history
For this reason, there were many beliefs surrounding bees, and they are even mentioned in the famous Chilam Balam.
Mayans believed that bees could travel between all the levels of existence, from the underworld, to the Earth, to the Heavens. This made them a connection to the universe. Marks can still be found on ancient and current beehives with either an x a circle or a square. Each one representing either the underworld, heaven, or our realm.
Because of this talent, bees were able to fly up to heaven, where they would get honey from Chaac, the good of rain, and bring it back down to Earth in the form of droplets. To them, honey was, in fact, a gift from the gods brought to us by bees.
There was also a belief, recorded in the Mayan Chilam Balam, that at each cardinal point there was a great bee with a corresponding flower. A great red bee in the east, whose flower was a red rose; a great white bee in the north, whose flower was a white rose; a great black bee in the west, whose flower was a black lily; and a great yellow bee in the south, whose flower was a yellow lily.
These four bees multiplied and then brought honey down to Earth in the island of Cozumel, where they were guarded by a warrior priest. Mayans also believed that the destiny of humans and bees was intertwined.
This belief went so far as to having a special name to designate the domestic area that both humans and bees shared: Alak. Because of the importance and perceived humanity and connection of bees, Mayans called them “people” as well. It was the Mayans’ belief that human and bees’ future was inexorably bound together.
There are many more legends and beliefs related to bees, as well as numerous bee-keeping traditions and techniques, each adapted for different types of bees. This special connection is part of the unique heritage in Yucatan, and has led to an exceptional culture of honey in the land.
We believe the Mayans were right to place such importance on this special animal, and want to share this knowledge with the world. Everyone deserves to try honey that is flavored by centuries of ceremony and meaning.