Elsner and Megenbir give us step-by-step instructions on how to smudge yourself, explaining its meaning and significance, along with its cultural and historical importance. We follow the pair as they share their experiences with smudging and why it matters to them and their communities. We also look further into their Indigenous identity and explore the role that smudging plays within it.
Smudging is a traditional ceremony used in many different Indigenous cultures and nations. It is seen as an act of cleansing one’s self, their thoughts, soul, and environment around them. For some, smudging is only something they do during important ceremonies, feasts, or events, while other’s have it as a daily ritual and prayer. It is important to ensure you know when it is appropriate to smudge, why you are smudging, and how to do it properly.