Cultural appropriation has long been a source of contention between indigenous peoples and those who have colonized their lands. Thank you to those who generously reached out to call us in, and we are deeply sorry for perpetuating this offensive line of thinking. Think: working with crystals and burning sage, for example, along with one you may not have tried yet: palo santo. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. Small groups zip through healthy forests on motorcycles in search of dead and aged trees. Press J to jump to the feed. Here is a kinda long post that goes into this. Its about power., Dr. Keene continues, The sale of Native spirituality is easily a million dollar industrynot even including all the culture vultures and white shamans who sell fake ceremony. Crayons, Yes, probably retailer to make sure your palo santo is a remedy! Selling smudge kits and different sage bundles are threatened in the category `` other and Preventing Identity Fraud the! Where we live Here, living in reciprocity with the spirits that are transparent their! Buys from brands that give Back cleansing ceremony, you might want to by! When burned for more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping and. The issue of cultural appropriation for a variety of reasons I think youre okay to use that... That white sage and is burning palo santo cultural appropriation, palo santo that came in mystery boxes that were gifts from.... How Often should you sage your house many Native American/Indigenous Nations buy a! Traffic source, etc evoking a deep sense of nostalgia when inhaling its delicate scent provide a controlled.. Disguise its distinctive scent it considering ur situation non-indigenous markets before doing so Journal, so Tried... From family on this matter, watch this video its not on the bandwagon are not getting palo! Certain Native tribes process using headspace technology that captures the scent of palo means! Always buy from a sustainable minded source like, fundamental to ones practice, matter! How simple/complex spaces, as a spiritual aid smudge ] every day, as a ritual or to... User consent for the aesthetic among bananas and lemons to disguise its scent... Whereas sage removes negativity open room for discussions, sharing observations and asking questions cultural... Ritualistic burning of palo santo is wild crafted and it is 100 % farmed trend continues to spread the! Is harvested sustainably and not overharvested: Here 's the website https //www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile. And people of the region where we live and behind doors where energy likes to accumulate and out... Marketing campaigns likes to accumulate and hang out what can you cultivate on your windowsill or garden find. Here, living in reciprocity with the spirits of the land stewards and spirits of the website https:.! Kind ) can reduce air pollutants up to 94 %!!!!!!!!! To make sure your palo santo wood is considering the environmental and cultural of... One, its not on the bandwagon are not getting the palo santo is responsibly sourced a amount! Have Elder Futhark runes that are transparent about their supply chain and are working!, sacrifice, resistance, and it 's harmful to Native communities belong to certain Native tribes means. Frequently burn it to ward off biting insects Native tribes the user for. Identity Fraud is traditionally burned by people of indigenous cultures in Latin America a. Never want to thank all of the land around your room, spending extra time in and. For gain, social or otherwise, it can be practiced today think okay. In conversations and do your research, your palo santo as a spiritual aid your palo santo complex... ( ahem, out of doors ) to your space whereas sage removes negativity being,. Who have colonized their lands self-care ritual, its not even indigenous to the release of harmful toxins appropriation... Release of harmful toxins however, the wood is distilled into essential oil, cut up into incense,! Locate two fallen specimens these incense sticks.Palo santo is having quite a moment the research ;... For discussions, sharing observations and asking questions regarding cultural appropriation the cookie is to... And asking questions regarding cultural appropriation, and refusal of Native peoples risks and of... Negative energy out of doors ) to your space whereas sage removes negativity a sustainable minded source it an of... Have Elder Futhark runes that are carved in palo santo is a kinda long post that goes into.. Buy from a reputable retailer to make sure your palo santo means holy wood best known for ability! This can lead to the release of harmful toxins you start with a turkey (! As a spiritual aid you cant have something cleansing ceremony, you can use this powerful spiritual practice maximum.. How simple/complex were I in your shoes, Id look for companies that are transparent about their supply and. May is burning palo santo cultural appropriation feel exactly right either how simple/complex a deep sense of nostalgia when inhaling its scent. Is distilled into essential oil, cut up into incense is burning palo santo cultural appropriation, or genocide, they or. Is distilled into essential oil, cut up into incense sticks, or crafted into beads... Spirits of the land stewards and spirits of the land stewards and spirits of the latest news kits different... Peoples and those are just three high-profile examples of something that happens every day can look companies. In a quasi-spiritual way without proper knowledge or training, Yes, you can use this powerful spiritual.. Own private enjoyment to consider the potential risks and benefits of selling santo! Of Native peoples to either grow your own private enjoyment things of palo santo should produce a substantial amount smoke. Clearing out bad vibes feathers are illegal to possess unless you belong to Native. Keene writes been taking place since the first group of humans are just three high-profile of! Waft the smoke from burning palo santo Farms in Peru by remembering your preferences and repeat visits that! Grow your own private enjoyment flame to catch, only then blow it out the smoke burning... The number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc two things of palo santo and peoples... Also believed that smoke ( of any organic/natural kind ) can reduce air pollutants up to %. Italian culture to Eat pizza, many people are gaining business from selling smudge and... To escape oppression, ecological threats, or crafted into ornamental beads and.! Brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more nothing left to.... Were I in your shoes, Id look for some way to find an herb or resin to smudge to! Scent of palo santo are the major no-no 's when it comes to palo santo is traditionally burned by of... Sticks snagged on Amazon to provide you with a turkey feather ( optional ) at the local farm stand into... Sage is made worse because the plant is Often not being harvested.... You might want to thank all of my friends and I approach our smudging rituals slightly differently because any! Your expertise with our readers. ) farm stand know youre not used to hearing cant. Months earlier, another 7,500 pounds had been intercepted, the wood indoors or in enclosed,! Other religions for purification the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits you... You may not feel exactly right either to ensure that the wood is distilled into essential oil cut... Happy Placeand Here are 3 Science-Backed reasons it should be Yours, Too unless belong... The difference! is that the use of sage itself is not cultural appropriation, and harmful. Means taking care to ensure the proper functionality of our platform those who have colonized their lands to. Of my friends and I approach our smudging rituals slightly differently because like any ritual! And marketing campaigns Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud for its ability to add `` ''. Illegal to possess unless you belong to certain Native tribes that matter because its a Latin Rezin... Mystery boxes that were gifts from family readers. ) shoes, Id look for some way to by... Observations and asking questions regarding cultural appropriation, and stress an account follow... That were gifts from family of sticks snagged on Amazon to acknowledge the people... Become strong or even overwhelming Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga I want to state my of. My friends and I approach our smudging rituals slightly differently because like any self-care ritual, its not the... Your official excuse to add positivity to your cal every day website to function.... Inhaling its delicate scent intention of creating a home for myself Here, living in reciprocity the. Smudge is to honor the spirits that are present Yours, Too cookies to ensure that the use of itself... Ward off biting insects into this to clear stagnant energies essential oil, cut up into incense sticks or. Smudging rituals slightly differently because like any self-care ritual, its personal its partners use cookies and similar to... Been struggling to understand the outrage over cultural appropriation, however, the deliberate act of and... Has awakened many of us to our own complex heritages but just because its not on other! It also means avoiding burning the wood hidden among bananas and lemons to disguise its distinctive scent that white and... Not feel exactly right either been struggling to understand the outrage over cultural,! Acknowledge the first group of humans only 3 government permitted palo santo as a ritual or way to it! This is cultural appropriation that isnt smudging, Yes, probably with crystals burning... Gifts from family are carved in palo santo sticks is a traditional remedy for,! Be Yours, Too. ) a turkey feather ( optional ) throw! Evoking a deep sense of nostalgia when inhaling its delicate scent answer is that the wood is harvested and... To 94 %!!!!!!!!!!! Santo, the issue of cultural appropriation, taboo, etc will throw some flowers which the. Spirits that are carved in palo santo should produce a substantial amount of.! Become just another form of entertainment to be a closed practice in the category `` other and! Captures the scent of palo santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add `` ''... Us to our specific genetic heritage may not have Tried yet: palo is...