It’s a calling on of the spirits of the plants being burned. White sage is native to high desserts, but is most commonly found in California and the mountainous American west. And Native Americans were the first on record for using it in a ceremonial or ritual manner.
Who started burning sage?
Native Americans and other indigenous peoples have burned sage for centuries as part of a spiritual ritual to cleanse a person or space, and to promote healing and wisdom. It’s been used since the time of the ancient Egyptians and Romans to treat digestive issues, memory problems, and sore throats.
When did sage burning start?
The practice of burning fragrant herbs and resins has been around a very long time. Incense burners have been found that date back to Egypt’s 5th dynasty – that’s from the 25th and 24th centuries BC – 4500 years ago1.
Where did sage smudging originate?
Where did the practice originate? Burning sage — also known as smudging — is an ancient spiritual ritual. Smudging has been well established as a Native American cultural or tribal practice, although it isn’t practiced by all groups. We have the traditions of many Native American peoples to thank for its use.
Did Aztecs burn sage?
The Aztecs ground up sage seeds and used it to make a drink called ‘chianzotzolatoli. ‘ 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.
What’s wrong with burning sage?
Wondering whether burning sage is cultural appropriation is a fair question — long story short, burning sage is problematic for a few reasons, the biggest being cultural insensitivity and environmental unsustainability.
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.
How do you burn sage respectfully?
Start with smudging yourself by trailing the smoke down your body before moving on to each room. Waft the smoke from corner to corner, before eventually making your way back to the front of the house.
What religions use smudging?
Smudging with Sage
Incense is still used today in the Roman Catholic Church and other religions for purification. Native elders teach that the smoke of dried sage clears negative energy and restores harmony.
Why is sage so important?
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.
Why is white sage sacred?
White sage is burned for meditation, smudging and cleansing of spirit and dwelling. In some beliefs, white sage smoke is believed to provide a barrier that prevents negative spirits from entering the room in which the ceremony is being held.
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 female sage?
The Woman Sage is a lot smaller, shorter, way more frondy, and a little bit softer. There is also a sub species of Man Sage, but the leaves are thinner. It has a sharper smell and the whole plant looks thinner and sharper. You can tell if its Man Sage by looking at the leaves.
Where is sage indigenous to?
the Mediterranean region
sage, (Salvia officinalis), also called common sage or garden sage, aromatic herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae) cultivated for its pungent edible leaves. Sage is native to the Mediterranean region and is used fresh or dried as a flavouring in many foods, particularly in stuffings for poultry and pork and in sausages.
Can Christians burn incense?
A Christian may still burn incense if he wishes to, but should consider 1 Samuel 15:22, “Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD?” This shows that obedience to God should be our priority as Christians. The Bible contains 24 verses referring to incense.
How long should I burn sage?
Hold the sage at a 45-degree angle, light the sage, let it burn for about 20 seconds and then gently blow out the flame so that you see orange embers on one end. Then you can start the process of clearing your space. Clients sometimes complain that they can’t get their sage to stay lit.
What do you say when you smudge?
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 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.
Is it cultural appropriation to burn sage?
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.
What does smudging do to a person?
Purpose of smudging
The smoke created by burning medicines purifies the body, soul and brings clarity to the mind. In this way, smudging is also used to rid any negative energy a person may carry throughout the day. Sacred items and locations can be smudged to clear away negativity.
What is the smudging prayer?
A Smudging Prayer
May your hands be cleansed, that they create beautiful things. May your feet be cleansed, that they might take you where you most need to be. May your heart be cleansed, that you might hear its messages clearly. May your throat be cleansed, that you might speak rightly when words are needed.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.