If someone is harvesting white sage and doesnt know how to properly do so, theyre preventing more plants from growing and thus endangering the plant species. 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. The phrase originated in the . Really interested in some others viewpoints but a lot of the responses here dont really go into it! Balancing respect for culture with enjoyment of blue sage is an important issue. Its an important ceremonial purifying ritual or prayer created and practiced in many North American Indigenous cultures. It is used in many Native American ceremonies and has long been considered sacred by some tribes. Magic, the process of changing reality to your will through incantations, is done in this realm. . Different Native communities use different medicines for smudging depending on where they are from, and not every culture uses white sage or smudges. Although this account of cultural appropriation is normative, cultural appropriation is often wrong only in a trivial sense. If you're not Indigenous and therefore hesitating to strike a match to cleanse the bad vibes out of your apartment, here's what you need to know about burning white sage. ._9ZuQyDXhFth1qKJF4KNm8{padding:12px 12px 40px}._2iNJX36LR2tMHx_unzEkVM,._1JmnMJclrTwTPpAip5U_Hm{font-size:16px;font-weight:500;line-height:20px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyText);margin-bottom:40px;padding-top:4px;text-align:left;margin-right:28px}._2iNJX36LR2tMHx_unzEkVM{-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex}._2iNJX36LR2tMHx_unzEkVM ._24r4TaTKqNLBGA3VgswFrN{margin-left:6px}._306gA2lxjCHX44ssikUp3O{margin-bottom:32px}._1Omf6afKRpv3RKNCWjIyJ4{font-size:18px;font-weight:500;line-height:22px;border-bottom:2px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-line);color:var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyText);margin-bottom:8px;padding-bottom:8px}._2Ss7VGMX-UPKt9NhFRtgTz{margin-bottom:24px}._3vWu4F9B4X4Yc-Gm86-FMP{border-bottom:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-line);margin-bottom:8px;padding-bottom:2px}._3vWu4F9B4X4Yc-Gm86-FMP:last-of-type{border-bottom-width:0}._2qAEe8HGjtHsuKsHqNCa9u{font-size:14px;font-weight:500;line-height:18px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyText);padding-bottom:8px;padding-top:8px}.c5RWd-O3CYE-XSLdTyjtI{padding:8px 0}._3whORKuQps-WQpSceAyHuF{font-size:12px;font-weight:400;line-height:16px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon);margin-bottom:8px}._1Qk-ka6_CJz1fU3OUfeznu{margin-bottom:8px}._3ds8Wk2l32hr3hLddQshhG{font-weight:500}._1h0r6vtgOzgWtu-GNBO6Yb,._3ds8Wk2l32hr3hLddQshhG{font-size:12px;line-height:16px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)}._1h0r6vtgOzgWtu-GNBO6Yb{font-weight:400}.horIoLCod23xkzt7MmTpC{font-size:12px;font-weight:400;line-height:16px;color:#ea0027}._33Iw1wpNZ-uhC05tWsB9xi{margin-top:24px}._2M7LQbQxH40ingJ9h9RslL{font-size:12px;font-weight:400;line-height:16px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon);margin-bottom:8px} The use of sage was not the only cultural artifact that these Native American spokespeople objected to being used by nonnatives. 'Dressing in traditional clothes that do not belong to one's own culture or . This may just be the people I know, or the area, or any other number of factors, but I'm pretty sure generally speaking you're chill to burn what you want as long as you don't LARP and pretend to do some ceremony or ritual with significant cultural value. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? As I learned when I was doing my research, most Pagans believe entering this realm holds both great possibilities and dangers. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. No, blue sage, white sage and any other sage is not cultural appropriation. More mainstream religions have buildings, such as churches or synagogues, where they maintain sanctuaries for religious purposes only. Native Americans who normally pick the herb as they need it are complaining that they are unable to find enough for their spiritual needs. 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 cultural importance and authenticity of the ritual and prayer simply, its cultural appropriation. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Another is to research the traditional uses of blue sage and incorporate them into your own practices. What kind of sage is not cultural appropriation? Smudging is distinctly Indigenous. Cultural Appropriation Examples . Purification can be done using a number of substances, including salt, rosemary and sometimes white sage. I now see how that when it's done for gain, social or otherwise, it can be offensive. Studies have shown that burning blue sage can help to reduce anxiety and stress levels, improve sleep quality, and even boost immunity. Finally, it is important to be mindful of the impact that the appropriation of blue sage has had on indigenous communities and to be respectful of their cultures and traditions. Others argue that cultural appropriation is inevitable and that it is not necessarily wrong to use elements of another culture if done in a respectful way. They suggest that blue sage can be used in a way that honors its traditional roots while still allowing others to benefit from it. ._12xlue8dQ1odPw1J81FIGQ{display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle} ._1LHxa-yaHJwrPK8kuyv_Y4{width:100%}._1LHxa-yaHJwrPK8kuyv_Y4:hover ._31L3r0EWsU0weoMZvEJcUA{display:none}._1LHxa-yaHJwrPK8kuyv_Y4 ._31L3r0EWsU0weoMZvEJcUA,._1LHxa-yaHJwrPK8kuyv_Y4:hover ._11Zy7Yp4S1ZArNqhUQ0jZW{display:block}._1LHxa-yaHJwrPK8kuyv_Y4 ._11Zy7Yp4S1ZArNqhUQ0jZW{display:none} found along the coast of Southern California, frankincense and myrrh were burned in ancient Egypt for prayer, rosemary was historically burned in hospitals in France, International Union for Conservation of Natures (IUCN) list. Yall are so sickening and you cant even see why. Crypto Wallet Development: Types, Features, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud. In some of the rituals participants were already standing in the circle when this part of the ritual was done; in others they entered afterward. Traditional dress and eagles feathers were two other examples of commonly appropriated items. This can include unauthorized use of another culture's. Participants believed they were honoring the first people on the continent by incorporating elements of their spiritual practice. They then used salt and water to purify the circle. .FIYolDqalszTnjjNfThfT{max-width:256px;white-space:normal;text-align:center} I appreciate the sensitivity but there are bigger fish to fry in a society that puts kids in cages because their parents are brown. In some of the rituals participants were already standing in the circle when this part of the ritual was done; in others they entered afterward. . It has also been used medicinally by some indigenous communities for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. A perennial evergreen shrub of the mint family with soft, gray-green leaves, produces blue and purple flowers. In the case of cultural appropriation, this horizon is the increasingly visible resistance of marginalised communities to cultural appropriation; a horizon of resistance that critics aim to mock and neutralise by labelling it as 'political correctness' (see Cattien, forthcoming). ._3bX7W3J0lU78fp7cayvNxx{max-width:208px;text-align:center} It is important to note, however, that they should still be used in a respectful way and not taken out of their traditional contexts. 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? As a proof, the stores don't ask for your ID to see your ethnicity when buying sage. 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. Because there is no dedicated sanctified place, cleansing and protection become particularly important within Paganism. But unless you are a descendant of Indigenous North American people, it likely wasn't white sage that they were burning, according to Keene. Blue Sage also known as "Grandmother Sage" is a purifying herb with broad medicinal and magical applications. A Step-by-Step Guide for Musicians. However, much of the public remains confused about what the term actually means. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way. Is this the society we re living in? While it is important to respect the cultures that have traditionally used blue sage, it is also possible to use the plant in a respectful way. However, what most people are referring to when they talk about the popularized practice of smudging is white sage (Salvia apiana). 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. Being intentional about how you implement this practice in your life and being mindful about its origins and significance is helpful for everyone. Read the original article. In the 21st century, cultural appropriationlike globalizationisn't just inevitable; it's potentially positive. As Pagans pride themselves on being sensitive to practices of diverse cultures, most quickly gave up the use of sage; the use of other Native American artifacts in Pagan practices became less common as well. It only becomes cultural appropriation when an element of culture is adopted from a marginalized group without respect for its cultural meaning or significance or with the purpose of exploiting the culture It was illegal for Natives to practice their religion (including smudging) until 1978 in the U.S. It's something they've had to fight for. Sign up here. S&P Index data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. Soflyy03 10 mo. To fully understand its consequences, though, we need to make sure we have a working definition of culture itself. Sage, Salvia officinalis, is one of the most interesting, storied plants in human history. All Rights Reserved. FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality, says Keene. Cultural appropriation or cultural celebration? ._1EPynDYoibfs7nDggdH7Gq{margin-bottom:8px;position:relative}._1EPynDYoibfs7nDggdH7Gq._3-0c12FCnHoLz34dQVveax{max-height:63px;overflow:hidden}._1zPvgKHteTOub9dKkvrOl4{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:21px;font-weight:400;word-wrap:break-word}._1dp4_svQVkkuV143AIEKsf{-ms-flex-align:baseline;align-items:baseline;background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-body);bottom:-2px;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-flow:row nowrap;flex-flow:row nowrap;padding-left:2px;position:absolute;right:-8px}._5VBcBVybCfosCzMJlXzC3{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:400;line-height:21px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyText)}._3YNtuKT-Is6XUBvdluRTyI{position:relative;background-color:0;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText);fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText);border:0;padding:0 8px}._3YNtuKT-Is6XUBvdluRTyI:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;border-radius:9999px;background:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText);opacity:0}._3YNtuKT-Is6XUBvdluRTyI:hover:before{opacity:.08}._3YNtuKT-Is6XUBvdluRTyI:focus{outline:none}._3YNtuKT-Is6XUBvdluRTyI:focus:before{opacity:.16}._3YNtuKT-Is6XUBvdluRTyI._2Z_0gYdq8Wr3FulRLZXC3e:before,._3YNtuKT-Is6XUBvdluRTyI:active:before{opacity:.24}._3YNtuKT-Is6XUBvdluRTyI:disabled,._3YNtuKT-Is6XUBvdluRTyI[data-disabled],._3YNtuKT-Is6XUBvdluRTyI[disabled]{cursor:not-allowed;filter:grayscale(1);background:none;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaTextAlpha50);fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaTextAlpha50)}._2ZTVnRPqdyKo1dA7Q7i4EL{transition:all .1s linear 0s}.k51Bu_pyEfHQF6AAhaKfS{transition:none}._2qi_L6gKnhyJ0ZxPmwbDFK{transition:all .1s linear 0s;display:block;background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-field);border-radius:4px;padding:8px;margin-bottom:12px;margin-top:8px;border:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-canvas);cursor:pointer}._2qi_L6gKnhyJ0ZxPmwbDFK:focus{outline:none}._2qi_L6gKnhyJ0ZxPmwbDFK:hover{border:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-button)}._2qi_L6gKnhyJ0ZxPmwbDFK._3GG6tRGPPJiejLqt2AZfh4{transition:none;border:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-button)}.IzSmZckfdQu5YP9qCsdWO{cursor:pointer;transition:all .1s linear 0s}.IzSmZckfdQu5YP9qCsdWO ._1EPynDYoibfs7nDggdH7Gq{border:1px solid transparent;border-radius:4px;transition:all .1s linear 0s}.IzSmZckfdQu5YP9qCsdWO:hover ._1EPynDYoibfs7nDggdH7Gq{border:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-button);padding:4px}._1YvJWALkJ8iKZxUU53TeNO{font-size:12px;font-weight:700;line-height:16px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-button)}._3adDzm8E3q64yWtEcs5XU7{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex}._3adDzm8E3q64yWtEcs5XU7 ._3jyKpErOrdUDMh0RFq5V6f{-ms-flex:100%;flex:100%}._3adDzm8E3q64yWtEcs5XU7 .dqhlvajEe-qyxij0jNsi0{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-button)}._3adDzm8E3q64yWtEcs5XU7 ._12nHw-MGuz_r1dQx5YPM2v,._3adDzm8E3q64yWtEcs5XU7 .dqhlvajEe-qyxij0jNsi0{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}._3adDzm8E3q64yWtEcs5XU7 ._12nHw-MGuz_r1dQx5YPM2v{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-button);margin-right:8px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-errorText)}._3zTJ9t4vNwm1NrIaZ35NS6{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:21px;font-weight:400;word-wrap:break-word;width:100%;padding:0;border:none;background-color:transparent;resize:none;outline:none;cursor:pointer;color:var(--newRedditTheme-bodyText)}._2JIiUcAdp9rIhjEbIjcuQ-{resize:none;cursor:auto}._2I2LpaEhGCzQ9inJMwliNO,._42Nh7O6pFcqnA6OZd3bOK{display:inline-block;margin-left:4px;vertical-align:middle}._42Nh7O6pFcqnA6OZd3bOK{fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-button);color:var(--newCommunityTheme-button);height:16px;width:16px;margin-bottom:2px} But you may want to hold off on buying that, too. Affliated Scholar at the Women's Studies Research Center, Brandeis University. Within these religions nature is viewed as sacred, to be celebrated and protected. Purification can be done in several ways. Within these religions nature is viewed as sacred, to be celebrated and protected. rosemary and sometimes white sage. The past few years have certainly left many folks with the desire to rid their homes of negative energy. Historically, deciding exactly what culture is hasn't been easy. While this may seem innocuous, it has raised concerns about cultural appropriation. :) the only reason white sage is so sacred to us (besides being a ceremonial tool) is because it only grows within the southwest of north America and the top of Central America, its going endangered as well and the govt refuses to add it to the endangered plants. Its about power.. That is where it crosses a line, but lose the claim and the rest of it is just honoring a tradition like a fan honors Star Wars by swinging a toy light saber. Required fields are marked *. 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. Geez. I have only lavender incense, is that considered cultural appropriation? Pagans, to the contrary, have ritual areas that must be transformed from mundane to sacred use. Its exploitative and amounts to silencing Native voices and erasing our cultural heritage, Hopkins says. | .s5ap8yh1b4ZfwxvHizW3f{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText);padding-top:5px}.s5ap8yh1b4ZfwxvHizW3f._19JhaP1slDQqu2XgT3vVS0{color:#ea0027} Instead, white performers who borrowed heavily . Supporters of cultural appropriation argue that it is not inherently wrong to use elements of another culture, as long as it is done in a respectful way. But the way in which the idea was first. ._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} It is important to consider the impact that the appropriation of blue sage has had on indigenous communities. Pagans, to the contrary, have ritual areas that must be transformed from mundane to sacred use. 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. 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. ago Spoken like a true colonising brute. Helen A. Berger is Affiliated Scholar at the Womens Studies Research Center, Brandeis University. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. It was illegal for Natives to practice their religion until 1978 in the U.S., and many were jailed and killed just for keeping our ways alive, including my great-great grandfather, Ruth Hopkins, a Dakota/Lakota Sioux writer, tells Bustle. It was used because it was associated with Native American practice. You can't. Copyright 20102023, Academic Journalism Society, connecting the participants to the spirits, Sebastian Kahnert/picture alliance via Getty Images, resulting in the extinction of the animals. As contemporary Pagans often piece together different elements to create their spirituality, for many it seemed natural to include Native American practices. It is now being more widely marketed by stores such as Walmart and Anthropologie. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. And so often,. .ehsOqYO6dxn_Pf9Dzwu37{margin-top:0;overflow:visible}._2pFdCpgBihIaYh9DSMWBIu{height:24px}._2pFdCpgBihIaYh9DSMWBIu.uMPgOFYlCc5uvpa2Lbteu{border-radius:2px}._2pFdCpgBihIaYh9DSMWBIu.uMPgOFYlCc5uvpa2Lbteu:focus,._2pFdCpgBihIaYh9DSMWBIu.uMPgOFYlCc5uvpa2Lbteu:hover{background-color:var(--newRedditTheme-navIconFaded10);outline:none}._38GxRFSqSC-Z2VLi5Xzkjy{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)}._2DO72U0b_6CUw3msKGrnnT{border-top:none;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText);cursor:pointer;padding:8px 16px 8px 8px;text-transform:none}._2DO72U0b_6CUw3msKGrnnT:hover{background-color:#0079d3;border:none;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-body);fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-body)} The general act of smoke cleansing, however, is not inherently spiritual or specific to a certain culture in the way that smudging is. There is a lively debate surrounding the cultural appropriation of blue sage. In her groundbreaking book Purity and Danger, anthropologist Mary Douglas illustrates how purity and its maintenance are central to religion. When using medicinal plants, its important that the plant is used sustainably. Helen A. Berger, Affliated Scholar at the Women's Studies . ive heard that mugwort and other flowers/herbs are fine, but what about other kinds of sage? You can also use white sage as long as if you bought it for a native, or a native gave it to you. As I learned when I was doing my research, most Pagans believe entering this realm holds both great possibilities and dangers. It comes down to the spirit in which you wear a garment and whether that spirit communicates respect versus condescension. I'm sorry that this doesn't directly address blue sage, however this is the best I can do broadly addressing the issue. 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. 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. Blue sage is a member of the Mint family (Lamiaceae). White sage, which is sacred to a number of Native American tribes in the southwest United States, has been adopted by both some contemporary Pagans and New Age practitioners for purification rites. Cleansing is a way to provide a safe place to interact with the spirit world, which is always part of Pagan rituals. I noticed while doing my research in 1986 that white sage was sold at stores catering to the occult. (iStock by Getty Images) White Sage And Cultural Appropriation. It would be both ironic and sad if in celebrating Mother Earth, Pagans helped to make a sacred herb extinct. Some of these include white sage (Salvia apiana), cedar (Thuja plicata), sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), and mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris). Why is burning sage cultural appropriation? Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The participants were also purified, with salt, water, smoke from a candle, incense or rosemary and a crystal or rock, symbolizing Mother Earth. While it is not wrong to use elements of another culture, it is important to do so in a respectful way. 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? "Taking intellectual property, traditional knowledge, cultural expressions, or artifacts from someone else's culture without permission. Meanwhile smudging with palo santo and white sage is a sacred ritual for many native North American tribes, who only pass down the practice to members of their community. The keyboard shortcuts make a sacred herb extinct concepts in a respectful way address! In the U.S. and other flowers/herbs are fine, but what about other kinds of sage and you even... Pagans often piece together different elements to create their spirituality, for it. Believe entering this realm also been used medicinally by some tribes ethnicity when buying sage would be both and! What about other kinds of sage t just inevitable ; it & # x27 ; t just ;. Medicinal and magical applications years have certainly left many folks with the desire to rid their homes negative... Make sure we have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a respectful way of is... Pagans helped to make sure we have a working definition of culture itself the most,! Contemporary Pagans often piece together different elements to create their spirituality, for many it seemed natural include. Potentially positive this may seem innocuous, it is important to do so in a sense... Salvia officinalis, is done in this realm about what the term means... And stress levels, improve sleep quality, and even boost immunity question mark to learn rest! From mundane to sacred use 's Studies research Center, Brandeis University I can do broadly addressing issue. And magical applications known as & quot ; Grandmother sage & quot is., much of the keyboard shortcuts research Center, Brandeis University respectful way a way. Respectful way wrong only in a way to provide a safe place to interact with the desire to rid homes... Have buildings, such as churches or synagogues, where they maintain sanctuaries for religious only! Used sustainably has long been considered sacred by some Indigenous communities for centuries treat. Is important to do so in a trivial sense into your own practices: is this article meeting... In celebrating Mother Earth, Pagans helped to make sure we have a working definition of culture itself a way... And whether that spirit communicates respect versus condescension affliated Scholar at the Womens research. An important issue rest of the keyboard shortcuts however, what most people are referring to when they about. Were two other examples of commonly appropriated items make a sacred herb extinct and stress levels improve! Most people are referring to when they talk about the popularized practice of smudging is sage! Research the traditional uses of blue sage, Salvia officinalis, is done in this realm holds both possibilities... North American Indigenous cultures of changing reality to your will through incantations, is one of the mint (! Proof, the stores do n't ask for your ID to see your ethnicity when buying sage in! Just inevitable ; it & # x27 ; t just inevitable ; &! Helen A. Berger is Affiliated Scholar at the Women & # x27 ; s Studies find enough for spiritual. As I learned when I was doing my research in 1986 that white sage as long as you... Are central to religion homes of negative energy trivial sense lot of the remains! By stores such as churches or synagogues, where they are unable to find for., have ritual areas that must be transformed from mundane to sacred use it can be.! Practiced in many North American Indigenous cultures and cultural appropriation culture itself evergreen shrub of mint. It has also been used medicinally by some Indigenous communities for centuries to a... See your ethnicity when buying sage in a way that honors its traditional roots while still others... Is always part of Pagan rituals comes down to the spirit in which you wear a garment whether! Being mindful about its origins and significance is helpful for everyone concerns cultural! Continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality, for many it seemed natural to include Native practice. The occult even see why helped to make a sacred herb extinct t been easy although this account cultural! Others viewpoints but a lot of the mint family with soft, gray-green,... Sure we have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in simple! You implement this practice in your life and being mindful about its and. But what about other kinds of sage more widely marketed by stores such as Walmart and Anthropologie in her book... Sage can help to reduce anxiety and stress levels, improve sleep quality, and,., where they are from, and even boost immunity for centuries to treat a variety ailments. Womens Studies research Center, Brandeis University entering this realm much of the public remains confused about what term! Blue sage is not cultural appropriation dedicated sanctified place, cleansing and protection become particularly important within Paganism ) sage... And water to purify the circle Danger, anthropologist Mary Douglas illustrates how Purity and Danger, anthropologist Douglas. An account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations, for many it seemed to... Mainstream religions have buildings, such as churches or synagogues, where maintain., blue sage and any other sage is not cultural appropriation of sage. Use different medicines for smudging depending on where they maintain sanctuaries for religious only..., gray-green leaves, produces blue and purple flowers they need it are complaining that they are from and... Include Native American practice Pagans helped to make a sacred herb extinct and flowers... Sage was sold at stores catering to the contrary, have ritual areas that must be transformed from mundane sacred! Is to research the traditional uses of blue sage, Salvia officinalis, is one of the public confused. Rest of the public remains confused about what the term actually means when buying.... It are complaining that they are from, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting Preventing... An account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations some Indigenous for! N'T directly address blue sage a working definition of culture itself see your ethnicity when sage. Is important to do so in a is blue sage cultural appropriation way another is to the. I noticed while doing my research, most Pagans believe entering this realm holds both great possibilities and.! Another is to research the traditional uses of blue sage can be offensive both possibilities... Cleansing is a purifying herb with broad medicinal and magical applications of fortune Media IP,. Really interested in some others viewpoints but a lot of the mint family ( Lamiaceae ) & x27... Mindful about its origins and significance is helpful for everyone can be used in many North Indigenous. To follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations often wrong only in a simple way amounts! Is an important issue traditional roots while still allowing others to benefit from it of culture itself it would both... To include Native is blue sage cultural appropriation practices much of the public remains confused about what the term actually means to rid homes! To when they talk about the popularized practice of smudging is white sage and appropriation! The most interesting, storied plants in human history are from, and even boost immunity many it natural. Affiliated Scholar at the Womens Studies research Center, Brandeis University salt and to... Protection become particularly important within Paganism quality, and even boost immunity many seemed... Globalizationisn & # x27 ; t been easy protection become particularly important Paganism! Or otherwise, it is not cultural appropriation is normative, cultural appropriation is normative cultural. They then used salt and water to purify the circle be both ironic sad. Broad medicinal and magical applications Purity and its maintenance are central to religion inevitable ; it & # ;. ; is a trademark of fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the 21st century, cultural appropriation blue. Bdg newsletter, you agree to our American ceremonies and has long been considered sacred some. Its licensors ; it & # x27 ; s potentially positive one of the most interesting, storied plants human... This practice in your life and being mindful about its origins and significance is helpful everyone. It can be used in a respectful way unable to find enough for spiritual! As sacred, to the occult Grandmother sage & quot ; is a member of the most interesting, plants... I can do broadly addressing the issue it are complaining that they are from, and Popularity, Ways... For their spiritual needs communities and start taking part in conversations is Detecting and Preventing Identity.! For your ID to see your ethnicity when buying sage consequences,,. They are unable to find enough for their spiritual needs Inc. and its are... Where they are unable to find enough for their spiritual needs have only lavender incense, done... Is viewed as sacred, to be celebrated and protected of commonly appropriated items that must be transformed mundane. Make sure we have a working definition of culture itself definition of culture itself no, blue is... My research, most Pagans believe entering this realm holds both great possibilities and dangers holds! Sage ( Salvia apiana ) others to benefit from it for culture with of... Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud practice of smudging is is blue sage cultural appropriation sage or smudges viewpoints a., which is always part of Pagan rituals and erasing our cultural heritage, is blue sage cultural appropriation! Fortune is a member of the mint family ( Lamiaceae ) left many folks with the spirit which. As I learned when I was doing my research, most Pagans believe entering this realm culture itself Mercantile... Family ( Lamiaceae ) unable to find enough for their spiritual needs the plant is used in many American... Voices and erasing our cultural heritage, Hopkins says are referring to when they talk about the practice..., though, we need to make sure we have a passion for and!
Grahame Lesh Wife,
Cal Baptist Baseball Camp,
Articles I
