Bees and Valentine’s Day:

• Did you know that St. Valentine is a patron saint of beekeeping? It’s true! Though the reasons behind the patronage are hazy, many say that it is due to the correlation between the sweetness of honey, and the sweetness of love. Also, the longtime tradition of giving sweet treats to your own honey on this special day.
• According to legend, the cherub Cupid dips the tips of his arrows into honey before aiming at a potential lovebird. This was meant to fill the lovers’ heart with sweetness.
• Honey is rumored to be an aphrodisiac, as it was considered to be the “nectar of Aphrodite”- the Greek goddess of love and beauty. 
• According to rumor, in many parts of Europe, it was tradition to bestow upon a newly-wed couple enough mead (honey wine) to last them through the first month of their wedding (one full moon cycle). Because of this custom, we now have what is known as a honeymoon! Remember, this is just a rumor, and hasn’t been 100% proven! But I think it’s a lovely story anyway.
• As you can see, bees and their gifts have been strongly associated with love and romance in many different ways, in many different cultures. And this was just the tip of the honeycomb!

Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day, hive members! 

‘Bee Mine’ Valentine tags by petitepear on Etsy