 |
| Beehive in the Luttrell Psalter |
 |
| Bee-Keeping in a 14th century French Psalter |
In order to collect honey, however,
the bees had to be housed somewhere accessible. Beehives could be constructed
and maintained on a nobleman's property, but, more often, they were housed at monasteries. Not
only did they provide sugar and wax, but the bees would also help to pollinate the
surrounding plants, improving the quality and quantity of the flora. In addition
to being a sweetener, honey was also used medicinally and in the production of
mead. To make mead, honey had to be fermented along with spices to provide
additional flavor. Honey was also used medicinally, serving as either part of the cure or to make the cure more palatable.While bee-keeping was common in Medieval Europe, procuring
honey through merchants was easier than maintaining beehives. A few countries
used trade routes to transport honey to distant markets to be purchased. Specifically, as Newman described, “the lands now within
modern Spain, Russia, and Ukraine were leading producers of honey and exported
it to markets in England and elsewhere,” (22). The importance of honey provides insight into the culinary history of Europe while also demonstrating the ever-growing popularity of trade.
 |
| Bees attacking a bear in a 15th century manuscript |
One
particularly interesting piece of literature that included bees was the Italian
manuscript Florede virtu e de costumi (‘Flowers of Virtue and of Manners’). In this 14th century manuscript,
bees, along with other creatures, were used to explain morals to children using
parables. As described on the website of the British Library,
The vice of Anger (Ira), for example, is illustrated with the fable of the bear and the bees. The bear attempts to take honey from a beehive but is attacked and stung in its eyes by bees. In its rage, the bear turns its attention to killing its attackers. Other bees then come to sting the bear, which prompts him to chase them instead of the first swarm. In doing so, the bear is constantly chasing different bees but never successfully catches any of them. The text emphasises the moral of the story by citing authorities who note that anger consumes and ruins one’s life.
While beekeeping may not usually be associated with the Middle Ages, the practice was clearly a part of the culture, from mead to medicine to morals.
Works Cited
Newman,
Paul. Daily Life in the Middle Ages.
Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company, Inc., 2001.
Blackhorse,
Janet. Medieval Rural Life in the Luttrell Psalter. Toronto: University of
Toronto Press Inc., 2000.
“Flowers of Virtues and of Manners” Medieval Collection
Items, The British Library Board, https://www.bl.uk/collection-items/drawing-of-a-unicorn-from-the-flowers-of-virtue-and-of-custom
It's really interesting to look through the different spices and flavors added to honey during the creation of mead, such as elderflowers, blueberries, and even apple juice. Very informative!
ReplyDeleteI would have figured Spain has the climate to foster beehives, but I was surprised to learn of Russia and Ukraine's bee keeping abilities! I imagined these climates as being colder, and unfavorable for bees.
ReplyDeleteIt's always interesting to me learning about lessons kids were taught in different time periods so I can compare it to some that are taught nowadays. I loved your inclusion of the story of morals and your introduction--mainly because I overlooked the beehive the first time reading!
ReplyDeleteI thought it was interesting how you described the aspect of beekeeping pertaining to both the Middle Ages, and especially in the Luttrell Psalter. I had no idea that the concept of beekeeping was included during medieval times, especially in literature, and reading this was definitely eye-opening in understanding the importance of honey as a common sweetener then, as it is now. Your post was very detailed and concise and was an interesting read.
ReplyDeleteWow this was very interesting! I knew that they had honey in the Middle Ages but I did not know they had a complete beekeeping system. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI really like how you took an object from the Luttrell Psalter that can be overlooked and expanded upon its use in the Central Middle Ages. From keeping bees in monasteries, to using them to tell fables, I'm really impressed with how people in medieval times valued bees and how much bees can produce for them. This really is some intriguing info.
ReplyDelete