Maybe. “Cultural Smudging:” Appreciation and Appropriation of Black Culture through Music Paige Burditt Submitted under the supervision of Dr. Josephine Lee to the University Honors Program at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude in English. ... "Smudging sage … 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. In other words, cultural appropriation is a thing, in and of itself. I don't take offense, as long as it's fine properly with respect! The way it smells, the calm energy shift in the air after its been burned… I’ve long been a fan. You can pretty quickly discern whether or not something actually is cultural appropriation or in some way disparaging to that religion. Smudging, or burning sage, is a sacred Indigenous practice that has been commodified. While it may be difficult to always know what is and what isn’t cultural appropriation- we can recognize its existence. Smudging IS a native american ritual, smoke cleansing isn't. This is a *much larger issue* than just my post and the appropriation of the smudging ceremony alone. We must also be aware of cultural appropriation in the language used by … It's cultural appropriation of a threatened plant. Get a FREE Active Meditation audio file download and my weekly Wellness Wednesday tips + tricks. Cultural appropriation is "taking or using from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing you understand or respect this culture." appropriation-free-witchery. Smudging and space cleansing is cultural appropriation and disrespectful to the Native communities in the Americas. Say it with me now: Smudging is not Wiccan. 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. Cultural appropriation is never cool, and as the practice of burning sage becomes more mainstream, it’s important to remember that we should respect … Being a Wiccan does not give you the right to appropriate Native culture. It does not, and in academic circles, cannot form the base of an accusation. It really is magical. It’s all about what Halloween costume you wear, or who’s cooking biryani. Sage is not the only sacred medicine used for smudging. And if smudging with sage, for example, is not something that’s in your lineage, you can engage with “smoke clearing” using other substances instead, such as rosemary, sweetgrass, and mugwort. For guidance, I turned to Brown University professor Adrienne Keene, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and an expert on the topic. ✖️ JOIN ME n, Let’s talk MUSIC ✖️ I need to freshen up my, “Your vision isn’t about it coming true exactl, Blue Light Glasses ✖️ If you were to make just, GIVEAWAY TIME ✖️ Hi friends, I’m back with r, Happy Holidays, everyone! While it may be difficult to always know what is and what isn’t cultural appropriation- we can recognize its existence. Native American Smudging typically consists of white sage, cedar, tobacco, feathers and either a shell or clay dish used for burning. For guidance, I turned to Brown University professor Adrienne Keene, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and an expert on the topic. If they are, then they are very flimsy and will crumble sooner or later. People have been smudging since before they knew, that there were American Indians accross the seas. 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. Use of white sage and the term smudging by Non-Natives is cultural appropriation. Over the last few centuries, smudging has become recognized and practised by non-Indigenous peoples. 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. They’re still currently battling to be allowed to perform smudging in hospitals. Native Americans Troubled By The Appropriation And Commoditization Of Smudging Smudging, the ancient Native American practice of burning dried plants in spiritual ceremonies, has been made common by the non-Native population spreading it … I have this one piece that was gifted to me that I don’t burn out of symbolic respect. Importantly it’s a cultural relevant practice and is one available for folks who work within the Scottish folk magic diaspora. White Sage and other smudge products (burning sweet grass, palo santo, etc. Plant Research. Edit: guys, I’ll be closing the comments for now. It's a controversial topic, one that activists and celebrities like Adrienne Keene and Jesse Williams have helped bring into the national spotlight. Azealia Banks has referred to this as a “cultural smudging." This is continuing systemic racism and oppression against Indigenous People. 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. You can practice smoke cleansing with different kinds of wood and herbs. You can also try energy-clearing practices for your space that don’t require any burning, like Himalayan salt lamps, crystals, and diffusing essential oils! I’m a yoga teacher in Southern California—and I see it being used and sold everywhere. A viral video has started a debate about "cultural appropriation" and the racial politics of hair. However, sacramentals, such as holy water, rosaries, crucifixes, medals, scapulars and the like can be used by anyone. Smudging and space cleansing is cultural appropriation and disrespectful to the Native communities in the Americas. I felt very connected to this small part of my ancestry growing up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 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. When all they can tell you is that they dont like it, dont worry about it. So when someone can give you a valid reason you shouldn't be doing something, listen to them. Refrain from indulging in these practices if you are not an Indigenous person, and do not buy into the trend of it, especially without educating yourself on … Depending on the region, Indigenous practices include tobacco, sweetgrass, and cedar. Our school field trips included visits to the surrounding reservations. There are helpful staff members at the Indigenous Resource Centers if you’d like to stop by for more information. I.e. 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. The use of white sage for ceremonial cleansing and ritual, also called smudging, is a Native American practice. You don’t need sage to do it. Cultural appropriation is not difficult to understand. It’s similar to the idea of smudging but very different. 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. Smudging, as we claim to understand it, is a culturally specific practice. I am only a small part Native American—15% Indigenous to be exact (thanks, AncestryDNA), as part of being half-Mexican, and half-white. It brings us one step closer to healing as a collective. This is cultural appropriation, and it’s harmful to Native communities. I show it to people all the time. 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. 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. Indigeneity is having a "moment" in popular culture, one which has lasted decades. The good thing about words, is that they have meaning. Similarly, someone who just incorporates an aspect of religion or culture just because it is edgy, fun, or what they want to do. Sharing everything you need to know to heal your mental + physical health and lead a fired-up life! I’ve gotten most of the sticks I’ve used when visiting home in NM, and those not-white-sage bundles look much more like regular leaves. You will still find people who whine and yell about it. Note, these aren’t “energy cleansing” practices it also doesn’t equate to removing sin. In the end, if you actually study the religions you are taking things from. Beliefs and practices are not based on feelings. You're forgetting the fact that ACTUAL natives who are actually from the culture where smudging originates are the ones who believe it is appropriative for others to use this, and you have no authority to speak over them. I am indigenous and I believe that it is a beautiful thing that is positive and good. Smudging and other Native spiritual practices are still not openly supported in spaces we occupy. More literacy is needed. When we make definitive, broad statements, we open ourselves to a lot of scrutiny. Across Native communities, we use different medicines for smudging depending on where we’re from. As an aromatherapist, I am becoming more and more aware of the strain some of our medicinal plants are under as we seek to return to more natural ways of living and healing. Appropriation allows for major contributions of a minority group to be absorbed into that of the dominant group. Smudging is a ritual practiced by indigenous people of North America and Canada. My theory? One step closer to unity. Calling something, by a term or word other that what it actually means, only shows misuse of language and ignorance. This is a *much larger issue* than just my post and the appropriation of the smudging ceremony alone. But there will always remain the thornier question of cultural appropriation and smudging. It just means I am ignorant and using words incorrectly. You’re not smudging unless you’re smudging. A Community created for all the Pagans and Witches out there! (Can I smudge with sage if I'm non-indigenous?) Infinite Embers is a holistic guide to mind/body wellness, delivered with no-bs realness. The essay concludes with implications of appropriation and consumption of black culture. Yes, brain storage. Stenberg then goes on to give the best definition of appropriation I’ve ever heard. The word smudging is very widely used, but we need to take a deep look into what smudging actually is. Recommended Websites and Forums. Burning incense is also awesome. Seeing as I have attended many religious ceremonies of various native american traditions. Cultural appropriation is never cool, and as the practice of burning sage becomes more mainstream, it’s important to remember that we should respect … Just be careful and respectful I say. Is Smudging Cultural Appropriation? Is Smudging Cultural Appropriation? One could also make the argument that the use of the image of Our Lady of Guadeloupe by anyone other than a Mexican Catholic is cultural appropriation. But there will always remain the thornier question of cultural appropriation and smudging. Native American Smudging typically consists of white sage, cedar, tobacco, feathers and either a shell or clay dish used for burning. Recently, Sephora advertised a bohemian “witch kit” with white sage included. He listens to and assists anyone who prays to Him. Recently, Sephora advertised a bohemian “witch kit” with white sage included. Cultural sensitivity appears to dictate a protocol of invitation for non-Indigenous peoples. 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