Why Is White Sage Sacred To Native Americans?

White sage has been used traditionally to purify the mind, body and spirit before praying. Native Americans also used white sage in ceremonies of birth and death. Sacred objects such as pipes and eagle feathers were passed through the smoking of burning white sage in order to purify them.

Is white sage sacred to Native Americans?

Sage, along with sweetgrass,red cedar and tobacco, is one of the four plants considered sacred by First Nations and Métis Peoples. Sage is used broadly for many purposes by both First Nations and Native Americans – and is described here in only the most general of terms.

What do Native Americans believe about sage?

Sage is one of the most important Native American ceremonial plants, used by many tribes as an incense and purifying herb. Sweetgrass symbolizes protection and healing in many Native cultures, and is considered to drive out evil influences and ward off bad luck.

Why is white sage sacred?

White sage (Salvia apiana) is also antimicrobial. And both have been shown to repel insects. Beliefs that burning sage clears out spiritual impurities, pathogens, and even insects have been fundamental to the practice of smudging.

Can Native Americans burn white sage?

But for centuries, Indigenous tribes have burned white sage in spiritual ceremonies to cleanse, purify and pray. These sacred bundles of sage, sometimes called “smudge sticks,” can be found everywhere from Urban Outfitters to indie shops, including, of course, your Instagram feed.

Why you shouldn’t use white sage?

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, it’s cultural appropriation.

What tribes use white sage?

The Cheyenne use the white sage in their Sun Dance and Standing Against Thunder ceremonies (Hart 1976). Other tribes who used white sage include the Arapaho, Comanche, Gros Ventre, Creek, Navaho, Tewa, and Ute (Nickerson 1966, Carlson and Jones 1939, Hart 1976, Thwaites 1905, Denig 1855, Elmore 1944, Robbins et al.

Can non natives smudge?

As long as you’re respectful, we firmly believe that smudging and use of other sacred medicines is perfectly acceptable for those who do not come from Indigenous culture.

What are the 4 sacred medicines?

Tobacco is the first plant that the Creator gave to Native people. It is the main activator of all the plant spirits. Three other plants, sage, cedar and sweetgrass, follow tobacco, and together they are referred to as the four sacred medicines. The four sacred medicines are used in everyday life and in ceremonies.

What is the most spiritual plant?

Seven of the most sacred plants in the world

1. Lotus Flower. Jahnavi Harrison explains how the lotus is a plant that, for those educated in an eastern spiritual context, evokes layers of meaning and narrative.
2. Mistletoe.
3. Holy Basil (Ocimum Sanctum)
4. Peyote.
5. Yew Tree.
6. Marijuana.
7. Basil (Ocimum Basilicum)

Can I burn sage if I’m not indigenous?

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. This is cultural appropriation, and it’s harmful to Native communities.

How do you sage your house for the first time?

Start at the front door of the home and light your smudge stick. Then, begin to move around the home. Move mindfully and with care, walking clockwise around the entire perimeter of the home. Be sure to allow the smoke to drift into even the hidden spaces, like inside closets, basements and dark corners.

Does burning sage cleanse your house?

Burning sage is is a powerful ritual
Today, people burn sage and other holy herbs to cleanse a space or environment of negative energy, to generate wisdom and clarity, and to promote healing.

Is burning white sage safe?

As far as burning sage is concerned, it is generally safe to do so, even around children and pets. Just be aware of any possible respiratory conditions they might have. (They may not like the smell of burning sage.)

Is white sage poisonous?

White sage contains a toxic compound known as thujone. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this compound increases your heart rate and causes mental confusion. It also leads to vomiting, restlessness and kidney complications. Hence, you should exercise caution when using white sage.

What should you not do when smudging?

Also, take care not to inhale too much of the smoke. “Although saging is a great way to clear your apartment or office of stagnant and possibly negative energy, it is best not to inhale it directly,” says licensed acupuncturist and certified herbalist Irina Logman, L.Ac., MSTOM.

What time of day should I smudge?

“Some people do this [smudge] every day, as a ritual or way to start their day. I say do it when you feel your space needs it,” adds meditation and mineral guide, Lauren Spencer King. “There is no wrong time.

Should you smudge at night?

Smudging can be done at any time of day or night, whenever it is needed.

Why is hair sacred to Native American culture?

Our hair is considered sacred and significant to who we are as an individual, family, and community. In many tribes, it is believed that a person’s long hair represents a strong cultural identity. This strong cultural identity promotes self-esteem, self-respect, a sense of belonging, and a healthy sense of pride.

What is a Native American medicine woman?

A medicine man or medicine woman is a traditional healer and spiritual leader who serves a community of Indigenous people of the Americas. Individual cultures have their own names, in their respective Indigenous languages, for the spiritual healers and ceremonial leaders in their particular cultures.

What do natives do with sweet grass?

Sweetgrass is used to “smudge”; the smoke from burning sweetgrass is fanned on people, objects or areas. Individuals smudge themselves with the smoke, washing the eyes, ears, heart and body. Natives of the northeast have long used sweetgrass as a smudging ingredient, often mixed with other botanicals.