pl̓pul̓m Smudging
Smudging is the ceremonial tradition of Indigenous people across North America, cleansing the mind, body, spirit, and environment. Smudging connects the physical, emotional, spiritual and cultural well-being of our existence. As the smoke rises, prayers rise to the Spirit World where our ancestors and Creator reside. Negative energy and emotions are lifted away.
Our Syilx Okanagan communities have specific protocols for picking, preparing and using sage. One important protocol is to protect sacred medicines so they can regrow the following year. It is crucial not to harvest what you do not need. In saying that, do not over pick a plant, as it can wither and die. Smudging is a traditional practice of our Syilx culture and is still practiced today to help people participating in ceremony and teachings.
In historical contexts, the act of burning smudge is viewed through the lens of cultural appropriation, especially considering that many Indigenous peoples were once prohibited from practicing their own cultural traditions and ceremonies.
qʷlʼqʷlʼmniɬp (sage) and other sacred medicines, like tobacco, sweetgrass, and cedar, are given to us from the tmxʷulaxʷ (land). These sacred medicines need to be protected and respected and should not be exploited. There are protocols around using these sacred medicines.
The protocol before picking sage is to offer tobacco and prayer in four directions.
Sage is honoured alongside plants, animals, winds, and spirits from each direction. When offering tobacco to the sage, we explain the reason for our visit. Tobacco will communicate with the land and understand your presence.
How to Smudge
To take part in a smudge, participants stand in a circle while an Elder or First Nations person will move from person to person with a feather and a smudge bowl. Upon your turn, cup the smoke in your hands and waft it over yourself to cleanse your body, (much like how you would use water to cleanse your hands and face).
When cleaning off with smudge, you start with your hands. Wash your hands with the smoke gently. Smudging is used as a cleanse. It clears away all that bad energy and bad spirits.
Next, you cleanse your ears, so you only hear good things.
You cleanse your head, so your mind will have good thoughts and act with good intentions.
You cleanse your eyes, so you only see good things.
You cleanse your mouth, so you only say good things.
You cleanse your heart, so your heart only feels good things and lifts any burdens you carry.
You finish cleansing your legs, so you stay on a good path.
After the smudge stops smoking, you put the remaining amount by a pine tree and thank the smudge for all the good things is has done to protect you.
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