Was a beekeeper one of the wise men bringing honey to the baby Jesus?

Well, it's not a serious question.

I have a copy of a 1969 issue of the British Bee Journal showing the cover illustration of three wise men bringing gifts to the baby Jesus.  Except in this case, one of the wise men is a beekeeper offering a gift of honey.

The illustration originates from a Christmas card sent by beekeeper Dr. R. H. Barnes. The artwork appears to be German, and according to Dr. Barnes on the inside cover notes, the legend behind the illustration tells how the wise men fell into the hands of brigands on their way from the East.  One of them was badly injured.  A beekeeper came to the rescue, bound up his wounds (probably using honey).

After seeing him to the hospital, the beekeeper took the injured man’s place in the pilgrimage and, because the injured man was the navigator, the beekeeper’s bees led the way. In the picture, the beekeeper is offering a gift of honey, and next to him is his skep of honeybees.

Has anyone else heard of this legend?  Not that I put one iota of credibility in the story, I did find it amusingly interesting.

Grant

Jackson, MO







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