The sage flower blooms as a single species from the large salvia genus, and is a member of the lamiaceae family. Like other members of its family, this plant is considered a highly aromatic herb that typically grows from a perennial evergreen subshrub, and is native to areas of the Mediterranean. The foliage of this plant is commonly downy and either gray or ashy green in appearance. The flowers themselves are made up of two-lipped whorls, which have a tight, egg-like shape. The majority of sage flowers are a deep hue of lavender blue; however, one cultivar – called “Alba” – may be seen in a shade of creamy white.
Although the sage flower has become an increasingly popular ornamental blossom, the leaves of this plant are what is noticed most often. Not only do they carry a unique appearance, but they are thought to be endlessly useful. As a spice, they are used in the Middle East in salads; in Germany, they are applied to a number of fish creations; in Italy they are fried and placed in a dish called saltimbocca; and throughout the world, people create sage stuffings and sauces for fatty meats. However, when it comes to culinary applications, the sage flower itself should not be overlooked. In addition to making splendid garnishes, these blossoms are frequently placed in fresh salads, cooked into vegetarian dishes, stewed with beans, or blended into a refreshing butter. The sage plant is also the focus of a good deal of legend and storytelling. One such example is the long-held belief that gardens which grew sage in abundance belonged to households that were ruled by women. In Christian stories, the Virgin Mary was associated with the sage plant. As she fled from the infuriated King Herod out of Judea, she found that she could no longer run without water, so she sent Joseph to gather some from a communal well. As she sat waiting, clutching her baby to her chest, soldiers began to approach – so she ran to a nearby rose bush, then to a clove bush and asked them if she may use them as shelter – they both refused. The sage bush, however, offered to shelter her and her child, and came into full bloom to create a well-covered canopy. Because of its kindness, the sage bush is now considered sacred, and has since been blessed with many curative powers.
The sage flower is connected with a plethora of meaning. For instance, some associate it with the virtues of domesticity, and so they are frequently traded between spouses. In addition to that, these plants are thought to represent wisdom, skill, longevity and protection. Because of these meanings, sages are sometimes given as gifts to express a wish for a long, brilliant life.