Sage holds significant cultural and spiritual importance for Indigenous peoples across North America.

Here are some of the reasons why sage is significant:

1. Medicinal and Healing Properties: Sage has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. It is believed to have healing properties for various ailments and is used in traditional medicine practices.

2. Ceremonial Purposes: Sage is often used in ceremonial rituals, such as smudging. Smudging involves burning sage and using the smoke to cleanse and purify oneself, objects, or spaces. It is believed to clear negative energy and promote spiritual balance and harmony.

3. Connection to the Land and Ancestors: Sage is deeply connected to the land and is often harvested with great respect and ceremony. The act of harvesting sage and using it in ceremonies strengthens their connection to the land and their ancestors.

4. Cultural Identity and Tradition: The use of sage is an integral part of Indigenous cultural identity and tradition. It has been passed down through generations and is a symbol of resilience, spirituality, and cultural continuity.

5. Environmental Stewardship: Indigenous communities view sage and other plants as gifts from the land. They have traditional ecological knowledge about the sustainable harvesting of sage, ensuring its continued abundance for future generations.

6. Sacred Plant: Sage is considered a sacred plant by many Indigenous peoples. Its presence in ceremonies and rituals reflects its sacred status and the reverence with which it is held.