In Irish, “beach” means bee, a creature that holds a significant and mystical place in Ireland’s cultural and natural history. As we observe the Day of the Bee on May 20th, we celebrate not only the ecological importance of bees but also their revered status in ancient Irish lore.

Beekeeping has been a part of Irish life for at least 2,000 years, a testament to the longstanding recognition of the bee’s vital role in the environment. In ancient Ireland, bees were much more than just pollinators; they were highly esteemed creatures believed to possess otherworldly qualities. Myths and legends from Celtic times tell us of bees as messengers between worlds, buzzing back and forth from Tír na nÓg, the land of eternal youth and gods, where rivers flowed with honey and mead.

Such was the reverence for bees that harming them was considered a grave misdeed, likely to bring bad fortune. This respect for bees was also codified in the Brehon laws, legal texts from as early as the 7th century, which included specific statutes governing beekeeping and the protection of these cherished insects.

Today, as we understand more about the crucial role bees play in pollinating the plants that feed us, their conservation is more important than ever. How can we contribute to the preservation of bees and their habitats in our communities? What can we learn from ancient practices and beliefs about living in harmony with nature?