Indigenous people share their thoughts on why cultural appropriation and overharvesting more than cancel out the good vibes. I’ve stumbled over a comment by someone in a book review stating that smudging, as it’s originated from certain Native American cultures is cultural appropriation. White sage grows in Southern California, where yoga, holistic health, and spirituality are booming, along with cultural appropriation of the origins of those practices. But in no way educate themselves about Their true worship, by members of clergy associated with Their original religion. Smudging IS a native american ritual, smoke cleansing isn't. If you don’t agree with that impression and would like me to re-open the comment section to keep the discussion open, feel free to drop me a line :) (I’m just currently moving house, so I can’t keep a close eye on the comments). It doesn't change the definition by feeling, but by intellect. She says that cultural appropriation “runs rampant” but that the lines between appropriation and adoption will always be blurred. This is a *much larger issue* than just my post and the appropriation of the smudging ceremony alone. The use of white sage for ceremonial cleansing and ritual, also called smudging, is a Native American practice. I.e. Just be careful and respectful I say. I am indigenous and I believe that it is a beautiful thing that is positive and good. In other words, cultural appropriation is a thing, in and of itself. Sure enough, back in September of 2018, Nicole had spoken to Kiera via her shop Instagram, @littleboxofrockshop stating: “Smudging is a traditional, spiritual ceremony practised by Indigenous cultures. I felt very connected to this small part of my ancestry growing up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Ceremonial smudging involves the burning of sacred medicines. However, much of the public remains confused about what the term actually means. The other reason why there is such a cry of Cultural Appropriation right now is because when something like plants and herbs become mainstream, businesses jump on the chance to make money. White sage is the most commonly sold because it’s the most aesthetically-pleasing form of sage. Plant Research. Smudging is a ritual practiced by indigenous people of North America and Canada. However, sacramentals, such as holy water, rosaries, crucifixes, medals, scapulars and the like can be used by anyone. You will still find people telling you, you have no business doing it. The good thing about words, is that they have meaning. It’s never sat right, but I didn’t look as closely as I/we should have. Respecting sage and the practice of smudging means we are respecting Native Americans. Sometimes it’s a word, like Smudging, that makes it appropriation. (Responsibly, of course.). A Community created for all the Pagans and Witches out there! Note, these aren’t “energy cleansing” practices it also doesn’t equate to removing sin. The phrase “cultural smudging” comes courtesy of a critic of Azalea, black female rapper Azealia Banks, and this essay discusses the phrase in relation to appreciation and appropriation. In that same vein, the abuse of a practice or piece of a closed religion is very different from cultural appropriation. It is performed by “bathing” a person in smoke made from bundles of sacred herbs, often with the use of a shell to hold the smoldering bundle and a feather to waft the smoke around the person. Purification practices are there to remove influences from being overlooked or to remove unwanted spirits infl… Beliefs and practices are not based on feelings. Appropriation allows for major contributions of a minority group to be absorbed into that of the dominant group. In the end, if you are doing something respectfully to honor its roots, it is not cultural appropriation. Recommended Websites and Forums. The most important takeaway from this post is to respect sage and the original Native American practice of burning it to smudge. The Sacraments cannot be received by anyone except a Catholic in good standing. Cultural appropriation is the act of adopting or practicing something that belongs to a culture that is not your own. Other times it’s the use of a particular ingredient bought from non-native sources- like White Sage. Smudging. Calling something, by a term or word other that what it actually means, only shows misuse of language and ignorance. Saining practices, similar to smudging, were carried out primarily to remove influences of negative spirits on people, places, objects, and livestock. I remember distinctly the first time I decided to smudge in my dorm room in college. When we make definitive, broad statements, we open ourselves to a lot of scrutiny. Not as pretty, not as popular. Cultural Appropriation in Witchcraft: Smudging, Chakras, and Spirit Animals, Oh My! Smudging and space cleansing is cultural appropriation and disrespectful to the Native communities in the Americas. This is cultural appropriation, and it’s harmful to Native communities. Walker notes that not all Native cultures burn sage for prayer, which is known as smudging. Native American Smudging typically consists of white sage, cedar, tobacco, feathers and either a shell or clay dish used for burning. Plant Basics. My theory? There’s been a lot of interesting comments, with a broad array of viewpoints and insights. A Smudging Practice To Try (with a Native Prayer): A word to the wise: ... as well as the fact that you are encouraging cultural appropriation. Across Native communities, we use different medicines for smudging depending on where we’re from. Cultural appropriation is "taking or using from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing you understand or respect this culture." I have this one piece that was gifted to me that I don’t burn out of symbolic respect. For instance, Catholicism is a closed religion. When all they can tell you is that they dont like it, dont worry about it. Or if they cannot articulate why you shouldn't be doing it. Smudging and space cleansing is cultural appropriation and disrespectful to the Native communities in the Americas. In most cases, however it's a simple misunderstanding of what smudging actually IS. (Can I smudge with sage if I'm non-indigenous?) Maybe I’m misjudging something, but I’m a bit afraid that the comments might go in an unfortunate direction. For instance, people who want to worship a certain Deity from certian pantheon. While it may be difficult to always know what is and what isn’t cultural appropriation- we can recognize its existence. If it is being done under the guise of disparaging the original culture in some way, then yes it is. In some cases, this has led to the sale of fake smudging tools and their use in ceremonies that are culturally and spiritually insensitive and inauthentic. The first step is educating yourself—so thanks for taking the time to read this article! Cultural sensitivity appears to dictate a protocol of invitation for non-Indigenous peoples. Smudging is likely not going to be some new-age practitioner waving a bundle of white sage tied up with string to clear a space or themselves of negative energy. Smudging is definitely probably not a non-Indigenous/non-Indigenous elder-trained person using a bundle of white sage tied up with string to clear a space or themselves of negative energy. This is a complicated subject and my opinion is that I am a US citizen, born into a culture described as a "melting pot". Azealia Banks has referred to this as a “cultural smudging." :green_heart: :white_circle: :spades: Simurgh :spades: :white_circle: :purple_heart. But there will always remain the thornier question of cultural appropriation and smudging. We need to learn the origins of what we do and make sure we’re practicing in a way that honors roots and avoids cultural appropriation. And we’ve already done enough. From the appropriation of headdresses and moccasins, to textiles and beadwork, ... it broadly outlawed Indigenous religious and cultural activities, of which smudging is an integral part. Burning incense is also awesome. If you buy a smudge kit at a health food store or on an Etsy site that includes a feather and a fan for blowing around the smoke, you’re participating in cultural appropriation. It really is magical. It’s what’s in these photos. » By yoga + meditation teacher Amy BaackLEARN MORE ABOUT THE BLOG. That does not mean it is a puja or an aartik. The popularity of white sage, tied into tight bundles called smudge sticks, is not as simple as a nice smell. It’s so important for us to stay informed about the practices and rituals we adopt so as not to contribute to centuries of harm. Pagans, Witches And Smudging There has been a lot of awareness brought to the amount of cultural appropriation that happens in the Witchcraft/Pagan communities. We should have a conversation about cultural appropriation when it comes to this. I get where they are coming from, but since a) they just threw that one sentence out there and didn’t say anything more on the topic and b) they were white themselves, I was wondering if there’s someone here who’s able to help me educate myself better on the topic? Here’s where the cultural appropriation steps in: using herbs that are sacred to a culture while disregarding the rest of that culture’s richness is appropriation and an aspect of colonialism. and the cultural significance of smudging and how it relates to the Medicine Wheel. For some reason, people seems to think that it is simply a form of smoke cleansing however quite frankly: that just isn't the case. Also, just because a person, or groups of persons from a particular culture or ethnic background says or believes it is so, does not make it so. Bottomline: Smudging is hardly the homogeneous aberration we of the global west have made of it. Cultural appropriation is a big, catch all term that people like to throw around. I’ve stumbled over a comment by someone in a book review stating that smudging, as it’s originated from certain Native American cultures is cultural appropriation. They’re still currently battling to be allowed to perform smudging in hospitals. I think we can all agree that this year has started to shift some foundations to open us up to ways we’ve been blind towards others. They have proper definitions, which mean they can be used properly. Without paying respect to its roots, approaching it properly, and seeking correct guidance. If they are, then they are very flimsy and will crumble sooner or later. Get a FREE Active Meditation audio file download and my weekly Wellness Wednesday tips + tricks. As many forms of religous abuse can come outside of cultural appropriation. “Smudging” is a practice that is from Native North American spiritual traditions. Sage, dream catchers, and Kachina dolls are literally sold in kiosks in our small airport. , Sephora advertised a bohemian “ witch kit ” with white sage, abuse! It smells, the abuse of a particular ingredient bought from non-native sources- like white sage included diary a., with a broad, interesting statement you have made has started to some! 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