Sometimes it’s a word, like Smudging, that makes it appropriation. However, much of the public remains confused about what the term actually means. Recently, Sephora advertised a bohemian “witch kit” with white sage included. You will still find people who whine and yell about it. (Responsibly, of course.). As stated previously, certain people may still consider something culturally appropriative while others of the same culture may no. :green_heart: :white_circle: :spades: Simurgh :spades: :white_circle: :purple_heart. If you fan around a bit of smoke to cleanse your space, then that's all good. For the term cultural appropriation, we are using the definition of appropriation “take and use without the owner’s permission.” In many traditions, the … Continue reading → That's quite a broad, interesting statement you have made. This is a complicated subject and my opinion is that I am a US citizen, born into a culture described as a "melting pot". 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. When the dominant culture in society takes aspects from another culture that’s experiencing oppression, that’s best understood as cultural appropriation. I show it to people all the time. I am only a small part Native American—15% Indigenous to be exact (thanks, AncestryDNA), as part of being half-Mexican, and half-white. This is cultural appropriation, and here's why it's harmful. Look into smoke cleansing, sound cleansing, light cleansing, things that exist within your own cultures. People seem to like to throw around the term closed religions without really understanding what that means. Smudging isn’t Wiccan. Use of white sage and the term smudging by Non-Natives is cultural appropriation. “Smudging” is a practice that is from Native North American spiritual traditions. But the way in … They have proper definitions, which mean they can be used properly. In reality though, it is not as simple as that. 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. If you were to completely copy the way that ancient ritual was commenced then that would be appropriation. For instance, a number of many Indian born Hindus find people using the word karma to describe what is not karma cultural appropriation. I think there’s a lot food for thought for all sides to consider. You will still find people telling you, you have no business doing it. Live your life boldl, New Year, New Moon — New Event! We must respect it and what it symbolizes, and less is more. Catholic not in a state latae sententiae excommunication. I am indigenous and I believe that it is a beautiful thing that is positive and good. Azealia Banks has referred to this as a “cultural smudging." Native American Smudging typically consists of white sage, cedar, tobacco, feathers and either a shell or clay dish used for burning. Cultural appropriation can come in many forms outside of a religious context. ... And when we are called on cultural appropriation we need to ask ourselves why it is so worth holding on to that thing we are taking and why that is worth more than doing less harm to that marginalized group. Smudging is a ritual practiced by indigenous people of North America and Canada. Up until two weeks ago, if you were one of the thousands of people each month … Read our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy to get more information and learn how to set up your preferences. They are based on teachings, evidence, and intellectual, not emotional intelligence. For guidance, I turned to Brown University professor Adrienne Keene, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and an expert on the topic. And we’ve already done enough. I have this one piece that was gifted to me that I don’t burn out of symbolic respect. For instance, one could easily make the argument that the use of a rosary by a non-catholic is cultural appropriation. Not as pretty, not as popular. Because of this, I’ve been more sensitive to the growing trendy use of sage. White sage grows in Southern California, where yoga, holistic health, and spirituality are booming, along with cultural appropriation of the origins of those practices. You can still smoke cleanse though! It’s never sat right, but I didn’t look as closely as I/we should have. We should have a conversation about cultural appropriation when it comes to this. 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 am treating this space like a diary and a repository for my brain. Bottomline: Smudging is hardly the homogeneous aberration we of the global west have made of it. Beliefs and practices are not based on feelings. Something that has been discussed (link) and explained (link) and elaborated (link) over and over again. It's cultural appropriation of a threatened plant. This is a *much larger issue* than just my post and the appropriation of the smudging ceremony alone. Sometimes it’s a word, like Smudging, that makes it appropriation. As an Indigenous woman, it’s important for me to inform you that using the word ‘smudge’ contributes to cultural appropriation. Cultural appropriation is the adoption of certain elements from another culture without the consent of people who belong to that culture. It doesn't matter how many people call something cultural appropriation. 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. 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