May 20 — World Bee Day: history and traditions of the holiday

World Bee Day is celebrated annually on May 20, which is designed to draw attention to the problem of reducing their population on our planet, as well as to recall the important role of these insects for ecology and agriculture. In 2025, the date falls on a Tuesday. Read about its history, significance and traditions in the Izvestia article.

World Bee Day 2025: the history and significance of the holiday

World Bee Day was established by the UN General Assembly in 2017 on the initiative of Slovenia. The date was not chosen by chance — it was on this day in 1734 that the founder of modern beekeeping, the Slovenian artist Anton Jansha, was born. Bee Day is designed to draw attention to the importance of preserving these insects and their role in the ecosystem of the planet.

Bees are evolutionarily much "older" than humans. The oldest bee found by paleontologists lived more than 30 million years ago. The first written mentions of the use of these insects by humans date back to the VIII–IX centuries BC. The ancient Greek philosopher and poet Homer in his famous Iliad describes the use of honey and wax in everyday life. In his writings, Aristotle talks in detail about the life of bees and their breeding.

In ancient civilizations, honey was valued not only as a food product, but also as a cosmetic and medicinal product. It was used to treat wounds, colds, and as natural cosmetics.

For a long time, humans have not had a significant impact on the lives of honey bees. However, with the invention of the frame hive in the 19th century (its author in 1814 was the Russian beekeeper Peter Prokopovich), a new history of beekeeping began. Honey production has increased, but the insect habitat has changed significantly.

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Today, there are more than 20 thousand species of bees in the world. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), these insects are involved in pollination of 35% of agricultural crops, therefore, they play a key role for global food security and biodiversity.

These insects produce valuable food products such as honey, royal jelly and pollen, as well as other substances useful to humans, such as beeswax, propolis and honey bee venom.

Beekeeping also serves as a significant source of income for many rural residents. According to the Intergovernmental Science and Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the Western honey bee is the most widespread managed pollinator in the world, with more than 80 million hives producing about 1.6 million tons of honey annually.

However, the UNEP notes that the bee population is rapidly declining due to various factors such as habitat loss, intensive agriculture, climate change and excessive use of pesticides.

Another negative factor is air pollution. Studies show that pollutants interact with aromatic plant molecules that bees use to find food. Mixing odors makes it difficult to find nectar, slows down and reduces pollination efficiency.

Traditions of the celebration of World Bee Day, celebrated on May 20

The main goal of World Bee Day is to draw public attention to the role of bees and other pollinating insects in maintaining the health of the planet, as well as to recall the severe consequences of their disappearance.

On this day, international conferences on bee conservation are held in Russia and other countries. Experts analyze the current situation, share their experience, and present the results of scientific research in the field of beekeeping.

Open educational events are held for everyone who wants to learn about the importance of bees for the ecosystem. Special lessons and lectures on the need to preserve the environment, as well as on the threats that humanity may face if this is not done, are organized in educational institutions for schoolchildren and students.

Honey festivals, apiary exhibitions, tastings, workshops, environmental campaigns and flash mobs on landscaping and flower planting are also taking place on May 20.

Interesting facts about bees

In honor of the holiday, Izvestia collected some interesting facts about bees.

A bee has five eyes. Three simple small dorsal eyes (ocelli) are responsible for recognizing the light level. And two large compound faceted eyes allow them to see objects. These insects are able to perceive ultraviolet rays, but they do not distinguish the red color. That is why apiaries are often decorated with bright beehives — this makes it easier for bees to find their home.

Bees produce buzzing due to the rapid movements of their wings — up to 440 strokes per second. By the nature of the buzzing, experienced beekeepers can determine the condition of a bee family, whether they are starving, freezing, or preparing to swarm.

In one day, a worker bee can make up to 10 flights and explore an area of about 12 hectares. To produce one kilogram of honey, these insects need to visit about 8 million flowers.

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A beehive is a society with a clear hierarchy and distribution of responsibilities. There are three main roles in it: the bee queen, the worker bees, and the drones. All of them perform strictly defined functions, which ensures the survival of the colony. The mother bee is the main bee, which is responsible for breeding offspring and coordinating the "work" within the team. Worker bees collect pollen and nectar, monitor the development of offspring and protect the hive. Drones fertilize the uterus and are needed only during the breeding season.

How to help bees

The disappearance of bees can lead to catastrophic consequences for our planet. Without these insects, the number of flowering plants will decrease significantly, as there will be no one to pollinate them.

According to environmentalists, to save them, countries need to create multicultural meadows and special artificial shelters — "insect hotels."

However, ordinary citizens are also able to contribute to the conservation of bees. Planting honey plants in gardens and homesteads, avoiding the use of pesticides, supporting local beekeeping through the purchase of products and participation in environmental programs — all this helps to preserve the population of these important insects.

Earlier, Izvestia told when and how International Climate Day is celebrated.