Why do people burn sage and basil?

Question

Can someone please explain this to me. Thank you :-)

Answer 1

Because they are really really really bad cooks.

Answer 2

Some take on old superstitions that it will make evil spirits leave the area of a haunting.

I'm pretty sure using ammonia like holy water would probably do the same thing.........

especially if you have lingering in-laws that won't take the hint to stay away.

Answer 3

cause dey booty hurt

Answer 4

burning sage and basil keeps ghosts and spirits away

Answer 5

Burning sage is some sort of Native American thing, the smoke is supposed to carry away negative energies.

I don't think the sage is the same species as the culinary sage.

Haven't heard anything similar with basil but maybe you should try the areas where it is most commonly grown, no doubt there is some sort of wacky idea associated with this rather delicious herb.

Answer 6

Burning sage, sandalwood, cedar and other similar herbs is known as "smudging". It has its roots in Native American Indian culture, but is used all over the world for clearing out negative or stagnant energy from a space. It is also thought to push out ghosts, spirits etc from the space. You would use it similar to an incense - allowing the smoke to permiate the whole space.

White sage is the most common type sold commercially, but any sage will work. And it is great in the kitchen as well. (I grow my own, whatever I don't cook with over the summer is dried and divided into 2 piles - some for cooking over the winter, the rest for bundling into smudge sticks.

Basil, is often associated with attractiving positive energy, and repelling negative energy. In some cultures, it is even included in a bride's bouquet to provide a positive influence over the union. This would also be the same as what you would cook with.

I hope that helps. :)

If you would like more info, feel free to email me.

Answer 7

People burn sage (or any other arbitrary herb) not for what it actually does, but because they have chosen to subscribe to a superstitious belief system which indicates burning leaves produces a magical effect.

Need I say there is no evidence in support of this assertion?