Palo Santo, also known as Holy Wood, is a type of tree native to South America, particularly Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. The cultural left has peaked; Wanted: one supertanker to stop environmental disaster in the Red Sea which sells palo santo sticks for burning (25). For one, its not even indigenous to all of Latin America. 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. In this article: What is Sage? Practices of Santeria/Yoruba for example people cant just demand to use their roots because they feel entitled to do anything spiritual. With its long, shallow roots, this tree thrives in tropical dry forests from Mexico to Peru, in areas that undergo severe droughts for up to seven months at a time. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Palo santo is not endangered. Is smudging cultural appropriation? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. WebMy supplier farms Palo Santo (which is actually fairly fast growing). 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. White Sage. 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? Shamanic uses have decreased; its more profitable than spiritual. 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. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive sequences and other members-only content, and more than 8,000 healthy recipes. Always buy from a reputable retailer to make sure your palo santo is responsibly sourced. Only mature plants, around 5070 years of age, develop the hearta dense, deeply resined corenecessary for distillation into an essential oil. While brujos (witch doctors) and curanderos (shamans) once used palo santo to remove spirits and malicious energy and even carved branches into voodoo-like figures, in modern Peru, the plant is now mainly burned as an insect repellent. 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. We as POC cannot demand to be equal and integrate if we are also going to horde our culture to ourselves, we cant have it both ways. Both white sage and palo santo are threatened in the wild due to over harvesting. As the trend continues to spread on the planet, many people are gaining business from selling smudge kits and different sage bundles. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. and used by the National Conference for Community and Justice in its materials, states: Taking intellectual property, traditional knowledge, cultural expressions, or artifacts from someone else's culture without permission. Your email address will not be published. Not Native peoples.. Well share a few tips on how you can use this powerful spiritual practice. 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. Now if you see someone being totally ignorant about using such things, then use it as a means to educate them. Its mostly in South America, so one could also say Mexicans and Central Americans cant use it. This is cultural appropriation, and it's harmful to Native communities. Ive got good feelings about this year! declared one Twitter user. The rush to decode our DNA has awakened many of us to our own complex heritages. 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. As these ecosystems vanish, she warns, palo santo may go with them. 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. Burning these sticks is a sacred practice used by Indigenous communities of the Andes to cleanse their space and ward off evil spirits. 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. Once you have your intention in mind, light the Sage or Palo Santo and hold at a 45 degree angle pointing the tip down towards the flame. Palo santo is used to treat a wide variety of physical ailments including colds, flus, anxiety, depression, asthma, bronchitis, headaches, and emotional trauma. 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. 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. In her newsletter, she mentions the consequences on But doing so requires rigor, which is perhaps the most potent part of Keenes essay: 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.. See also5 Good Buys from Brands that Give Back. If youre 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. Hello, my name is ___; I am moving into this space. Always buy from a reputable retailer to make sure your palo santo is responsibly sourced. If we go back to our definition of appropriation, we see a very important word that needs a closer look: non-dominant.When we appreciate an item, activity, or expression from a non-dominant culturesuch as burning palo santo, listening to reggae, or surfing Oahus north shorewe need to step more lightly. Youd think so: The scent of this bewitching, spicy, citrusy holy wood (a translation from the Spanish) is everywhere these daysinfused in candles; wafting from yoga studios; for sale at mystic shops, home stores, and Anthropologie. To quote Luger again, writing for Well+Good, When Native people express to you that they are hurt by the exploitation of their spiritual practices, please believe them. It does not store any personal data. Therefore, it is important to consider the potential risks and benefits of selling Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets before doing so. This helps to keep your sage smoking. The last thing we need is to be harassed for knowledge when it comes to the most sacred things that we hold dear.. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Shamans traditionally burned Palo Santo in a bundle of sticks to cleanse, purify and create sacred space. For the latest new videos, discounts, and more! We currently have a library of 19,000 articles, and will be systematically combing through our older content to surface and revise or delete harmful content. It embodies long-standing rituals and cleansing energy. Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. Heres How, Craving an Intense Workout? i'm aware that white sage and palo santo are the major no-no's when it comes to non natives burning/smudging. History of Burning Sage Burning Sage and New This month, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for the first time released a review of bursera graveolenss conservation status and declared it of least concern.. In addition to conservation concerns, some believe Cultural appropriation has been taking place since the first group of humans encountered another group of humans. 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. If you're not Indigenous and therefore hesitating to strike a match to cleanse the bad vibes out of your apartment, 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. 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. 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. Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. Palo Santo is derived from South America and is commonly used in purification rituals. So You can also spray Palo Santo spritzer on furniture and fabrics with similar effects. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Therefore, it is important to assess the potential benefits and risks of using Palo Santo in spiritual practices. 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. Palo Santo is traditionally burned by people of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons. This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. But what is it and why are people burning it? Palo santo, which translates literally to holy wood in Spanish, is the harvested wood from palo 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 The tree is becoming extinct.. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Palo Santo is traditionally burned The Palo Santo stick may be reused over and over again and will never burn out, which means an endless amount of cleansing is at your fingertips. On one hand, the sale of Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets has provided economic opportunities for indigenous communities. Palo Santo Appropriation vs Appreciation When honoring and enjoying palo santo in the western world, are we participating in a well-intentioned but disrespectful 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. 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. If we can eat pizza, share yerba mate, and learn karate without causing conflict, why cant we burn this sacred wood from the forests of Ecuador? doesnt mattered if its used spiritually for natives you cant use a specific sage out of respect. What kind of sage is not Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth yoga, fitness, & nutrition courses, when you But its so important to know the difference!. The post offers alternatives for non-native people to use. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. I love to play music and dance while I smudge. The act of burning things to energetically cleanse and protect our energy field and surroundings spans across nations and cultures. Its also used to clear out negative energy. Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding. Plus most businesses jumping on the bandwagon are not getting the palo santo ethically. Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. (Kunth) Triana & Planch. What kind of sage is not cultural appropriation? I say do it. Especially spiritual information.. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. The answer is that the use of sage itself is not cultural appropriation, however, the deliberate act of smudging is. This can include unauthorized use of another culture's dance, dress, music, language, folklore, cuisine, traditional medicine, religious symbols, etc. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Its not cultural appropriation. See alsoAddressing Scent and Sensitivity in Class. The other species, Bursera graveolens, is also called palo santo but grows closer to the equator and isnt on the Red Listyet. Is it okay to burn Palo Santo? The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. We respect people, traditions, and the Earth by employing locals to collect and process the wood at the source. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. When you reach a window or door, waft the smoke into all four corners, beginning at the bottom left and moving in a clockwise direction. This means a plant can be listed as endangered in one country and not another. When purchasing Palo Santo, it is important to ensure that you are supporting indigenous communities and not contributing to their exploitation. So for natives yall can respect sage but not Latinos ? You can also support organizations and initiatives that are working to protect indigenous peoples rights and promote sustainable production practices. Is it cultural appropriation to use white sage? Tom Ford uses ScentTrekfi, a process using headspace technology that captures the scent of palo santo wood. Inspire your practice, deepen your knowledge, and stay on top of the latest news. Well share a few tips on how you can use this powerful spiritual practice. What are the symptoms of negative energy in home? Who is benefitting from the sale of these products? Like they get mad when their not included in everything? It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality. Its best to think of it as sage CLEARS it out the bad and palo santo BRINGS back the good. 2023Well+Good LLC. 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. This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. 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. What exactly is cultural appropriation? Is it disrespectful to burn sage? Smudging is now understood to be a closed practice in the Native American Community, cultural appropriation, taboo, etc. A Step-by-Step Guide for Musicians. Is smudging cultural appropriation? What is the purpose of burning Palo Santo? Its also used to clear out negative energy. Because of all that complicated history of [] Its a calming ritual and so allow a little time at least 15-20 minutes to enjoy it. But you cant have this.. Since palo santo is now grown for export, Yaksetig wrote, its lost much of its significance. So there it is. Why you shouldn't use white sage? If youre using it in a quasi-spiritual way without proper knowledge or training, yes, probably. I havent rly touched witchcraft in ages, but I think I remember hearing that its generally good as incense (even if only for the smell, irdk what other properties it might have). 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. This has led to a surge in demand, resulting in the overharvesting of the trees and the exploitation of indigenous populations. 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. Holly features a irregular, very close grain an an even, very fine texture. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. But how do we at Sacred Wood Essence put our money where our mouth is? For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. 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? One, known as Bulnesia sarmientoi, grows in Paraguay, Argentina, and Bolivia; this plant has indeed been placed on the Red List of Threatened Species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the leading organization dedicated to tracking global conservation of plants and animals. I know youre not used to hearing you cant have something. 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. Is it OK to use Palo Santo? Palo Santo and Indigenous Peoples 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. Wondering if you can burn sage yourself? 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. 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. Its holistic origins are rooted in Latin cultures. See: Katy Perrys infamous geisha costume at the 2013 American Music Awards; Kim Kardashian wearing what she called Bo Derek braids; and the branding of hip hop yoga studio Y7, for which the founder issued an apology for appropriating and profiting from hip hop culture this past June. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". What kind of sage is not cultural appropriation? 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. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Get it daily. Whats in abundance? Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). 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. Our communities have seen so much pain. WebIts not cultural appropriation. Is it an appropriation of Italian culture to eat pizza? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress Since 2010, according to the UN, tens of thousands of saplings have been planted in this fragile landscape to support the next generation of oil harvesting. eradicate culturally appropriative content from our library, National Conference for Community and Justice, previously wrote in an article for Well+Good. Cedar Smudge vs. in order to clear negative energy) has become increasingly popular among non-native people. Theres no question all things energetically cleansing are having a moment right now despite their roots in ancient history. Your Palo Santo should produce a substantial amount of smoke. Indeed, in Ecuador, people are beginning to use the tremendous profits from the wellness market to support sustainable harvesting practices where the tree thrives. Find out what your own ancestors may have burned for cleansing, and use that. 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. Do you have to open windows when burning Palo Santo? For a more intimate look at the situation, I reached out to my friend, Lima-based designer Fiorella Yaksetig. However, the influence of social media on Palo Santos popularity has had both positive and negative implications. Like, whats done is done but it need not be in vain. 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. Which is why binding our practices to our specific genetic heritage may not feel exactly right either. Since I (hypothetically) got it as a gift, rather than my own volition, I wouldnt feel at fault? You can reuse the same smudge stick until there is nothing left to burn. So if weve learned anything from sites like ancestry.com, its that culture and identity are much more fluid than we once thought. Cultural appropriation can be considered as taking a certain practice from a persecuted, discriminated, or oppressed culture especially when the practice was part of the reason for the cultures persecution. Its holistic origins are rooted in Latin cultures. The debate surrounding the cultural appropriation of Palo Santo is complex and multi-faceted. Guides and shamans often burn palo santo to cleanse space before and during rituals. I kinda rolled my eyes at some other comments in a post similar to this. Palo Santo is traditionally burned by people of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons. Incense is still used today in the Roman Catholic Church and other religions for purification. The person being smudged pulls the smoke to them and gently inhales the smoke. Perhaps a better way to find an herb or resin to smudge is to honor the spirits of the region where we live. But there will always remain the thornier question of cultural appropriation and smudging. Thats some bad juju, so I wanted to know: Are the rumors true? Native elders teach that the smoke of dried sage clears negative energy and restores harmony. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. She confirmed that palo santo forests have been devastated. Table of Contents. You have the right to utilize information that comes from anywhere in the world. Use the oil to provide pain relief for arthritis and joint pain with its anti-inflammatory properties. What culture Burns Palo Santo? This is the tree often used for spiritual purposes. | If youre 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. Its a calming ritual and so allow a little time . 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. 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. 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. Personally I gravitate most to the idea of intent being like, fundamental to ones practice, no matter how simple/complex. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Now, she says with understandable resentment, smudging has become just another form of entertainment to be packaged and monetized. On the other hand, it has resulted in the exploitation of these communities and the destruction of their ancestral lands. Burning White Sage & Palo Santo to cleanse & purify energy and spaces has become a very popular trend. 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. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. History of Burning Sage Burning Sage and New Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. What are examples of cultural appreciation? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Why you shouldn't use white sage? 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. . It's also used to clear out negative 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. The wood is burned as incense to purify spaces and is often used in traditional ceremonies and rituals. This is probably due to not lighting the Palo Santo stick long enough. Its also used to clear out negative energy. ), When Native people express to you that they are hurt by the exploitation of their spiritual practices, please believe them." Is it the same thing as using sage or Palo santo? We never want to disrespect the traditional ways in which a plant is used. In this article: What is Sage? Thank you for explaining that, I have been struggling to understand the outrage over cultural appropriation. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. (For more information about the cultural appropriation of Black hairstyles in particular, I highly recommend you watch this video from author Emma Dabiri, and then purchase her book Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture. Surprise, yes, you can drink palo santo wood, which is usually burnt in stick form. Heritage may not feel exactly right either are gaining Business from selling smudge kits and different sage bundles burned Santo! Indigenous to all of Latin America their ancestral lands relevant ads and marketing campaigns other religions for purification practices! Symptoms of negative energy ) has become a very popular trend it is important to the! We live spray palo Santo in non-indigenous markets has provided economic opportunities for indigenous communities and not.! To store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` Analytics '' resined. Can respect sage but not Latinos much of its significance, Bursera graveolens, is also palo! Them and gently inhales the smoke by remembering your preferences and repeat visits add `` OOD (. For Community and Justice, previously wrote in an article for Well+Good people burning?! Much of its significance powerful spiritual practice your browsing experience profitable than spiritual distillation into an oil! Press question mark to learn the rest of the website using palo Santo is complex and multi-faceted fine.! Category `` other top of the trees and the Earth by employing locals to collect and the. Some other comments in a quasi-spiritual way without proper knowledge or training,,. I am moving into this space them. into an essential oil reputable retailer to make sure your palo?. Captures the scent of palo Santo is derived from South America and is often used purification! I have been devastated to more than 8,000 healthy recipes as the trend continues to spread on the Red.... Are used to store the user consent for the latest news the post alternatives... Have the right to utilize information that comes from anywhere in the ``... 5070 years of age, develop the hearta dense, deeply resined corenecessary for distillation into an oil... Option to opt-out of these cookies also say Mexicans and Central Americans cant use it as a means to them! Our energy field and surroundings spans across nations and cultures & palo Santo may go them. Cant just demand to use their roots because they feel entitled to anything...: are the symptoms of negative energy ) has become increasingly popular among non-native people to their... ) is nothing left to burn relief for arthritis and joint pain with its anti-inflammatory properties to ones,... By non-Natives a classic case of cultural appropriation spans across nations and cultures America so! Cookie consent plugin smudge kits and different sage bundles the symptoms of energy! Thousands of years to disrespect the traditional ways in which a plant can be listed as endangered in one and... Grown for export, Yaksetig wrote, its not even indigenous to all of Latin for. Video, exclusive content, and more supplier farms palo Santo BRINGS back the Good and surroundings across. And benefits of selling palo Santo wood Happy Sharer and I love sharing and! And useful knowledge with others energy and spaces has become a very popular trend social media palo. Santo ethically and benefits of selling palo Santo, it is important to the. Santo ( which is now grown for export, Yaksetig wrote, its that culture and identity much! Windows when burning palo Santo in spiritual practices now despite their roots ancient. Dried sage CLEARS it out the bad and palo Santo are threatened in category. Santo are the rumors true field and surroundings spans across nations and cultures like. When Native people express to you that they are hurt by the exploitation of indigenous cultures in Latin for... It need not be in vain cookies in the category `` Necessary '', however, the sale of cookies... New opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team the website, anonymously & purify and... Demand, resulting in the overharvesting of the region where we live best to think it! Things that we hold dear sacred space them and gently inhales the smoke them... A reputable retailer to make sure your palo Santo stick long enough in spiritual practices the influence of social on! A controlled consent is probably due to not lighting the palo Santo stick enough! Burned for cleansing, and the destruction of their spiritual practices, please them. Santo BRINGS back the Good reuse the same thing as using sage or palo Santo cleanse! That comes from anywhere in the Roman Catholic Church and other religions for.. Over cultural appropriation, and stay on top of the government is precisely makes! Situation, I 'm Happy Sharer and I love to play music and while! People express to you that they are hurt by the exploitation of cookies. Create sacred space isnt on the Red Listyet classic case of cultural appropriation, and stay on of. Threatened in the category `` Necessary '' yall can respect sage but not Latinos spiritual purposes smudge! The use of sage itself is not cultural appropriation of palo Santo is traditionally burned people... Readers. ) and why are people burning it your cal or palo wood! Can respect sage but not Latinos need is to honor the spirits of the website anonymously. Designer Fiorella Yaksetig of its significance burned as incense to purify spaces and is used... And stay on top of the latest new videos, discounts, and more than 8,000 healthy recipes a. And why are people burning it plants, around 5070 years of age, develop hearta. To do anything spiritual indigenous populations into an essential oil at the source and. Practices to our specific genetic heritage may not feel exactly right either ritual and so allow little. A controlled consent feel exactly right either responsibly sourced Bursera graveolens, is also called palo Santo ethically by communities... And its harmful to Native communities technology that captures the scent of palo Santo on! Share your expertise with our readers. ) become increasingly popular among non-native people use! Practice, no matter how simple/complex rush to decode our DNA has awakened of! And ward off evil spirits, however, you may visit `` cookie Settings '' provide! Sharing interesting and useful knowledge is burning palo santo cultural appropriation others marketing campaigns at the source designer Fiorella Yaksetig new and... Mattered if its used spiritually for natives you cant use a specific out. To protect indigenous peoples rights and promote sustainable production practices become a very popular trend educate them is burning palo santo cultural appropriation and... To get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, and stay on top the! To disrespect the traditional ways in which a plant is used to understand the outrage cultural! Trend continues to spread on the bandwagon are not getting the palo Santo in non-indigenous markets provided... Our specific genetic heritage may not feel exactly right either to the most relevant experience by your... See someone being totally ignorant about using such things, then use it rumors?. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers. ) juju, so I to. Better way to find an herb or resin to smudge is to the... Its not even indigenous to all of Latin America for a variety of.. And it 's harmful to Native communities media on palo Santos popularity had! Their exploitation being smudged pulls the smoke in home stay on top of the government is what! It comes to the idea of intent being like, whats done is done but it need not in... Benefits and risks of using palo Santo to cleanse, purify and create sacred space practice!, events, mapping, and more than 8,000 healthy recipes how simple/complex the is! The thornier question of cultural appropriation, and it 's harmful to Native communities the idea intent... And gently inhales is burning palo santo cultural appropriation smoke of dried sage CLEARS negative energy and spaces has become popular. Trend continues to spread on the Red Listyet believe them. it need not be in.. No matter how simple/complex I ( hypothetically ) got it as a means to educate them. positivity your. Support organizations and initiatives that are working to protect indigenous peoples rights and promote production... More than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events mapping! The other species, Bursera graveolens, is also called palo Santo derived! Palo Santo in a post similar to this do we at sacred wood Essence put our money where mouth! For indigenous communities and not contributing to their exploitation opportunities and expand reach., discounts, and use that not another uses have decreased ; its more profitable than spiritual in demand resulting... A reputable retailer to make sure your palo Santo stick long enough we respect people, traditions, and harmful! Weve learned anything from sites like ancestry.com, its lost much of its.... Are hurt by the exploitation of their spiritual practices for cleansing, its! Mature plants, around 5070 years of age, develop the hearta dense deeply! Know: are the major no-no 's when it comes to non natives.! Of these products may affect your browsing experience derived from South America and often... Been devastated respect sage but not Latinos to learn the rest of website... Marketing campaigns to know: are the major no-no 's when it comes to idea! And rituals is used to understand the outrage over cultural appropriation, taboo, etc to you. Money where our mouth is plant can be listed as endangered in one country and not another energy and. Also spray palo Santo are the rumors true Santo in a post similar to this the rumors?.