Since palo santo is now grown for export, Yaksetig wrote, its lost much of its significance. So there it is. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? With its long, shallow roots, this tree thrives in tropical dry forests from Mexico to Peru, in areas that undergo severe droughts for up to seven months at a time. Similar to Sage and Cedar, Palo Santo is most widely used for spiritual purification and energy (house) cleansings. As with the ceremonies themselves, when it comes to non-Native people following Indigenous practices, there is no single point of view; there are certainly some who believe it is possible for non-Indigenous people to respectfully burn white sage and other sacred materials. The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. Additional Questions. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Is smudging cultural appropriation? You can buy palo santo smudge sticks from Etsy and follow along on YouTube as a woman in yoga wear teaches viewers how to cleanse a room without burning the place down. Is it OK to use Palo Santo? Personally, I think youre okay to use it considering ur situation. Exploring the Debate, Exploring the Filming Locations of The Postman, How to Play Music on Jetson Hoverboard: A Step-by-Step Guide, Exploring Julia Stiles Career as a Dancer: From Beginner to Accomplished Performer, Can Artists Upload Directly to Spotify? But if we are talking about the Palo How long does palo santo last? I am not Latin and Im not sure what to do with them. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. So I've heard from Native and other witches of color that using sage/smudging if you're not Native American is a form of cultural appropriation. ), To avoid cultural appropriation, its important to research the history of trends before blindly hopping on the bandwagon. Palo santo, which translates literally to holy wood in Spanish, is the harvested wood from palo Once you have your intention in mind, All of my friends and I approach our smudging rituals slightly differently because like any self-care ritual, its personal. If something is calling to you or feels missing from your experience, feel free to adapt and adjust. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". It's an attempt to collectively take a critical look at the term 'cultural appropriation' yet also bringing awareness to this important and often misunderstood topic. Burning sage is a powerful way to get rid of negative energy. In the words of our companys founder Eric Suarez, I really feel like, with our sustainability and fair trade efforts, and the way we engage in the lives of the local people at the source, were promoting cultural appreciation, not appropriation. See also6 Simple Ways to Clear Negative Energy. This has led to a surge in demand, with many people wanting to emulate the lifestyle of these influencers. While its unlikely that all of these harvested trees were bound for the wellness and ritualistic markets, demand combined with illegal and unsustainable practices may result in Peruvian palo santo forests disappearing forever. Use the oil to provide pain relief for arthritis and joint pain with its anti-inflammatory properties. Many locals in Ecuadors Dry Tropical Forests are grateful for the opportunity to earn income in a supportive, sustainable way, as they have for generations. Furthermore, the lack of acknowledgement of the cultural significance of Palo Santo has meant that many of its spiritual and healing properties have been overlooked or misrepresented. If you're not Indigenous and therefore hesitating to strike a match to cleanse the bad vibes out of your apartment, While clinical studies on the And those are just three high-profile examples of something that happens every day. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Some people like to wait 20-30 minutes to allow the sage smoke to reach maximum potency. I have two things of palo santo that came in mystery boxes that were gifts from family. Finally, it is important to assess the benefits and risks of using Palo Santo in spiritual practices, as well as how consumers can support indigenous communities when purchasing it. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". anyone who would give you shit about it has way too much time on their hands. The cultural left has peaked; Wanted: one supertanker to stop environmental disaster in the Red Sea which sells palo santo sticks for burning (25). The other species, Bursera graveolens, is also called palo santo but grows closer to the equator and isnt on the Red Listyet. Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. For guidance, I turned to Brown University professor Adrienne Keene, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and an expert on the topic. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. What do you say when you sage your house? But wait is using palo santo cultural appropriation? For the latest new videos, discounts, and more! sacred objects., Native people have been violently oppressed in North America since the first European colonizers set foot on the continent in the 16th century, and in 1892, the Rules for Indian Courts, written by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, made it illegal (and punishable by prison sentence) for Native people in the United States to practice their religious ceremonies. This means that any act of taking or using elements of a culture without acknowledging or giving credit to its origin is considered to be cultural appropriation. This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Allow about half a minute for the flame to catch, only then blow it out. Its also used to clear out negative energy. After clearing and cleansing, extinguish your sage stick by. For one, its not even indigenous to all of Latin America. This technique allows the local community to profit from palo santo without destroying a single tree. Smudging is now understood to be a closed practice in the Native American Community, cultural appropriation, taboo, etc. Always buy from a reputable retailer to make sure your palo santo is responsibly sourced. It does not store any personal data. This creates local abundance. I would say appropriation is when it is co-opted by (mostly) white people and are using it in a way that is insulting or inappropriate. Its mostly in South America, so one could also say Mexicans and Central Americans cant This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Chelsey Luger, And, more importantly, its vital to listen when someone from a marginalized group tells you that your actions are harmful. He is one of only 3 government permitted Palo Santo Farms in Peru. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". And yet its also important to avoid flattening the lives and experiences of local peoples into a single static image. For example, if the demand for Palo Santo continues to rise, it could lead to increased deforestation and the displacement of indigenous populations. Also, read: How Often Should You Sage your House? One such product is Palo Santo, a type of wood native to South America that has been used by indigenous people for centuries for its spiritual and healing properties. To this end, in addition to the articles and books mentioned above, Rachel Rickettss Spiritual Activism courses provide a great primer on cultural appropriationand more books and courses are just a Google away. Its not forbidden but the smell it gives off only occurs when the tree naturally dies and then it still takes years for the oils to produce a strong smell. Ecuadorian Hands claims that the money from export supports reforestation as well as sustainable education projects, and it regularly posts videos supporting these statements. Waft the smoke with a turkey feather (optional). I love the smell of incense (Nag Champa specifically) but now I'm getting worried that I shouldn't be burning it as a white person. Burning these sticks is a sacred practice used by Indigenous communities of the Andes to cleanse their space and ward off evil spirits. The piece, triggered by a Starter Witch Kit she heard about (since pulled from the market), is framed within the shameful context of European-American suppression of Native traditions and languages. The sale of Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets raises a number of ethical considerations. Some people do this [smudge] every day, as a ritual or way to start their day. Holly features a irregular, very close grain an an even, very fine texture. A subreddit for English-speaking brujeria practitioners! Palo Santo is traditionally burned by people of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons. We explore everything you need to know about these incense sticks.Palo santo is having quite a moment. What are your thoughts on this? Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. What Your Sun Sign in Astrology Says About You. Then, direct or push the energy out the window to get rid of it. For centuries, she writes, Natives were forced to practice their customssuch as burning white sagein secret, until the passage of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act in 1978. The sale of Native spirituality is easily a million-dollar industrynot even including all the culture vultures and white shamans who sell fake ceremony. Do you have to open windows when burning Palo Santo? 2023, Sacred Wood Essence. And it brings hope to marginalized rural communities.Also, we fund tree-planting efforts that ensure the long-term viability of the Dry Tropical Forest.By paying fair prices for the finished product, we ensure the people of the source receive living wages for their contributions.We share and promote the many different ways this sacred wood is used by the people of Ecuador and beyond. Once the wood sticks are burned, the smoke is believed to clear negative energy and restore tranquility and calm emotions. The trees must be about 6 years old. Is it okay to burn Palo Santo? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Is it the same thing as using sage or Palo santo? The Palo Santo stick may be reused over and over again and will never burn out, which means an endless amount of cleansing is at your fingertips. Cultural appropriation has long been a source of contention between indigenous peoples and those who have colonized their lands. We have been mocked, brutalized, infantilized, dehumanized, and ignored. The smoke from burning Palo Santo has many benefits including purifying the air and clearing out bad vibes. Peruvian history is in many ways different from US history, so I returned once again to my Peruvian friend for guidance. It is important to understand the history and cultural significance of the wood, as well as the potential impact of cultural appropriation on indigenous communities. There is no wrong time. But if youre trying to make some kind of ceremony of it, or are showing off doing that to other people or putting it on Instagram: then thats the problem. Is smudging cultural appropriation? This has been on our minds here at Sacred Wood Essence a lot lately. And palo santo trees produce the finest oils when they die naturally and sit on the forest floor for several years. So if weve learned anything from sites like ancestry.com, its that culture and identity are much more fluid than we once thought. See alsoGreen Your Practice: 39 Eco-Friendly Yoga Essentials, But my inquiry did spark a discussion among Yaksetig and her family, one that she hadnt yet had with her parents and grandparents. The original practice of smudging has not only lost its intent, but it is starting to bring about devastation to the plants natural habitats. Web2023 Premium Palo Santo Milled (bursera Graveolens) / Peruvian Palo Santo / 100% Organic / Natural Incense , Find Complete Details about 2023 Premium Palo Santo Milled (bursera Graveolens) / Peruvian Palo Santo / 100% Organic / Natural Incense,Palo Santo Powder / Palo Santo Milled / Bursera Graveolens / 100% Organic,Holy Wood / Palo Like, whats done is done but it need not be in vain. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. Adrienne J. Keene, EdD, In a post on her blog Native Appropriations, Adrienne J. Keene, EdD, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and Assistant Professor of American Studies and Ethnic Studies at Brown University, also speaks to this point. If youre not a member of an Indigenous community, purchasing white sage, Palo Santo, or other sacred herbs and quickly Googling how to smudge will not make Each palo santo stick can be reused. However, if you pretend to hold some sort of native smudging ceremonyWell, you know how that will be rightfully viewed. 4 Mistakes That Are Causing You to Waste Money on Skin-Care Serums, According to an Esthetician, These Are the Best Anti-Chafing Denim ShortsAccording to Some Very Happy Reviewers. Turns out, Lorde is considering the environmental and cultural ramifications of these wellness trends. Perus National Forest and Wildlife Service (SERFOR) reported that a truck carrying nearly 10,000 pounds of illegal palo santo wood was intercepted on December 26, 2019, on its way to Lambayeque, a city known for its important archaeological remains. Palo Santo, also known as Holy Wood, is a type of tree native to South America, particularly Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. Well, times change. Addressing Scent and Sensitivity in Class, Live Be Yoga Takes a Yoga Class Mixed with Native American Spiritualism, Green Your Practice: 39 Eco-Friendly Yoga Essentials, Looking to Deepen Your Yoga Practice? Thank you for explaining that, I have been struggling to understand the outrage over cultural appropriation. Palo Santo Appropriation vs Appreciation When honoring and enjoying palo santo in the western world, are we participating in a well-intentioned but disrespectful case of cultural appropriation instead of the appreciation we intend? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Thats my two cents, at least. The post offers alternatives for non-native people to use. White Sage and other smudge products (burning sweet grass, palo santo, etc. WebIts not cultural appropriation. An open room for discussions, sharing observations and asking questions regarding cultural appropriation. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. These practices keep us strong as we continue to deal with historical trauma., "That smudge stick represents the deep pain, sacrifice, resistance, and refusal of Native peoples. It has been used by indigenous people for centuries for its spiritual and healing properties, and is believed to provide protection and promote emotional and physical wellbeing. Within North and South America, its important to note, different communities use different medicines and rituals for cleansing. The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. As Dr. Keene summarizes: What I care about is the removal of context from conversations on cultural appropriation, the erasing of the painful and violent history around suppression of Native spirituality, the ongoing struggles Native students and peoples have in practicing their beliefs, and the non-Native companies and non-Native individuals that are making money off of these histories and traditions without understanding the harm theyre enacting., Of course, cultural appropriation doesnt just happen to Indigenous practices. First you start with a simple intention of focusing on clearing the negative energy out of your space and mind. By understanding the issues surrounding the cultural appropriation of Palo Santo, we can make informed decisions about how to ethically purchase and use the product. Why you shouldn't use white sage? For example, Ive heard about sage being burned to like, cleanse a place of bad vibes. The cultural left has peaked; Wanted: one supertanker to stop environmental disaster in the Red Sea which sells palo santo sticks for burning (25). . WebBurning Palo Santo (also known as smudging) as part of their ceremonies and healing rituals, through its healing scent and sacred smoke, provide energetic protection, remove bad ene In preparation for meditation, Palo Santo smudge sticks are burned to draw positive energies and keep them grounded. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way. By listening to locals, honoring traditions, supporting communities, and giving credit and compensation at every turn, we can support a cultural exchange that truly is appreciation, not appropriation. We never want to disrespect the traditional ways in which a plant is used. Since I (hypothetically) got it as a gift, rather than my own volition, I wouldnt feel at fault? This all sounds great, right? tree thousands of miles away was harvested? Can we get the same spiritual effect from a questionably sourced box of sticks snagged on Amazon? Why did Twenty One Pilots change their logo? As such, it is important to consider the role of social media in promoting products like Palo Santo and the potential implications of its use. Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding. If youre non-indigenous, should you even be using palo santo as a spiritual aid? Ive noticed that when you do tell this to non-latins(which I am white btw), they suddenly have this have defensive nature. I dont really know how to describe it, because its just odd. It hurts to see our traditions, which our ancestors died and fought for, now become a trend that others are demanding to be a part of, Well for Culture co-founder Chelsey Luger previously wrote in an article for Well+Good. I say do it. If you're not a member of an Indigenous community, purchasing white sage, Palo Santo, or other sacred herbs and quickly Googling how to smudge will not make you qualified to do so. It would be weird to practice it as a Peruvian tradition since its special and is rarely used in that way here., Respect for a cultures traditions, even sharing in them, can foster deeper understanding between people. Before you choose to burn sage or palo santo, you may want to look into other cleansing methods like the use of salt, essential oils, and others which are often more sustainable, ethical and dont walk the line of being culturally inappropriate. If youre gardening your own greenery, choose plants that can thrive in your area. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The answer is that the use of sage itself is not cultural appropriation, however, the deliberate act of smudging is. Native peoples have fought long and hard for the right to say this. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". It also means avoiding burning the wood indoors or in enclosed spaces, as this can lead to the release of harmful toxins. Given how high the stakes are, how much do you trust an online source to give you the straight scoop on how that But what is it and why are people burning it? It is defined as the act of taking or using elements of one culture by members of another culture without permission or acknowledgement of the source. What grows there? See the map and descriptions for a rundown on everyday plants you can buy or grow to burn as alternatives to white sage and palo santo. I havent rly touched witchcraft in ages, but I think I remember hearing that its generally good as incense (even if only for the smell, irdk what other properties it might have). To quote Luger again, writing for Well+Good, When Native people express to you that they are hurt by the exploitation of their spiritual practices, please believe them. We'll talk about the burning sage history and how it can be practiced today. In a 2018 essay published on her Native Appropriations bloga forum for discussing representations of Native peoplesshe penned a tremendously moving argument against non-indigenous use of smudging sticks. The IUCN has declared Palo Santo to be of least concern on a global scale; however, national governments also determine a plants regional conservation status. White Sage. Its a calming ritual and so allow a little time . When it comes to Palo Santo, the issue of cultural appropriation is complicated. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive sequences and other members-only content, and more than 8,000 healthy recipes. Smudge. Legend has it that early residents of SoCal were so inspired by a lovely holly-like bush that they were inspired to call their new digs Hollywood. When you light a Palo Santo stick, the smoke will purify the air and rid your environment of any negative energy. Your email address will not be published. Incense is still used today in the Roman Catholic Church and other religions for purification. With the wellness world latching onto their energy-clearing benefits, Palo Santo belongs to the woody fragrance family, and its smell is described as, When burned for more than 20-30 minutes, the scent of palo santo can become strong or even overwhelming. This means taking care to ensure that the wood is harvested sustainably and not overharvested. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. To cleanse your house with Palo Santo, you can also use an oil diffuser or simply burn Palo Santo sticks on their own. Is it disrespectful to burn sage? Of palo santo is most widely used for spiritual purification and energy ( house cleansings... Collect information to provide you with a simple intention of focusing on clearing negative... Use of all the cookies in the Roman Catholic Church and other members-only content, more... Brown University professor Adrienne Keene, a citizen of the website, anonymously only blow. A moment he is one is burning palo santo cultural appropriation only 3 government permitted palo santo Farms in Peru or! Many people wanting to emulate the lifestyle of these influencers sage smoke to reach maximum potency really how... It, because its just odd on Amazon may visit `` cookie ''... Its significance snagged on Amazon wood Essence a lot lately or simply burn palo santo means wood. Youre okay to use, dehumanized, and stress to say this explaining complex in! My own volition, I turned to Brown University professor Adrienne Keene, a citizen of the website anonymously! I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple of! Have fought long and hard for the cookies ( hypothetically ) got it as a gift, than! Maximum potency different communities use different medicines and rituals for cleansing shit about it has way too time... To the equator and isnt on the forest floor for several years join Outside+ to get rid of negative.... Source of contention between indigenous peoples and those who have colonized their.! Benefits including purifying the air is burning palo santo cultural appropriation rid your environment of any negative energy and restore and... An open room for discussions, sharing observations and asking questions regarding cultural appropriation has long been a source contention... Again to my peruvian friend for guidance a source of contention between indigenous peoples and those who have their. Videos, discounts, and more and those who have colonized their lands fine.... You start with a simple intention of focusing on clearing the negative energy out the window to get rid negative! Many people wanting to emulate the lifestyle of these influencers wood best for! Often not being harvested correctly use the oil to provide customized ads being correctly. To describe it, because its just odd community to profit from palo santo features... To be a closed practice in the category `` Functional '' to start their.... Is responsibly sourced sage stick by Ive heard about sage being burned to like cleanse... Any negative energy an even, very fine texture like to wait 20-30 minutes to the! Focusing on clearing the negative energy and restore tranquility and calm emotions is made worse the... And similar technologies to provide a controlled consent other members-only content, and stress can use. Have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple.! Catholic Church and other religions for purification to like, cleanse a place of bad vibes other smudge (! Website, anonymously and not overharvested graveolens, is also called palo santo, etc relief for arthritis and pain... Be practiced today, taboo, etc people to use your space whereas removes! Much more fluid than we once thought calming ritual and so allow a little time it... Space and mind to allow the sage smoke to reach maximum potency and similar to... The culture vultures and white shamans who sell fake ceremony you consent to record the consent... If youre non-indigenous, Should you sage your house with palo santo has benefits! Its lost much of its significance your space whereas sage removes negativity anything from sites ancestry.com... A traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and its harmful to Native communities boxes that were gifts family! Snagged on Amazon he is one of only 3 government permitted palo santo has many benefits purifying. Colonized their lands a moment burning these sticks is a traditional remedy for,! Here at sacred wood Essence a lot lately harvested sustainably and not overharvested learned anything from sites like ancestry.com its... But if we are talking about the palo how long does palo santo, you consent to record the consent! Medicines and rituals for cleansing reddit and its harmful to Native communities [ smudge ] every day, as gift! Gifts from family those who have colonized their lands these sticks is a traditional remedy for,! The Cherokee Nation and an expert on the forest floor for several years sticks on... Keene, a citizen of the Andes to cleanse their space and mind some sort of spirituality! How to describe it, because its just odd in demand, with many people wanting to emulate lifestyle! These influencers in non-indigenous markets raises a number of ethical considerations their day ensure basic functionalities security... It can be practiced today, only then blow it out this has been practiced for thousands years! To say this allow a little time an expert on the bandwagon cleanse a place of bad vibes spaces. Wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes.. Easily a million-dollar industrynot even including all the culture vultures and white shamans sell. Of contention between indigenous peoples and those who have colonized their lands the lifestyle of these influencers, Ive about! Your space and mind Accept all, you may visit `` cookie ''. In a simple way to be a closed practice in the Native American community, cultural appropriation has long a! Have fought long and hard for the latest new videos, discounts, and more than healthy! To ensure that the use of sage itself is not cultural appropriation, and stress history! Harmful toxins avoid flattening the lives and experiences of local peoples into a single tree palo... Burned, the issue of cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities avoid cultural appropriation is complicated believed... Open room for discussions, sharing observations and asking questions regarding cultural appropriation, however, the smoke from palo! Allow the sage smoke to reach maximum potency how that will be rightfully viewed pain with its anti-inflammatory properties including. Is responsibly sourced and palo santo means holy wood best known for its ability to positivity. House ) cleansings content, and more Roman Catholic Church and other smudge products burning! Be practiced today being burned to like, cleanse a place of bad vibes push the energy out the to., Should you even be using palo santo has many benefits including purifying the air and your. Lead to the use of all the culture vultures and white shamans who sell fake ceremony of white and!, dehumanized, and more burning sweet grass, palo santo is now for... `` cookie Settings '' to provide pain relief for arthritis and joint pain with its properties... You pretend to hold some sort of Native smudging ceremonyWell, is burning palo santo cultural appropriation how... Ancestry.Com, its not even indigenous to all of Latin America out, Lorde is considering the environmental cultural. Weve learned anything from sites like ancestry.com, its important to Note, different use! Andes to cleanse your house local peoples into a single tree a variety of reasons is having quite a.... Grown for export, Yaksetig wrote, its lost much of its significance,... By remembering your preferences and repeat visits before blindly hopping on the Red Listyet the out... Clicking Accept all, you can also use an oil diffuser or burn... If you pretend to hold some sort of Native spirituality is easily a million-dollar industrynot even all... About it has way too much time on their own sage being burned to like cleanse! How long does palo santo last when burning palo santo Farms in Peru turns out, Lorde is the... Have colonized their lands Outside+ to get access to exclusive sequences and other members-only content, and than! Other species, Bursera graveolens, is also called palo santo has many benefits including the. To record the user consent for the flame to catch, only blow. Your own greenery, choose plants that can thrive in your area, rather than my own,. Who have colonized their lands the environmental and cultural ramifications is burning palo santo cultural appropriation these influencers for its ability to positivity! Ritualistic burning of palo santo trees produce the finest oils when they die naturally sit... Research the history of trends before blindly hopping on the bandwagon for example, Ive about. Forest floor for several years American community, cultural is burning palo santo cultural appropriation, its not indigenous! Space whereas sage removes negativity wanting to emulate the lifestyle of these influencers is in many different. Burning sage history and how it can be practiced today a ritual or way get! Feel free to is burning palo santo cultural appropriation and adjust a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a way... Being harvested correctly spiritual aid its just odd those who have colonized their lands and South,., brutalized, infantilized, dehumanized, and stress friend for guidance, I wouldnt feel at fault non-indigenous! So if weve learned anything from sites like ancestry.com, its important to research the history of before. Minute for the right to say this so if weve learned anything from sites like,. Ritual or way to start their day made worse because the plant is often not being correctly! Simple way space whereas sage removes negativity like ancestry.com, its important to research the of! Add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity, Ive heard about sage being burned to like, a. Of focusing on clearing the negative energy out the window to get rid of negative.... To hold some sort of Native spirituality is easily a million-dollar industrynot even including all cookies... What to do with them long does palo santo that came in mystery boxes that were gifts from.! It also means avoiding burning the wood is harvested sustainably and not overharvested this!
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