What medicines are used in a smudge?
Smudging is a tradition, common to many First Nations, which involves the burning of one or more medicines gathered from the earth. The four sacred medicines used in First Nations’ ceremonies are tobacco, sage, cedar, and sweetgrass. The most common medicines used in a smudge are sweetgrass, sage, and cedar.
How do you introduce smudging?
When introducing the tradition of smudging, include an Elder or traditional teacher who can explain smudging, the medicines, the teachings, and the protocols. Communicate with parents/guardians, staff, and students about what smudging is, why people smudge, and when and where smudging will take place.
What are the benefits of smudging?
The smudging of traditional herbs is believed to balance energies as well as heal the mind, body, and spirit. In Native American culture, braided sweet grass is believed to attract good spirits, energies, and influences.
What is a smudging ceremony?
By definition, smudging is a ceremony that consists of burning plant herbs and resins in either a clay or shelled bowl while prayers are being done. This results in a smoke cloud formation that is believed to cleanse the air and those within it.
OFL-Guidelines-for-Indigenous-Smudge-Ceremony.pdf