Maya religion was centered around Nature. Every element of Mother Earth, including plants and animals, contain a connected force that linked together throughout the universe. All living things were revered, rejoiced, and renewed.

One particular of these revered species is the honey bee. They were honoured for their fertility and had their own deity, Ah-Muzen-Kab. These sting-less female bees, known as Melipona beecheii, are bred by the Maya to pollinate and regenerate the Maya jungle.

It's Mayan name, Xunan-Kab, translates to Royal Lady Bee. This species has endured for thousands of years, but now, with hurricanes and expanding deforestation projects, The Royal Lady Bee has suffered a major decline in population. Many among the Maya culture are rejuvenating these numbers with the development and management of hives. The Fundacion Melipona Maya in the Maya village of Suhcab Mucuy is one of these beekeepers.

Suhcab Mucuy is deep in the Yucatan Jungle, close to 140 km west of my starting point, Playa del Carmen. This foundation is dedicated to preserving the culture and history of Maya civilisation. Egilio Dzib Canul, the curator, maintains the ancient art of recording their calendar, the daily blessings and prayers for their deities, and keeper of the meliponeria.

Señor Canul keeps his hives in a typical Mayan hut surrounded by a protective moat. It is critical for preservation that other insects and the like don't invade the hive. I was required to wash my hands with the leaves of the Pom tree to remove excess oils from my skin. Once inside the meliponeria, or the bee yard, wooden crates called cajas racionales are organized on shelves. These crates had a small opening on the face to allow bees to enter and leave, and is always guarded by a sentinel. There are also Jobones, traditional log hives.

Each of these boxes are temperature controlled, lined with cerumen, a combination of wax and tree resin manufactured within the hive. Small pods hold the honey and pollen, and honeycomb protects the next generation. I sampled two types of honey and pollen, the first being a thicker and sweeter with a darker hue, with the other being light and mild-tasting.

Señor Cunal and his entire family live here in Sahcab Mucuy, keeping the traditions and the memories of the Maya culture. on my departure, I was given an ancient Mayan blessing, asking the gods to walk alongside me in my journey, and to draw out the dark energy and replace it with pure light.

The next time you prepare your cup of tea, just as you stir in the honey, think of these Royal Lady Bees, and the efforts to keep them alive. Should you come to the Yucatan I know Señor Egilio would be happy to show you around. You can find him here.

To see more pictures and video of this historical place click here. 

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