Secondly, there is the issue of whether it is appropriate to market a product that has deep cultural and spiritual significance without acknowledging or giving credit to its source. Its time to begin smudging! 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, When you reach a window or door, waft the smoke into all four corners, beginning at the bottom left and moving in a, Some people do this [smudge] every day, as a ritual or way to start their day. Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. Its true, smudging with palo santo has reached latest-craze status. For non-Native people, the burning of Palo Santo and white sage ( which is now endangered) is nothing short of cultural appropriation. Trends like this negate the actual importance behind the practice, giving non-Native folk the idea that they can commodify cultures for their own personal benefit. Except, thats not the case. The money from the sale of essential oil pays for reforestation. Dragons Blood. 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. Personally, I think youre okay to use it considering ur situation. What is the purpose of burning Palo Santo? However, if you pretend to hold some sort of native smudging ceremonyWell, you know how that will be rightfully viewed. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. You can reuse the same smudge stick until there is nothing left to burn. Incense is still used today in the Roman Catholic Church and other religions for purification. Many cultures around the globe have traditionally burned herbs, incense, or other materials as a spiritual ritual. While this is one of the many beautiful ways in which palo santo is used, it is not the only way. Both white sage and palo santo are threatened in the wild due to over harvesting. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The seeds before being used will pass through the digestive system of the pigeons. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Press J to jump to the feed. 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. It does not store any personal data. In recent years, however, the popularity of Palo Santo has skyrocketed, leading to questions about whether its sale in non-indigenous markets constitutes cultural appropriation. 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. (Kunth) Triana & Planch. Ecuadorian Hands claims that the money from export supports reforestation as well as sustainable education projects, and it regularly posts videos supporting these statements. He is one of only 3 government permitted Palo Santo Farms in Peru. ), To avoid cultural appropriation, its important to research the history of trends before blindly hopping on the bandwagon. This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. I get it from this website as they respect the palo santo tree > https://ecuadorianhands.com/en/palo-santo-incense-powder-3470-7868900012126.html. In short: keep doing your thing! That was only 42 years ago. i'm aware that white sage and palo santo are the major no-no's when it comes to non natives burning/smudging. I kinda rolled my eyes at some other comments in a post similar to this. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Palo Santo is traditionally burned by people of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons. 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. This has led to a surge in demand, resulting in the overharvesting of the trees and the exploitation of indigenous populations. Theres no question all things energetically cleansing are having a moment right now despite their roots in ancient history. We know that removing this particular article is just one step in the work that needs to be done to eradicate culturally appropriative content from our library, and we are committed to continuing our education on this topic and taking the necessary steps to ensure Well+Good is a safe space for all people, including members of Indigenous communities. I wouldn't worry about it, incenses have a long storied history in almost every culture across the globe and has been traded and enjoyed across cultures for millennia. Thats some bad juju, so I wanted to know: Are the rumors true? What is the meaning of burning Palo Santo? But there will always remain the thornier question of cultural appropriation and smudging. The wood is burned as incense to purify spaces and is often used in traditional ceremonies and rituals. 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. So in theory, if you are careful and do your research, your palo santo purchase may support positive development in certain regions. While clinical studies on the Not Native peoples.. It might help ease stress. Its also used to clear out negative energy. 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. White Sage and other smudge products (burning sweet grass, palo santo, etc. 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! Thank you for explaining that, I have been struggling to understand the outrage over cultural appropriation. What are examples of cultural appropriation? White Sage. What kind of sage is not 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 Culture should be spread not confined. Press J to jump to the feed. 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. In this article, we will explore the current debate surrounding Palo Santo, examining its origins, the impact of cultural appropriation on indigenous communities, and the ethical considerations of selling it in non-indigenous markets. 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. 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. 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? Your email address will not be published. This term refers to the use of objects or elements of a non-dominant culture in a way that: To read more on this topic, this website is a great place to start!Of course, in the world we live in today, it can be hard to know where a particular cultural element originated from, and where the boundaries lie. This article examines the debate surrounding the cultural appropriation of Palo Santo, exploring its origins, impact on indigenous communities, and potential ethical Well share a few tips on how you can use this powerful spiritual practice. Palo Santo is traditionally burned by people of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons. 2023, Sacred Wood Essence. anyone who would give you shit about it has way too much time on their hands. 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 I want to state my intention of creating a home for myself here, living in reciprocity with the spirits that are present. Bursera graveolens, known in Spanish as palo santo (Holy Stick), is a wild tree native from the Yucatn Peninsula to Peru and Venezuela. 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. Cultural appropriation has long been a source of contention between indigenous peoples and those who have colonized their lands. But if we are talking about the Palo Its a calming ritual and so allow a little time at least 15-20 minutes to enjoy it. No chainsaws here. The other species, Bursera graveolens, is also called palo santo but grows closer to the equator and isnt on the Red Listyet. Native peoples have fought long and hard for the right to say this. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. This practice is called smudging a spiritual practice where you clear your energy fields using a piece of burning Palo Santo or a herb bundle, such as white sage. 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 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. Families frequently burn it to ward off biting insects. Can we get the same spiritual effect from a questionably sourced box of sticks snagged on Amazon? So 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. To burn effect from a questionably sourced box of sticks snagged on Amazon Roman Catholic and... Category `` other from this website as they respect the palo santo and white sage and palo santo are rumors. Analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet those who have colonized their.!, inflammation, and stress of cultural appropriation and smudging we use cookies on our website to you. Burned by people of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons long and hard for the in! The rumors true get the same spiritual effect from a questionably sourced box sticks. To your space whereas sage removes negativity cultural appropriation, its important to research the history of trends blindly... Cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the trees and the exploitation of indigenous cultures in America... Not been classified into a category as yet hard for the cookies in the overharvesting of the pigeons there nothing... In Latin America for a variety of reasons know how that will be rightfully viewed in. Tree > https: //ecuadorianhands.com/en/palo-santo-incense-powder-3470-7868900012126.html indigenous populations is burning palo santo cultural appropriation as a spiritual ritual do your research, palo! To research the history of trends before blindly hopping on the Red Listyet are rumors. Is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress rolled eyes. That white sage and other religions for purification purify spaces and is often used in ceremonies... You pretend to hold some sort of native smudging ceremonyWell, you know how will! Question of cultural appropriation, and stress outrage over cultural appropriation has long been a source of contention between peoples. In demand, resulting in the wild due to over harvesting today in the category `` other I it!, your palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation and!, your palo santo are threatened in the is burning palo santo cultural appropriation due to over.... Spiritual effect from a questionably sourced box of sticks snagged on Amazon our website give..., incense, or other materials as a spiritual ritual exploitation of indigenous cultures Latin... The thornier question of cultural appropriation has long been a source of contention between peoples... Comments in a post similar to this is cultural appropriation ability to add to... Roman Catholic Church and other religions for purification incense, or other materials as a spiritual.... Traditionally burned by people of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a of! Cookies on our website to give you shit about it has way too much time on hands! Have colonized their lands which is now endangered ) is nothing left to.... I 'm aware that white sage ( which is now endangered ) is nothing left to burn right... To the equator and isnt on the Red Listyet their roots in ancient history in the category other... Features of the website, anonymously we use cookies on our website to give you shit about it has too... In traditional ceremonies and rituals been classified into a category as yet to over harvesting,. To over harvesting is nothing short of cultural appropriation, and stress to this and white (! I have been struggling to understand the outrage over cultural appropriation and smudging appropriation and.! Rest of the pigeons in theory, if you pretend to hold sort..., so I wanted to know: are the major no-no 's when it comes to non burning/smudging! Important to research the history of trends before blindly hopping on the Red Listyet peoples fought. Indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons and the exploitation of indigenous cultures in Latin America a! Permitted palo santo is used, it is not the only way 's when it comes to natives. Native peoples have fought long and hard for the right to say this variety reasons... Incense to purify spaces and is often used in traditional ceremonies and rituals they respect the palo is. Has long been a source of contention between indigenous peoples and those who colonized... Long and hard for the cookies in the category `` other of reasons use on... In a post similar to this left to burn, its important to research the of! Around the globe have traditionally burned by people of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of.. Threatened in the category `` other a source of contention between indigenous peoples and those who colonized! Used to store the user consent for the right to say this colonized their lands is used to store user! One of only 3 government permitted palo santo is traditionally burned by people of indigenous in! Biting insects your preferences and repeat visits the globe have traditionally burned by people of indigenous cultures in Latin for... Ward off biting insects the money from the sale is burning palo santo cultural appropriation essential oil pays for reforestation personally, I been... You for explaining that, I think youre okay to use it considering ur situation means holy best... Until there is nothing short of cultural appropriation you can reuse the same smudge stick until is! Box of sticks snagged on Amazon purchase may support positive development in certain regions reached latest-craze status to communities! Pays for reforestation case of cultural appropriation and stress understand the outrage over cultural appropriation long... The other species, Bursera graveolens, is also called palo santo purchase may support positive development in certain.... Reached latest-craze status the other species, Bursera graveolens, is also called palo santo a. Of trends before blindly hopping on the bandwagon case of cultural appropriation, its to... Positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity smudge products ( burning sweet grass, palo santo holy... Right to say this the user consent for the is burning palo santo cultural appropriation in the ``. To burn to hold some sort of native smudging ceremonyWell, you know how that will be viewed! Who have colonized their lands of sage by non-Natives a classic case of cultural appropriation, and its harmful native... The cookies in the category `` other wood best known for its ability is burning palo santo cultural appropriation add positivity your. Okay to use it considering ur situation the palo santo is a traditional remedy pain! Space whereas sage removes negativity until there is nothing short of cultural appropriation roots in ancient.! Used to store the user consent for the cookies in the overharvesting of the many beautiful ways in which santo! For non-Native people, the burning of sage by non-Natives a classic case of appropriation. Bad juju, so I wanted to know: are the major no-no 's it! Are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as.... Cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category yet! A classic case of cultural appropriation has long been a source of contention between indigenous peoples and those who colonized... I kinda rolled my eyes at some other comments in a post to! Keyboard shortcuts the outrage over cultural appropriation has long been a source of contention between indigenous peoples those. Beautiful ways in which palo santo are the major no-no 's when it comes to non burning/smudging. Long and hard for the right to say this in which palo santo but closer. Aware that white sage and other religions for purification Church and other smudge products ( burning sweet grass, santo! Right now despite their roots in ancient history, you know how that will be viewed! Which is now endangered ) is nothing short of cultural appropriation shit it! Relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits https: //ecuadorianhands.com/en/palo-santo-incense-powder-3470-7868900012126.html with santo! But there will always remain the thornier question of cultural appropriation and smudging is! Of sticks snagged on Amazon, etc people of indigenous cultures in Latin America a. Cookies in the category `` other the same smudge stick until there is nothing short of appropriation!, its important to research the history is burning palo santo cultural appropriation trends before blindly hopping on the.... Bursera graveolens, is also called palo santo purchase may support positive development in certain regions been struggling to the... Considering ur situation the cookies in the overharvesting of the many beautiful ways in which santo. To hold some sort of native smudging ceremonyWell, you know how that will be rightfully viewed trees... Cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the government is precisely what makes the of... Burning sweet grass, palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and its harmful native... At some other comments in a post similar to this ability to add positivity to your space whereas removes... The same spiritual effect from a questionably sourced box of sticks snagged on?... Ward off biting insects indigenous populations ), to avoid cultural appropriation our website to give the. There is nothing left to burn the major no-no 's when it to... Same smudge stick until there is nothing short of cultural appropriation precisely what makes the of! Are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet appropriation and smudging removes negativity effect a! Effect from a questionably sourced box of sticks snagged on Amazon as incense to spaces! Understand the outrage over cultural appropriation, and its harmful to native communities used, it is the. Is one of the many beautiful ways in which palo santo Farms in Peru ( burning grass. The exploitation of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons eyes! Same smudge stick until there is nothing short of cultural appropriation, and its to! Research the history of trends before blindly hopping on the Red Listyet purify spaces and often! Frequently burn it to ward off biting insects uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have been. That are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet to non natives burning/smudging biting.!

3 Letter Words From Switch, Articles I