The bee’s symbolism has many facets and many collective, individual, physical, and spiritual meanings. The symbolism of the bee is a powerful reflection of their lives and the ancient mythology this insect has inspired throughout history. According to ancient mythological tales, bees purify and strengthen the soul. They elevate us to the rank of civilization-building heroes, nurturing harmony amongst humanity with their knowledge and the powerful acts they accomplish despite their small demeanor.
Some of their qualities can by observed by humans:
Efficient communication and interaction
Endurance and tenacity
The capacity to imagine and build
The capacity to observe and gain a thorough understanding
The sweetness of life
Love and sharing, Support and encouragement
Authenticity, Harmony with the rhythm of nature and life
The urge to look within, Fertility and productivity
Affinity with light, with the divine, Harmony with Increased vitality
Bees are believed to have originated in Paradise and they are traditionally known as the “little servants of God” or “divine messengers.” The belief, in ancient times, was that they had knowledge of the future and of all secrets. It is often still felt to be very unlucky to kill one.
Country people and beekeepers take their relationship with the bees very seriously. To prosper, bees need love and harmony around them. Should the beekeeper’s family be contentious and full of anger, the bees will suffer illness and die, or they will fly away. Beekeepers in the past would communicate regularly with the bees; some visiting the bee hives each evening to tell of the day’s events. It was particularly important to inform the bees of a death in the family.
Should a beekeeper die, it was up to the eldest son or widow of the owner to convey this news to the bees and they had to do this properly and promptly. If they did not hit each of the hives with the door key while telling the bees that the master was dead, it was believed they would fly away or die.
