President Yushchenko (left)
and President Adamkus during
last years Ukrainian crisis.
Photo courtesy ELTA
During a recent visit by Ukraines President Yushchenko to Lithuania, he was gifted a set of beekeeping implements by
President Adamkus of Lithuania. It turns out that Yushchenko is a keen beekeeper in his private life. President Yushchenko
has now in turn gifted President Adamkus three beehives with bees, as thanks for Adamkus help in helping solve last
years Ukrainian crisis.
Museum of Ancient Beekeeping at Stripeikiai,
Aukštaitija National Park.
Photo courtesy Lietuvos Muziejai
This was a highly symbolic act, as in ancient times in Lithuania people who exchanged bees became lifelong friends, with
ties as strong as between blood relatives. Bees could not be bought or sold, only exchanged. There was a whole lore of
beekeeping practised in ancient times, unique in Europe to Lithuania and related Baltic nations. In fact the Lithuanian
name for a special friend, "bičiulis", is derived from the word "bitė" (a "bee").
President Adamkus has entrusted the beehives to the care of the Museum of Ancient Beekeeping, located in the Aukštaitija
National Park at Stripeikiai, NorthEastern Lithuania. The honey that will be produced by President Yushchenko bees will
be donated to a childrens charity.
Further information:
Lietuvos Muziejai: www.muziejai.lt
Delfi News: www.delfi.lt 22/7/05
|