SAGE OF BETHLEHEM
The Sage is any species of the large genus Salvia, aromatic herbs or shrubs of the family Labiatae. The common sage of herb gardens is S. officinalis, a strongly scented shrubby perennial, and native from S Europe to Asia Minor.
The dried leaves are used as seasoning; sage tea, once popular as a beverage, has also been used as a domestic
remedy for colds and other ailments. Prized since ancient times, common sage was thought to prolong life and to increase wisdom by strengthening the memory and hence the name.
From the thirteenth century onwards, a tradition evolved of displaying models of the stable, crib and the Holy family in churches and homes on the occasion of Christmas. Nowadays, the stable is filled only with hay or straw but great care was taken in previous times in choosing appropriate flowers for inclusion in the stable scene. Each was chosen for its fragrance or symbolism. Legends grew around the flowers, and appropriate names were given to them.
In Lincolnshire, the name given to garden mint was Sage of Bethlehem. Botanically, the sage is a garden labiate plant, often used in culinary preparations like stuffing for goose. Belonging to the Salvia family, the sage expresses goodness, virtue and a high esteem for the person offered this flower. The sage was dedicated to Mary, and carries significant religious significance.
Sage is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, of the class Magnoliopsida, and order Lamiales.
Related Flowers : Scabious Flowers Sunflowers Flowers Sedium Flowers Sweet Williams Flowers Stocks or Matthiola Flowers Tulips Flowers Strelitzias or Birds of Paradise Flowers Violets Flowers Sunflowers Flowers WallFlowers Flowers
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