Sage, cedar and sweetgrass were used for smudging.
Sage was burned to drive out bad spirits and bad feelings. It
kept bad spirits from entering the ceremonial place. Sometimes the floor
of the sweat lodge was covered with sage. People in the sweat lodge
also rubbed their bodies with sage.
Cedar was burned while praying. The prayers rose to the
Creator on the smoke. Cedar was also spread on the floor of the sweat
lodges of some tribes.
Sweetgrass was a tall wild grass with a musty odor. It was
braided together. One end was lit and it was waved around letting the
smoke spread. Sweetgrass brought the good spirits and the smoke took the prayers
up to the Creator.
Sweetgrass and sage were put in pipe bundles and medicine
bundles to protect and purify the sacred objects.
Tobacco was used in prayer ceremonies and was one of the most sacred of all plants.
Tobacco was presented to Elders as an offering when seeking their guidance.
(more information - pipes )
