Sapor is a noun meaning the quality in a substance that affects the sense of taste; flavor. Sapor, (from New Latin (1695-1705), is a more recent form (used rarely) of the recognizable word, savor. Savor originated from 13th century Old French, "flavor, taste; sauce, seasoning; delight, pleasure." Ah, yes, imagine if food suddenly became tasteless and without flavor, a word which literally means, "that which blows."
We go through a degree of this insipid experience when we suffer a head cold--our nasal passages are clogged, making it difficult to taste the flavor of food. We need the sense of smell to enhance the savoring of flavor, an element in taste that is dependent on our sense of smell. The two senses of smell and taste are melded together in a distinctive, and necessary combination that result in our enjoyable moments with food. But, to what degree do we create moments of enjoyment for others?
Metaphorically, let's change sapor to its adjective form, saporific. Ask yourself a simple question: "What do I bring to the table?" If you were a flavor, what would you be? A spice? A sweet ingredient? Something that emits a powerfully pleasant aroma? Do others find your presence and friendship something to savor?
Salt is saporific. It has a power to produce the sensation of taste. It helps us relish the inherent flavor embedded in a dish because it brings out the good...a taste to be savored. For the ancient Greeks, ambrosia, was so filled with flavor (and scent) that it was savored by the gods. In Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida, Troilus, anticipating savoring time with Cressida is both expectant, " Th' imaginary relish is so sweet/ That it enchants my sense." and wary of his ability of it being "too sharp in sweetness." (TC III. ii. 17-22). (If you get my drift...)
Like salt, we possess the power to produce what is not only best in ourselves but in others. We expect the best outcomes. We anticipate the various flavors different people in our lives bring to our minds and hearts--savoring such moments of mutual concern and even love.
For the ancient Hebrews, salt was regarded not only as a necessary ingredient of daily food but it became associated with hospitality. When people ate together they became friends...this opportunity not only cemented relationships but it symbolized an enduring covenant. Salt is a preservative...when sprinkled on the times we share with special people, the quality of our friendships endure-- preserving their virtue.
To feast on what is the best in life means to impart and give to others in order for a covenant of caring to be preserved... not just in Spring, Summer, or Fall, but in Winter times as well.
Bring flavor to the table. Dish out kindness so that others can share and savor moments not otherwise experienced. Be cumin, thyme, or pepper -flavors that will help bring out the best in others...not when it's easy, but even in the bland grey days of this season.
As Shakespeare says in The Winter's Tale: "For you there's rosemary and rue; these keep-Seeming and savor all the winter long: Grace and remembrance be to you both, And welcome..."