Brave and Beautiful Bees
/World Bee Day
World Bee Day arrives with fanfare on May 20, but of course, we know that EVERY DAY is world bee day. These little pollinators are our life blood. Bees provide our daily bread as they seed pollen throughout the plant world and our crops.
“Why a World Bee Day?
By observing World Bee Day each year, we can raise awareness on the essential role bees and other pollinators play in keeping people and the planet healthy, and on the many challenges they face today.”
Bees In History
Thousands of years ago, the Egyptians gave honor to our bees. Bee drawings are found on obelisks and in hieroglyphic representations. Pots decorated with a bee and filled with honey were found in the tombs of the pharaohs.
If you have an Instagram account, you can connect with Ben’s Bees, a delightful beekeeper in Australia. He loves to share all things bees: honey, history and fun facts. in this photo, he talks about bees in Egypt and how they were revered.
An Egyptian writing describes how working bees fall from the tears of the Sun God Ra. Well, that sounds about right, doesn’t it?
The Bee Shortage Is Real
My parents lived in Washington State and their home had a large lot where they had raspberry vines and apple trees. One summer they told me that they didn’t have any apples or raspberries, because there were not enough bees to pollinate the flowers. I was horrified and couldn’t believe this was really happening. My heart was crushed.
I suggested getting a beekeeper to place a hive or two on their property, but they were in their 80s and sadly, the process had already started for them to move to a smaller place. Their house was sold and they moved away. I still wonder what happened to their wonderful raspberry vines and apple trees. The beautiful apple pies and homemade raspberry jam that my parents carefully crafted are cherished memories of delicious family-shared treats.
Help Our Bees
One thing we can do is support local beekeepers. Buy local honey. Yes, it costs more, but you also know you are getting pure honey and not honey laced with corn syrup that’s been imported.
It’s been said that eating honey from your local environment helps provide positive exposure to local pollens and can help to lessen hay fever allergies. We’re not sure how much of that is scientifically true, but it’s a lovely idea.
If you have a backyard, plant some bee-friendly plants. You can also do this on a balcony with potted plants. Eliminate or decrease the amount of pesticides or herbicides that you use. Consider having a wildlife-friendly backyard.
Maybe you have the opportunity to support local bees and beekeepers even if it is as simple as buying their local honey..
“Today, bees, pollinators, and many other insects are declining in abundance. World Bee Day provides an opportunity for all of us – whether we work for governments, organizations or civil society or are concerned citizens – to promote actions that will protect and enhance pollinators and their habitats, improve their abundance and diversity, and support the sustainable development of beekeeping.”
As we celebrate our bees every day, we hold in our hearts that there will be a great planetary awakening that recognizes and protects our precious bees.
Long live our Bees!
