Repelling bad influences
Native Americans believe the smell of the burning sage pleases the spirits and the smoke repels any bad influences that exist nearby. Smudging was done for physical and spiritual cleansing. Certain herbs were burnt. Smudging meant taking the smoke in one's hands and rubbing or brushing the smoke over the body. Three plants used for smudging were sage, cedar and sweetgrass.
© Kieron Nelson 2013 "Vanishing Cultures Photography" All rights reserved
