Did you know that St. Valentine is the patron saint of beekeeping? St. Valentine was known to have married couples in secret when the Roman empire banned marriage because they thought single men made better soldiers. His bravery is one of the reasons we celebrate Valentine’s day each year. Bees have long been associated with love, life and fertility due to their dedication to populating the earth with a bounty of flowers and fruit. St. Valentine was connected to the bees with his dedication to the protection of marriage and the love and the fertile growth it brings to many couples. Oftentimes when I find a swarm of bees, they are nestled together in the shape of an anatomical heart.
Bees are thought to be representative of love and the beekeeper of marriage as most beekeepers are deeply devoted to their bees. Honey used to be given to newly wed couples along with honey wine (also known as mead) to ensure sweetness, love and fertility, which is where the phrase honeymoon is derived. You will find many connections in February to other saints that are patrons and patronesses of the bees. St. Brigid (February 2nd) and St. Gobnait (February 11th) are two of my favorite women connected to and representative of the bees. Both women saints were said to have called swarms of bees to attack their enemies when they were being invaded. These two women were also known to be powerful healers, as raw honey is one of the most healing balms on this earth. In Greek mythology, Cupid was known to dip his arrow in honey representing the healing power of love. This February, I hope you will hold a special place in your heart for the love of bees.
Resources: https://glorybee.com/blog/saint-valentine-patron-saint-of-beekeepers-and-lovers/ Bee Blessings,
Ali Pinion
Bee Guardian