Thuja plicata
Dried, Loose Leaf
0.5 oz.
Wild harvested
Western Red Cedar holds a significant place in the traditions and daily life of many Native American tribes, particularly those from the Pacific Northwest coast. It's often referred to as the "tree of life" due to its versatility and importance.
Canoes: Large cedar logs are hollowed out to create dugout canoes, essential for transportation and fishing.
Longhouses: Cedar planks are used to build homes and community structures.
Totem poles: Cedar is preferred wood for carving totem poles, which tell stories and represent family lineages.
Bentwood boxes: Cedar's flexibility allowed for the creation of bentwood boxes used for storage and ceremonial purposes.
Other crafts: Cedar is also used for making masks, tools, baskets, and clothing.
Cordage: Cedar bark is stripped and processed into strong ropes and cords.
Textiles: Cedar bark is woven into mats, blankets, and clothing.
Medicine: Cedar leaves and bark are used in traditional medicine for various ailments, including respiratory issues and skin conditions.
Spiritual and Ceremonial Uses
Cedar branches are burned for purification ceremonies and to cleanse spaces. It is offered as a gift in sacred rituals.
Cultural Significance
Respect
Western Red Cedar is highly revered, and its harvesting is accompanied by ceremonies and prayers.
Symbolism
The tree symbolizes strength, longevity, and connection to the spirit world.
Cedar is widely recognized for its purifying properties. In sweat lodge ceremonies, it's used to cleanse both the physical and spiritual bodies.
The aromatic smoke from cedar dispels negative energies and promotes positive ones. Cedar is considered a sacred medicine, and its presence in the sweat lodge helps to facilitate a connection with the spiritual realm. The smoke carries prayers to the Creator.
Cedar may be placed on the hot stones within the sweat lodge, releasing its fragrant smoke.
Respect and Protocol
It's important to understand that sweat lodge ceremonies are sacred traditions. The use of cedar within these ceremonies is deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual beliefs.
Participation in these ceremonies should only occur with the guidance and permission of knowledgeable Indigenous elders and practitioners.
Western Red Cedar is a slow-growing tree, and overharvesting can be a concern. It's crucial to obtain cedar from reputable sources that practice sustainable harvesting methods. Our Cedar is grown in SESD on our active homestead, Sweetgrass Farm. We also received hand harvested Cedar from the PNW from trusted Native American families.