Paper short abstract:

Presented will be forms of beekeeping as well as the migrating patterns and the changing domiciles of bees. Analyzed will be their natural nests and apiarys. Related narratives and poetic traditions will present our relation to bees and our (mis)understanding of these extraordinary animal.

Paper long abstract:

Bees are one of the rare species of insect that had been domesticated by the humans and moved closer to human dwellings. Because of the honey and wax produced by them, they have been perceived as useful and prized animals. From their natural nests created mainly in trees and hollow logs they were moved to man-made artificial hives such as skeps and trunks, and finally to the beehives known as apiaries. In the second half of the 18th century beehive panels on Slovene apiaries started to be painted, which in Europe was a unique feature, often with the aid of graphic templates.

While apiculture and the industry involving bee products have become very popular and profitable worldwide beekeeping is perceived as a true national symbol. Traditionally painted beehive panels are not only in vogue again but are also sold as souvenirs, and beekeeping has found its domicile also in larger cities, mainly on the terraces and in parks. On the other hand, however, the often harmful human intervention has also accidentally exterminated the bees in many natural habitats.

This paper, which will be presented in 2017, the year dedicated to bees, will explore historical and contemporary forms of beekeeping as well as the migrating patterns and the changing domiciles of bees. With a particular emphasis on the perspective of zoofokloristics, it will analyze the related narrative and poetic traditions in order to present our relation to bees and our (mis)understanding of these extraordinary animals.