The act of extinguishing burning sage involves a deliberate process to ensure complete cessation of combustion. This typically requires depriving the smoldering sage bundle, or smudge stick, of oxygen and confirming that no embers remain capable of reigniting.
Properly concluding the sage burning ritual is vital for safety, preventing unintended fire hazards. Furthermore, extinguishing the sage thoroughly preserves any remaining portion for subsequent use, conserving the resource. Historically, meticulous attention to fire safety has always been a crucial aspect of practices involving open flames and smoldering materials.