What Cultures Use Sage?

It’s also a sacred herb to several Indigenous communities, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Navajo. The Chumash people, for instance, who are native to central and southern coastal regions of California, use white sage in healing sessions to purify the central nervous system.

Do other cultures use sage?

A big one is the fact that sage has historically been used as an energy cleanser in other cultures, too, including Celtic druids and European witches. While that may be the case, white sage — the kind typically sold in those chic little bundles — is native to North America and therefore, to Native cultures.

What cultures use sage smudging?

While sage is commonly associated with smudging and several Native American, First Nations, Inuit or Métis cultures may use forms of sage that are local to their region, the use of sage is neither universal, nor as widespread as many believe.

Is sage used in Mexican culture?

‘ Sage is still used in Mexico to make drinks with lemon and sugar (3). The practice of burning sage to cleanse a person, a group of people, and even a space has been done cross culturally for decades.

Is sage a part of Native American culture?

Native American Sage Mythology
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.

Is it disrespectful to burn 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.

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.

How do you burn sage respectfully?

How to smudge your living space, an object, and more

1. Light the end of a sage bundle with a match.
2. The tips of the leaves should smolder slowly, releasing thick smoke.
3. Allow the incense to linger on the areas of your body or surroundings you’d like to focus on.
4. Allow the ash to collect in a ceramic bowl or shell.

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.

What culture is smudging from?

Smudging is a cultural ceremony practised by a wide variety of Indigenous peoples in Canada and other parts of the world. Although practices differ, smudging is used for medicinal and practical purposes as well as for spiritual ceremonies.

What did Egyptians use sage for?

History. It is probable that Sage was used in ancient Egypt to treat stomach ailments, toothache and asthma. It was listed in the Ebers Papyrus (1500 BC) as a remedy for itching. Followers of Hippocrates praised its styptic and strengthening qualities as well as its beneficial effects on menstruation.

What is a sage ritual?

The ritual of sage burning has its roots in Native American tradition. 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.

Who was the first to use sage?

Emperor Charlemagne had sage planted in Germany in 812 AD to use in trade and likely for medicinal purposes (Petrovska, 2012). The ancient Greeks and Romans first used sage as a meat preservative. They also believe it could enhance memory (Rogers,2014).

Why is sage a sacred herb?

The use of sage is for healing. The smoke is used to bless, cleanse and heal the person or object being smudged. Sage is used to ‘wash off’ the outside world when one enters ceremony or other sacred space. Objects are likewise washed off with sage medicine smoke to rid them of unwanted influences.

What type of sage is sacred?

white sage
There are two types of sage, each with its own distinct qualities and uses. Smoke from white sage (Artemesia califoncia) is used for purification of mind, body and spirit and sacred articles in advance of prayers and ceremonies. White sage is burned for meditation, smudging and cleansing of spirit and dwelling.

How do you smudge someone?

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. The person being smudged pulls the smoke to them and gently inhales the smoke.

Can you throw away unused sage?

You should not throw sage away in the trash can. The best way to dispose of it is to wait for it to stop burning and then burying it outside to seal any negative energy outside that was removed while smudging.

What is the purpose of burning sage?

Sage (Salvia) is used as a spice and also as a way to improve health in traditional medicine. Sage has a long history of use in Egyptian, Roman, and Greek medicine, as well as in Native American healing traditions. Dried sage is burned as a way to heal, protect, increase wisdom, and boost defense against disease.

What to say when you sage your house?

Hello, my name is ___; I am moving into this space. I want to thank all of the land stewards and spirits of the land. I want to acknowledge the first people of the land. I want to state my intention of creating a home for myself here, living in reciprocity with the spirits that are present.

Can you reuse a sage smudge stick?

You can reuse the same smudge stick until there is nothing left to burn. Ideally, you should use a new smudge for each cleansing.

Can you smudge at night?

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