Emergence Magazine Podcast
Telling the Bees – Emily Polk
Apr 8, 2025
Emily Polk, author of 'Telling the Bees', dives into the profound connections between humans and bees. She explores the tradition of sharing grief with bees, revealing how these creatures may also experience loss. Through interactions with a renowned Yemeni beekeeper and various scientists, Polk highlights the vital role bees play in our emotional landscape and their struggles for survival. Her insights blend personal stories and scientific observations, emphasizing our shared resilience and the urgent need for conservation.
28:39
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Quick takeaways
- The practice of 'telling the bees' illustrates the deep cultural bond between humans and bees, highlighting their significance beyond mere pollination.
- Recent research indicates that bees may experience emotions such as grief, challenging our understanding of animal cognition and awareness.
Deep dives
The Sacred Relationship Between Humans and Bees
Bees have been integral to human culture for millennia, illustrating the deep bond shared across species. This connection is exemplified in the folk practice known as 'telling the bees,' where beekeepers would inform their hives of any family deaths as a sign of respect. The belief that bees are messengers from the spirit world further highlights their cultural significance, as they are seen as conduits between the living and the deceased. This rich history underlines the importance of bees not just as pollinators, but as vital players in the narrative of human existence.
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