Bushwick Botanica

Brooklyn, NY - upfromflames - Sunday, December 16th, 2007 : goo

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As a community in constant transformation, Bushwick brings together man diverse cultural elements into one heady mix.

The contrast is at its most exotic and unfamiliar in Botanicas.

Botanicas are generally religious supply shops where you can buy items for use in the practice of Santeria.

The name comes from the dried and fresh herbs sold for their medicinal and spiritual properties

But there is so much more for available here for sale, in a syncretistic swirl that seems to unite every cultural tradition under the sun.

Whats the most popular item? Candles! There’s one for every situation, bad and good. People buy
them both for themselves, their loved ones, and their “not so loved” ones.

Adrianna, the shop's owner who happily answered all of my questions, is a women of devotion. This is her shrine.

This is a religious store, but its one that brings in all kinds of believers, Chinese, Guayanese, African American, and even the occasional new white face, like me. Everyone is welcome here!

Can you buy the stuff here? Sure! If anyone has any ethical dilemmas about buying gifts from a botanica, you can get drop the fear. Its about intention, not just identity. Adrianna wants to help you find that special something for that special someone this holiday season.

Is this an ad? Heavens no, but it is to Buy local, buy unique, and buy Bushwick this Xmas! Botanica, Santeria, and Magic is at 1485 Myrtle Ave, right under the M train at Grove St. Have a Bushwick Xmas!

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