St Gobnait – Patron Saint of Bees & Beekeepers

The 11th of February marks the Feast of St Gobnait, the Patron Saint of bees and beekeepers. This day holds a special significance in the world of beekeeping. Let’s delve into what we think we know about the life of St Gobnait and her connection with our buzzing friends.

Who is St Gobnait?

The 11th of February is the Feast of St Gobnait. She is the Patron saint of bees and beekeepers. St Gobnait, also known as Gobnat, Mo Gobnat, Abigail or Deborah, is one of a small number of recognised female Irish saints.

Born in Clare, Ireland, in the 5th or 6th century, Gobnait made a journey that eventually led her to settle in Ballyvourney, Cork, Ireland. Gobnait’s life took a turn when she included beekeeping in her work, developing a lifelong affinity with honeybees.

Bees in Folklore and Tradition

In the time of St Gobnait, bees were deeply woven into the fabric of Irish society. In Celtic lore, bees were held in high esteem, believed to carry souls in their flight. Bees were also often associated with butterflies, another symbol of the soul in many cultures. They were considered to bring good luck and were often associated with wisdom. The ancient Celts believed that bees were the link between our world and the spirit world. If you ever heard the humming of a bee, it was said to be carrying a message from the spirits.

Beekeeping was a common practice during this time, with the honey and beeswax being used for a variety of purposes. The importance of bees was such that there were even laws called the Bechbretha, which translates to ‘bee-judgements’, outlining the proper ways to manage bees and their products.

Historical Uses for Honey and Beeswax

Honey and beeswax held a special place in the lives of the Irish during St Gobnait’s time. Honey was not just a sweet treat but was also used in the making of mead, a popular drink. It was also believed to have healing properties. Beeswax, on the other hand, was used in crafting, from candle making to the creation of seals and other items. These uses highlight the integral role bees played in the daily life and economy of Ireland during this period.

The Miracles of St Gobnait

St Gobnait’s life was marked by miracles, many of them linked to her beloved bees. One story tells of how she drove off a brigand by sending a swarm of bees after him, making him restore the cattle he had stolen. St Gobnait also used honey for healing, a practice now validated by modern science. Honey, particularly raw honey, has antibacterial properties and promotes wound healing. St Gobnait is also credited with saving the people at Ballyvourney from the plague.

Saint Gobnait’s Legacy

St Gobnait started a religious order and dedicated her days to helping the sick. Her legacy lives on today, not just in the stories passed down through generations, but also in the continued practice of beekeeping. She was a trailblazer, a woman of strength and conviction, who found her calling in the humble honeybee.

Famous Stained Glass Window by Harry Clarke

St Gobnait was indeed depicted in a famous stained glass window by the renowned Irish artist, Harry Clarke. This window, created between 1915 and 1918, is one of nine that Clarke designed for the Honan Chapel of St. Finbarr, at University College Cork.

In this window, St Gobnait is shown in half profile, dressed in royal blue robes with elaborate designs in turquoise. She wears a silver cloak and a veil. The borders of the central glass panel are lined with blue and magenta coloured beads. The background of the window contains honeycomb-shaped lozenges, a fitting tribute to St Gobnait’s affinity with bees.

Interestingly, the window also depicts thieves around her lower body, and bees are shown at both sides of her face. This is likely a reference to the story of how St Gobnait drove off a brigand by sending a swarm of bees after him.

This beautiful piece of art serves as a colourful reminder of St Gobnait’s enduring legacy and her connection with bees. It is a testament to her life and miracles, and to the timeless artistry of Harry Clarke. If you ever find yourself at University College Cork, a visit to the Honan Chapel to see this stained glass window is highly recommended.

Meaning of the Name Gobnait

The name ‘Gobnait’ is presumed to have its origins in the word ‘gob’, meaning mouth. This might be why girls named Gobnait are often said to be talkative! It could also be the case that the original meaning of Gobnait, was a female variant of the name Gobán, meaning smith. So, do you have a Gobnait in your life? Is she a bit gobby? Or perhaps she’s more of a verbal smith, crafting beautiful things with her words.

Conclusion

As we celebrate the Feast of St Gobnait, patron saint of bees and beekeepers, let’s take a moment to appreciate the humble honeybee and the sweet gifts it brings. St Gobnait’s story is a reminder of the deep connections we share with the natural world and the miracles that can happen when we open ourselves to these connections. Here’s to St Gobnait, the bees, and the sweet taste of honey!

Hanna Bäckmo

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn