Bee

Definition:

A “bee” is a flying insect belonging to the superfamily Apoidea, known for its role in pollination and, in the case of the best-known species, the European honeybee, for producing honey and beeswax.

Etymology:

The word “bee” comes from the Old English “bēo,” which is derived from the Proto-Germanic “bion” and the Proto-Indo-European “bhei,” meaning “quiver” or “tremble,” likely referring to the bee’s buzzing sound.

Description:

Bees have a segmented body with a head, thorax, and abdomen, covered in hair. They have two pairs of wings, six legs, and compound eyes.

There are over 20,000 species of bees, ranging from solitary bees to social bees like honeybees and bumblebees.

Bees are found worldwide, except in Antarctica, and inhabit a variety of environments, including forests, meadows, and urban areas.

Bees are crucial to ecosystems due to their role in pollinating flowering plants. Bees collect nectar and pollen from flowers, aiding in the cross-pollination of plants, which is vital for plant reproduction and food production.

Bees build nests in various locations, such as in trees, underground, or in man-made structures like hives.

Bees rely heavily on their vision for navigation, using the position of the sun and other visual cues to find their way. When the lights are suddenly turned off, bees can become disoriented and fall. This phenomenon occurs because the abrupt change disrupts their navigation system, making them lose their orientation and causing them to drop to the ground. Some theories suggest that this reaction might also be a defense mechanism against predators, as bees may drop to avoid being caught. This behavior is a result of bees being diurnal creatures, meaning they are active during the day and rest at night. Their natural behavior is to return to their nests as darkness falls, and they are not adapted to flying in the dark. The sudden loss of light simulates the onset of night, leading to immediate disorientation. Click to watch a video.

Articles:

Symbolism:

Many indigenous cultures revere bees for their role in pollination and view them as symbols of fertility and harmony with nature.

The movie “Bee Movie” (2007) is worth watching as it uses bees as a metaphor for the herd mentality of the world system, particularly as it is driven by religious systems.

The story follows Barry B. Benson, a young bee who graduates from college and is disillusioned with his only career choice: making honey. Barry ventures outside the hive and discovers the human world. He learns that humans have been stealing and consuming honey for centuries. Outraged, Barry decides to sue the human race to reclaim the bees’ honey. Throughout his journey, Barry challenges the status quo of his hive’s highly organized and monotonous lifestyle.

Click to read the IMDb article.

The movie “Pinocchio & The Emperor of the Night” from 1978 features a character called “Drunk Bee,” which is a bee that flies drunk. This is a play on words, as the word “buzz” is an onomatopoeia for the sound a bee makes, and bees generally seem very uncoordinated. Bees can become intoxicated as a result of consuming fermented nectar or overripe fruits.

Religion:

In Greek mythology, bees were linked to the goddess Artemis and were considered sacred.

Bees and their behavior are often highlighted in religious texts and teachings:

• In the Bible, in Deuteronomy, chapter 1, verse 44 (NIV), it says: “The Amorites who lived in those hills came out against you; they chased you like a swarm of bees and beat you down from Seir all the way to Hormah.”
• In the Quran, in Surah An-Nahl 16:68-69 (Sahih International), it says: “And your Lord inspired to the bee, ‘Take for yourself among the mountains, houses, and among the trees and [in] that which they construct. Then eat from all the fruits and follow the ways of your Lord laid down [for you].’ There emerges from their bellies a drink, varying in colors, in which there is healing for people. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who give thought.”