“Let your heart be like the bee, taking only the best from all the flowers.” Saint Ambrose- Ecclesiasticus 24:20-22
Beekeeping is an important practice that has been around for centuries. It involves raising honeybees for their honey and other products, such as beeswax, propolis, and royal jelly. Throughout history, beekeeping has been associated with several saints, including Saint Ambrose and Saint Valentine. However, there is some confusion regarding which of these two saints is the patron saint of beekeeping. In this blog post, we will explore the origins of this belief and examine the evidence surrounding both saints.
Saint Ambrose and Beekeeping Saint Ambrose, also known as Ambrosius, was a bishop of Milan in the 4th century. He was a prolific writer, theologian, and influential figure in early Christianity. One of his most famous works is "De officiis ministrorum," which discusses the duties of Christian ministers. However, he is also associated with beekeeping.
There are several stories that link Saint Ambrose to beekeeping. One of the most popular is that he discovered a swarm of bees in a hollow tree while on a hunting trip. He saw this as a sign from God and decided to build a hive for the bees. He also became interested in beekeeping and learned how to care for them, using their honey to make special cakes for the Eucharist.
Another story about Saint Ambrose and bees is that he used beeswax candles in his church services. He believed that the sweet fragrance of the candles was pleasing to God and added to the holiness of the service.
These stories have led to the belief that Saint Ambrose is the patron saint of beekeeping. However, there is no official declaration from the Catholic Church regarding his patronage of this profession.
Saint Valentine and Beekeeping Saint Valentine, also known as Saint Valentinus, was a Christian martyr who lived in the 3rd century. He was known for his compassion and kindness, especially towards couples in love. He was imprisoned and eventually executed for his beliefs. There are several legends that link Saint Valentine to beekeeping. One of the most popular is that he had a special relationship with bees. He was said to have cured a blind girl by applying honey to her eyes. Another story claims that he discovered a swarm of bees while in prison and used the honey they produced to feed his jailers.
These stories have led to the belief that Saint Valentine is the patron saint of beekeeping. In fact, in some parts of the world, such as Slovenia and the Czech Republic, Saint Valentine's Day is associated with the start of the beekeeping season.
Evidence Supporting Saint Ambrose While there is no official declaration regarding the patronage of beekeeping by either saint, there is evidence that supports Saint Ambrose as the patron saint of beekeeping. Firstly, his association with bees is well-documented in his writings. He often used bees as a symbol for the Church and discussed the importance of the hive and the queen bee. Secondly, he is known to have used honey in the Eucharist, which suggests a strong connection to the bees and their products.
Furthermore, the fact that he was a bishop of Milan, which was a major center for beekeeping during his time, suggests that he may have been familiar with the practice and its importance. Finally, Saint Ambrose's feast day, December 7th, falls during the winter months, which is traditionally the time for beekeepers to prepare their hives for the upcoming spring season.
Evidence Supporting Saint Valentine On the other hand, there is also evidence that supports Saint Valentine as the patron saint of beekeeping. In some cultures, such as in Slovenia and the Czech Republic, beekeepers celebrate Saint Valentine's Day as the beginning of the beekeeping season. This suggests a strong association between Saint Valentine and beekeeping.
Furthermore, the fact that Saint Valentine was known for his kindness and compassion towards others, including animals and nature, may have contributed to the belief that he is the patron saint of beekeeping. The stories of him using honey to cure a blind girl and feeding his jailers with honey suggest a deep appreciation for the gifts of nature and their healing properties.
However, it is important to note that the legends surrounding both saints and their association with beekeeping are largely based on folklore and may not be historically accurate. While these stories have contributed to the beliefs surrounding the patronage of beekeeping by these saints, they do not provide concrete evidence to support either claim. In conclusion, the question of whether Saint Ambrose or Saint Valentine is the patron saint of beekeeping is a matter of debate. While there is evidence to support both claims, there is no official declaration from the Catholic Church regarding this matter. Regardless of which saint is considered the patron saint of beekeeping, it is clear that bees have played an important role in religion and culture throughout history. Beekeeping is a vital practice that supports our ecosystem and provides valuable products to society. Whether we honour Saint Ambrose or Saint Valentine, or both, we should continue to celebrate the gifts of nature and the important role that bees play in our lives.
Our home in Renfrewshire is called Ben Seillean. Ben Seillean means hill of the bees in Scots Gaelic. We love bees and are investing in making the perfect garden to nurture our bees through the year. Heather, lavender, wild flower meadows and beautiful bulbs keep the garden in bloom from early spring to late autumn.
We love bees 🐝 everything we plant is selected to attract them and create a vibrant garden full of life and biodiversity.
References
"The Lives of the Saints, Volume IV: September". Alban Butler.
"The Oxford Dictionary of Christian Art and Architecture". Peter Murray, Linda Murray.
"The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church". F. L. Cross, Elizabeth A. Livingstone.
"Butler's Lives of the Saints". Herbert Thurston, Donald Attwater.
"Saints: A Visual Guide to 300 Catholic Saints and Their Symbols". Tina Turbin.
"Saint Ambrose of Milan." Catholic Online, www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=16.
"Saint Valentine." Catholic Online, www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=159.
"Saint Ambrose of Milan." Bee Culture, 5 Jan. 2018, www.beeculture.com/saint-ambrose-milan/.
"Saint Valentine the Beekeeper." The Apiarist, 14 Feb. 2012, www.theapiarist.org/saint-valentine-the-beekeeper/.
"St. Ambrose: Beekeeper, Baker, and Poet." The Catholic Sun, 18 Dec. 2018, catholicsun.org/2018/12/18/st-ambrose-beekeeper-baker-and-poet/.
"St. Valentine – The Patron Saint of Beekeepers?" Beehive Yourself, 13 Feb. 2017, beehiveyourself.co.uk/st-valentine-the-patron-saint-of-beekeepers/.
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