The sight alone is absolute beauty, but the scent of "wacanga" (Lakota) or sweetgrass braids is like nothing else!  They are often used for smudging and their sweet smell is said to please ALL the spirits.
 
The Latin name for sweetgrass is "hierchloe odorata" which translates literally as "sacred grass" and is found both in Europe and America.
 
There are many Northern European traditions associated with it that are similar to the Native American/North American ceremonial usages - for the scent and for use in spirituality and prayer. In North America, it is found across Canada and as far south in America as the state of New Mexico.
 
Many  people burn sage after burning sweetgrass as this will keep less positive forces at bay. 
 
 
These sweetgrass braids were ethically sourced from a Native American trading post at their full price. 
 
How to properly light your braid of sweetgrass:
Cut off the end of the braid. You want to cut off the end that is a little more dried out and has less green in it.
Please place the cut off end somewhere outside, don't just throw it away (its a special plant).
Light the cut end of the braid by holding it in the flame and gently rotating the braid.
Blow on the lit end.
Gently shake the braid around your area.
The braid will burn by producing smoke, there should be no flame.
and that's how you get your wacanga going.
To put it out:
Stamp it against the side of your non-flammable container.