"Few creatures are as important in symbology as this insect and the life of its colonies. Virtually as soon as there were humans they began gathering wild honey. The bee has a certain association with professional advancement, [but] otherwise the bee was less the symbol of diligence than of a suitor with an eager fondness for the flower of womanhood" (Biederman, 35). In dreams, the bee represents approaching death: one's soul is buzzing off. They have often been viewed as brave, industrious, clean , politically harmonious, and aesthetically gifted; these qualities provide extensive fodder for symbolic representation. The bee represents perfect community, and although it is weak in body, it is strong in spirit and wisdom. "In Christian tradition , [the bee] is the emblem of Christ, of his forgiveness (through analogy with the sweetness of his honey), with his justice (through its sting), and Christian virtues (because of the exemplary way worker bees behave towards their queen" (Julien, 35).

In Egyptian culture, associated with royal hierarchy because of their monarchic organization, industry, creative activity and wealth. In Paradise they were the 'little winged servents of God' only changing to brown after the fall, and, with EAGLES are the only animals that have access to heaven. They can detect inchastity, and a test of a girl's virginity is to throw her to the bees and see if they attack her.

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