The Fragrant Sacred Grass
Sweetgrass is a beautifully fragrant grass, known for its soft, sweet scent, often compared to vanilla and freshly cut hay.
For generations, sweetgrass has held a special place in the spiritual and ceremonial traditions of various Indigenous peoples of North America, particularly in smudging ceremonies, where it is associated with prayer, purification, kindness and welcoming good things into one’s life.
Traditional Uses of Sweetgrass
- Cleansing: Sweetgrass is burned in some Indigenous traditions as part of spiritual cleansing and prayer.
- Welcoming Goodness: Its sweet fragrance is associated with inviting positive influences, peace and kindness.
- Blessings: Sweetgrass is used in certain ceremonies to offer prayers and blessings.
- Braiding: The three strands of a sweetgrass braid carry particular spiritual meanings in some Indigenous traditions, although these meanings differ between communities.
Unlike sage, which is often associated with clearing away unwanted influences, sweetgrass is frequently described as a welcoming plant, used to invite goodness into a space.
Sweetgrass is more than a beautifully scented herb. It carries generations of living tradition, knowledge and respect.
Light one end of the sweetgrass braid and allow it to catch briefly before gently blowing out the flame. Sweetgrass can be difficult to keep smouldering, so you may need to relight it.
How To Use
Hold the braid over a heatproof dish and gently waft the fragrant smoke around your space.
Once finished, extinguish the braid completely in sand or another suitable fireproof material. Keep the remaining braid dry for future use.