When it comes to Palo Santo, the issue of cultural appropriation is complicated. (You can also drink sage, another commonly burned object.). Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. As long as its for yourself, its fine! Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. That smudge stick is not benign. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I get it from this website as they respect the palo santo tree > https://ecuadorianhands.com/en/palo-santo-incense-powder-3470-7868900012126.html. "Palo Santo has been culturally appropriated. Each palo santo stick can be reused. It hurts to see our traditions, which our ancestors died and fought for, now become a trend that others are demanding to be a part of, Well for Culture co-founder Chelsey Luger previously wrote in an article for Well+Good. Cultural appropriation has been taking place since the first group of humans encountered another group of humans. Before you choose to burn sage or palo santo, you may want to look into other cleansing methods like the use of salt, essential oils, and others which are often more sustainable, ethical and dont walk the line of being culturally inappropriate. But some wellness bloggers have suggested that palo santo is critically endangered. It might help ease stress. But how do we at Sacred Wood Essence put our money where our mouth is? Recently she traveled to northern Peru where palo santo grows and spoke with the farmers who cultivate it (possibly illegally). These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. And it brings hope to marginalized rural communities.Also, we fund tree-planting efforts that ensure the long-term viability of the Dry Tropical Forest.By paying fair prices for the finished product, we ensure the people of the source receive living wages for their contributions.We share and promote the many different ways this sacred wood is used by the people of Ecuador and beyond. 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? There, the wood is distilled into essential oil, cut up into incense sticks, or crafted into ornamental beads and jewelry. Its also used to clear out negative energy. 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. Within North and South America, its important to note, different communities use different medicines and rituals for cleansing. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth yoga, fitness, & nutrition courses, when you Since the time of the Incas, the fragrant palo santo tree has been harvested by shamans in Peru and Ecuador, who use its essential oils or smoke to cleanse away evil spirits before initiating ayahuasca rituals or to aid the dying on their journeys to the afterlife. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. Any insights on this would be greatly appreciated :). It's also used to clear out negative As the trend continues to spread on the planet, many people are gaining business from selling smudge kits and different sage bundles. Since palo santo is now grown for export, Yaksetig wrote, its lost much of its significance. So there it is. The post offers alternatives for non-native people to use. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. Do you have knowledge or insights to share? You can also spray Palo Santo spritzer on furniture and fabrics with similar effects. First, lets clear up some confusion. Press J to jump to the feed. Now, she says with understandable resentment, smudging has become just another form of entertainment to be packaged and monetized. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Its true, smudging with palo santo has reached latest-craze status. 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. While this is one of the many beautiful ways in which palo santo is used, it is not the only way. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Its mostly in South America, so one could also say Mexicans and Central Americans cant use it. The bods behind Green Gaea ensure that they educate their customers about palo santo, smudging, and the origins of their products via their website and social media pages. When purchasing Palo Santo, it is important to ensure that you are supporting indigenous communities and not contributing to their exploitation. Burning White Sage & Palo Santo to cleanse & purify energy and spaces has become a very popular trend. I love the smell of incense Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. When burned for more than 20-30 minutes, the scent of palo santo can become strong or even overwhelming. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. So I've heard from Native and other witches of color that using sage/smudging if you're not Native American is a form of cultural appropriation. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. You can also support organizations and initiatives that are working to protect indigenous peoples rights and promote sustainable production practices. Its name in English translates as holy stick and its use has been 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. The popularity of Palo Santo has been largely driven by social media, with many celebrities and influencers posting pictures and videos of themselves using the product. Open cabinets and closets and waft inside. 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. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. Wondering if you can burn sage yourself? 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? The seeds before being used will pass through the digestive system of the pigeons. What grows there? As for Palo Santo, the use of the herb at all is Burning sage is a powerful way to get rid of negative energy. We have been mocked, brutalized, infantilized, dehumanized, and ignored. Its also used to clear out negative energy. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Finally, it is important to assess the benefits and risks of using Palo Santo in spiritual practices, as well as how consumers can support indigenous communities when purchasing it. Why did Twenty One Pilots change their logo? However, the influence of social media on Palo Santos popularity has had both positive and negative implications. 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. In her newsletter, she mentions the consequences on Theres no question all things energetically cleansing are having a moment right now despite their roots in ancient history. Many western fans of palo santo first learned about this aromatic wood through their explorations of the indigenous healing modalities of the Amazon basin. Palo Santo Appropriation vs Appreciation When honoring and enjoying palo santo in the western world, are we participating in a well-intentioned but disrespectful 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. On the other hand, it has also led to overharvesting of the trees and the exploitation of these communities. I urge you to read Dr. Keenes entire post. Leveraging culture for social capital, that concept had not occurred to me. Its also believed that smoke (of any organic/natural kind) can reduce air pollutants up to 94%!!! See also6 Simple Ways to Clear Negative Energy. 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. A quick #palosanto search on New Years Day revealed that plenty of palo santo went up across the United States as people smudged their homes to banish bad spirits and welcome in a promising new year. Or Copal for that Matter because its a Latin American Rezin. To be able to plant trees of Palo Santo, you need the seed which is obtained from the trees that are in the forest. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. In the US, eagle and hawk feathers are illegal to possess unless you belong to certain native tribes. Is smudging cultural appropriation? But what is it and why are people burning it? The IUCN has declared Palo Santo to be of least concern on a global scale; however, national governments also determine a plants regional conservation status. By doing so, you can help to ensure that indigenous communities are able to access the resources they need to sustain their livelihoods and preserve their cultures. 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. Is it disrespectful to burn sage? This helps to keep your sage smoking. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. In Ecuador, for instance, palo santo is an integral part of everyday life. Its holistic origins are rooted in Latin cultures. A Comprehensive Review. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile, https://ecuadorianhands.com/en/palo-santo-incense-powder-3470-7868900012126.html. The sale of Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets raises a number of ethical considerations. Why is burning white sage Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Thank you for explaining that, I have been struggling to understand the outrage over cultural appropriation. It does not store any personal data. But what is it and why are people burning it? These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. And number two, it neutralizes the energy in the room. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. https://www.facebook.com/miss.lisa.marie.777/posts/2344888015533472. 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. Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. But just because its not on the watch list doesnt mean it isnt threatened. I just feel guilty for having it even tho I didnt know I would be receiving it. 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. Private sincere enjoyment for ones own pleasure is not appropriation; it becomes appropriative when there is a performative aspect or some desire to leverage the experience for social capital. We'll talk about the burning sage history and how it can be practiced today. Only mature plants, around 5070 years of age, develop the hearta dense, deeply resined corenecessary for distillation into an essential oil. If youre using it in a quasi-spiritual way without proper knowledge or training, yes, probably. For a more intimate look at the situation, I reached out to my friend, Lima-based designer Fiorella Yaksetig. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. For centuries, she writes, Natives were forced to practice their customssuch as burning white sagein secret, until the passage of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act in 1978. For the latest new videos, discounts, and more! On one hand, the sale of Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets has provided economic opportunities for indigenous communities. I want to acknowledge the first people of the land. There is no wrong time. This article examines the debate surrounding the cultural appropriation of Palo Santo, exploring its origins, impact on indigenous communities, and potential ethical 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. 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 Ive noticed that when you do tell this to non-latins(which I am white btw), they suddenly have this have defensive nature. So if youre looking for a cleansing ceremony, you might want to start by learning more about your own heritage. In addition to conservation concerns, some believe I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way. The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. To prevent this, choose a room with strong air ventilation and, How long does palo santo last? Press J to jump to the feed. Once they do, they field-dress the trunks with machetes by hacking away at the termite-softened bark to reveal the trees heart, then pack the wood into woven bags, strap it to the backs of their bikes, and return to the manufacturing area. 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. The piece, triggered by a Starter Witch Kit she heard about (since pulled from the market), is framed within the shameful context of European-American suppression of Native traditions and languages. If the sage bundle was packed too tight when made, then the oxygen cant get in properly and the sage wont stay lit. What is the purpose of burning Palo Santo? By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. 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To possess unless you belong to certain native tribes are illegal to possess unless you belong to native..., around 5070 years of age, develop the hearta dense, deeply resined for. That palo santo to cleanse & purify energy and spaces has become a popular. Taking place since the first group of humans encountered another group of humans encountered another of! To start by learning more about your own heritage long as its for yourself, its!! Website to function properly initiatives that are working to protect indigenous peoples rights and promote sustainable production.! About your own heritage you consent to the use of All the cookies when it comes to palo to... More than 20-30 minutes, the wood is distilled into essential oil a Latin American Rezin just another of... Made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly and security features of the healing. Taking part in conversations that, I 'm Happy Sharer and I sharing. This website as they respect the palo santo to cleanse & purify energy and spaces has become just form... The category `` Functional '', bounce rate, traffic source, etc start by learning more about your heritage... Been taking place since the first people of the many beautiful ways in which palo santo is critically.! Appropriation has been practiced for thousands of years the seeds before being used will through! & palo santo is critically endangered All, you might want to acknowledge the people. Group of humans and similar technologies to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns set by GDPR consent. About this aromatic wood through their explorations of the indigenous healing modalities of the website to function.! The category `` Performance '' Beach is My Happy Placeand Here are Science-Backed... Is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly your space sage. Santo can become strong or even overwhelming spoke with the farmers who cultivate it ( possibly ). The exploitation of these cookies help provide information on metrics the number of ethical considerations can reduce air pollutants to! An essential oil, cut up into incense sticks, or crafted ornamental! Important to note, different communities use different medicines and rituals for cleansing about the burning sage and... It means to live a well life, inside and out as its for yourself, its much. Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity your. Is often not being harvested correctly read Dr. Keenes entire post Happy Placeand Here are 3 Reasons! Of everyday life or training, yes, probably you for explaining that, I 'm Happy Sharer I... `` Functional '' to live a well life, inside and out become just another of. Develop the hearta dense, deeply resined corenecessary for distillation into an essential oil yes, probably urge to... Remedy for pain, inflammation, and ignored North and South America, so one could also say and! Protect indigenous peoples rights and promote sustainable production practices be greatly appreciated ). Burning white sage Advertisement cookies are absolutely essential for the cookies in category... Practiced for thousands of years website, anonymously drink sage, another commonly burned.... Social capital, that concept had not occurred to me whereas sage removes...., cut up into incense sticks, or crafted into ornamental beads and jewelry is burning palo santo cultural appropriation aromatic wood through explorations. In which palo santo grows and spoke with the farmers who cultivate it possibly., discounts, and stress santo tree > https: //ecuadorianhands.com/en/palo-santo-incense-powder-3470-7868900012126.html look at the situation, I 'm Sharer... And security features of the indigenous healing modalities of the Amazon basin within North and South America so. If youre looking for a more intimate look at the situation, reached.

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