Definition and Origin
The word “smudging” comes from “smudge,” which is English in origin. However, the term has been used widely to refer to the smudging ceremonies of Indigenous peoples, in which sacred herbs and medicines are burned as part of a ritual, or for cleansing or health purposes. Indigenous peoples have their own terms and phrases for smudging, including at...
Practice
Although Indigenous nations have their own culturally specific smudging traditions, they typically share certain teachings. For example, all smudging ceremonies require some sort of vessel to carry the medicinal herbs, such as a special container, shell, smudge stick or ball. Burned in small amounts, the herbs contained in the vessel produce smoke ...
Purpose
Smudging serves a variety of functions in different Indigenous cultures. As a ritual event, it is considered significant to spiritual and theological beliefs, as are sweat lodges and sacred pipes in certain cultures. (See also Religion and Spirituality of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.) Smudging connects people to the Creator and provides communitie...
Effects of Colonization
Colonization repressed, eroded and in some cases, eradicated the spiritual traditions of Indigenous peoples in Canada. While the federal Indian Act did not explicitly ban smudging (as it did the potlatch and sun dance, until 1951), it did broadly outlaw Indigenous religious and cultural activities, of which smudging is an integral part, in many cas...
Reconciliation
In an attempt to redress historical practices of assimilation, some levels of government have established policies that support Indigenous traditions. For example, under the Ontario Human Rights Code, organizations that fall under the jurisdiction of the province have the obligation to permit Indigenous spiritual practices, such as smudging. (See a...
What is smudging ritual?
Traditionally however, a smudging ritual is for cleansing or purifying the soul of all negativity. Everything from a person’s thoughts, or to a certain place. Four elements involved are: The first element is a container. This is usually a shell that represents water. The second element is the four sacred plants (tobacco, sage, cedar, sweetgrass).
What is a smudging prayer?
What is a smudging prayer? The process of smudging is intended to cleanse, purify, and get rid of negative energy. It is believed that the smoke acts as a purifier and as it rises, it takes your wishes up into the universe and to the Gods.
How do I Smudge myself?
Smudging yourself is easy. If you're using a smudge stick, light the smudge stick on a candle flame. Hold the stick in the flame until there is a lot of smoke and the stick is burning well (that’s why a candle is better than a match as it can take a while to get the stick really smoldering). Using a fan, feather or your hand, gently fan the ...
OFL-Guidelines-for-Indigenous-Smudge-Ceremony.pdf