Mad Honey Harvesting (THE RUGGED WAY)
In the faraway land of the Himalayas, there live the Gurungs. The Gurungs are the Himalayan tribal groups, also known as the honey harvesters.
Mad Honey harvesting is a process of dedication, danger, and dare.
Mad Honey
Before delving into the realm of mad honey harvesting and harvesters, let's first know about mad honey. Mad honey is a unique type of honey that is found in the high cliffs of Nepal and the Black Sea region of Turkey.
The giant honeybees, also known as Apis Dorsata Laboriosa, collect the magical red honey. The honey contains grayanotoxin, which is responsible for its psychedelic effects. Plus, mad honey has a pool of medicinal and spiritual benefits.
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The Origins and Cultural Significance
Let's talk about the ancient history of mad honey!
It has been around for thousands of years and was essential to many ancient civilizations. Long ago, people in ancient Greece liked this honey because it gave them clarity in their thoughts. They would use it in their religious ceremonies and when they were on spiritual journeys.
As we go further to the east, we find that the people who lived in Nepal and the nearby Himalayan areas also adored this honey. They thought it had special healing powers and could connect them to the spirit world.
Origin of Mad Honey in Nepal
The existence of Mad Honey in Nepal dates back centuries. However, there is no exact date for the introduction of mad honey in Nepal.
It is evident that mad honey harvesting was passed down to the Gurungs from different past generations. The Gurung community claims to have gotten the techniques from their father, brothers, and uncles.
Interestingly, the Gurung tribe solely survives on the income that they get from the mad honey. It is their source of bread and butter.
Besides being used for medicine, mad honey is famous for making people feel different when they eat it. The grayanotoxin in the honey can make you hallucinate, feel dizzy, really happy, or even unable to move for a short time.
People have known about these effects for a long time and have written about them in old books. But now, due to media coverage, more and more people are aware of mad honey and its effects.
People from different parts of the world visit Nepal to have that "Mad Honey Experience". Such sudden interest in red honey is giving rise to fame and income for honey harvesters.
Although some future generations think that making mad honey is an unsustainable job, some still want to honor their age-old tradition. There is a tug-of-war between those who want to stay and those who want to leave.
But there's no need to worry! The fame of mad honey is blooming more than ever.
Cultural Significance
- Traditional Medicine: People have used it for traditional medicine, rituals, and cultural practises. They believed that it could help fight bacteria, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. Local healers used it to treat all kinds of problems, like stomach issues and breathing problems.
Not only do they sell the honey, but they have been consuming it for themselves. Maybe that is why they are known as one of the most robust tribes. They rarely have any trace of illness. And they humbly give the credit for their health to the mad honey. - Rituals and Ceremonies: In cultural practises, mad honey has an important role in rituals and ceremonies. Some cultures thought that if you ate this honey, you could talk to spirits or reach a higher level of thinking.
Shamans and spiritual leaders used the mad honey effect to see things and heal people. They also believed it could help them predict the future.
The Turkey Legend
No exploration of mad honey would be complete without unravelling the fascinating legends and folklore surrounding its mystical properties.
One such legend comes from the remote valleys of Turkey, where it is believed that mad honey played a pivotal role in the conquests of ancient armies.
According to the story, soldiers would consume the honey before battle, believing it granted them invincibility and supernatural powers.
Whether fact or fiction, these legends serve as a testament to the mystique and awe that surround mad honey.
Across different cultures, folklore spreads with tales of mad honey's ability to enhance creativity, grant visions, and unlock hidden wisdom.
From ancient mythologies to local folk traditions, honey's mythical reputation endures, captivating the imaginations of storytellers and dreamers alike.
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The Thrill of Mad Honey Harvesting
The Himalayan Giant Bees
The Himalayan giant bees are magnificent creatures that have adapted to the harshest of environments. They make their homes on the faces of towering cliffs in remote regions.
With their distinctive black and yellow stripes, these bees are not only expert honey producers but also masters of survival. They construct massive combs that hang with risk from the cliffs, their nests hidden from the world below.
These cliff bees are the guardians of an intoxicating secret: honey, which holds within it the essence of their daring existence.
The Process of Mad Honey Harvesting
Before the honey harvesters march for their mad honey-harvesting journey, they worship their bee spirit. They believe that their deity helps them conquer the bees. On the night before the hunt, they offer fruits and even some alcohol to the Rangekemi (the bee spirit).
Following the night, they chant in their own mother tongue and celebrate with dance numbers and some music.
Steps for Mad Honey Harvesting:
- Locating the Honey Sources: Finding honey sources for mad honey requires careful observation and knowledge about the plants and bees. Hence, the honey harvesters figure out where and when the flowers that the bees feed on are blooming.
First, they gather information about the area. Thanks to their years-long experience, they are aware of which bees prefer which flowers for their nectar. Flowers have specific times when they bloom and have nectar.
Bees have specific areas where they look for nectar, and they usually follow the same paths. By watching where the bees fly and how they act, harvesters can figure out where they find nectar. They set up places to watch the bees or use devices to track where they go.
Sometimes, they also explore faraway or hard-to-reach places to find honey sources. This might mean going into forests, mountains, or other natural areas where the right flowers grow. - Identifying Bee Hives: Once the honey sources are located, the Gurungs must identify the bee hives. Depending on the region, these hives may be found in various locations, such as cliff faces, tree branches, or crevices in rocks. They rely on their knowledge of bee behaviour and visual cues to pinpoint the hives.
Plus, they look for buzzing sounds and watch where the bees come and go to find a hive. If there are a lot of bees flying around a particular area, it could mean there's a hive nearby. - Distracting the Bees: The bees can be pretty ruthless! They often welcome the harvesters with brutal stings. Hence, the harvesters use smouldering grass to produce a controlled amount of smoke that is directed towards the hive entrances.
The smoke calms the bees during the mad honey-harvesting process. Also, it disrupts the bees' communication and triggers a natural response that prompts them to prepare for a fire. - Collecting the Honey: The daring men get all their mad honey-harvesting equipment ready. They use long sticks or poles that are safe for the bees and help them hold the combs without damaging them.
The timing is important. They prefer to do this when the bees are less active, like early mornings or late evenings, when most bees are inside the hive. This helps avoid bothering the bees too much and getting stung.
To take out the honeycombs, harvesters use the tools carefully. They gently detach the combs from the hive structure, being careful not to break the delicate wax. They do it slowly and without disturbing the bees too much.
It's crucial not to disturb the bees too much during the process. This keeps them from getting upset and stinging. They work slowly and avoid sudden movements that could make the bees defensive.
After taking out the honeycombs, the honey harvesters put them in containers that are good for transporting them. They handle the combs with care and make sure they don't break. The containers keep the combs safe and secure during their journey back home. - Processing and Filtering the Mad Honey: After collecting the honeycombs, the next step is to process and filter the honey to make it clean and smooth. At first, the honey harvesters cautiously removed the honeycombs from the hives and took them to a safe place.
They make sure they don't get the honeycombs damaged or dirty. While processing honey, they crush or squeeze the honeycombs to let the honey flow out.
After getting the honey out, it is left to settle for some time. This helps any bubbles or foam rise to the top, so they can be removed later. It also allows any leftover bits of wax or other solid things to sink to the bottom.
The mad honey goes through a filter to get rid of any impurities. The filter is like a net or a cloth that catches things like bits of wax, bee parts, or other debris. This makes the honey look nice and smooth.
Once the honey is filtered, it's ready to be put in containers for storage and sale.
Tools and Techniques Used by the Honey harvesters
- Protective Clothing: Honey harvesters wear protective clothing to minimise the risk of bee stings. This typically includes full-body suits made of thick, durable material that cover the entire body, including the head, hands, and feet.
The suits are often light-colored, as bees are less attracted to lighter colours. Integrated veils or separate beekeeping veils are used to protect the face and head. - Ropes and Harnesses: Harvesters often use ropes and harnesses to access and descend from elevated or difficult-to-reach hive locations. These ropes and harnesses provide stability and safety while working at heights or in challenging terrain, ensuring the harvesters can reach the hives safely.
What is the perfect season for Mad Honey Harvesting?
Spring Season (late April to Early June)
Spring is a prime season for honey harvesting in many regions. As temperatures rise and the days become longer, various flowers begin to bloom. Thus, it provides a plentiful supply of nectar for bees. Spring honey is typically lighter and has a delicate, floral flavour. This season allows bee colonies to recover from the winter and build up their populations.
Autumn Season (late September to Early November)
Autumn can also be a productive season for honey harvesting, particularly in regions with a mild climate or a second bloom period. Some flowers, such as goldenrod and aster, bloom in late summer or early fall, providing bees with additional sources of nectar. Fall honey has a darker colour and a more robust, earthy flavour.
You might notice slight changes in the honey's colour, flavour, and aroma. This change depends on the season in which the harvesters harvest it. Similarly, the potency of mad honey depends on the month of harvesting. That's why you should make sure you buy the mad honey, which is harvested in a favourable season.
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The Dangers of Mad Honey harvesting
Here are some of the dangers of mad honey harvesting that the brave Gurungs face:
- Bee Stings: Receiving a bee sting while harvesting honey is one of the biggest risks. Bees can get upset and sting when their hives are disturbed. While bee stings are usually not dangerous, they can hurt and cause swelling or allergies for some people.
- Falls and Injuries: Harvesting happens in tricky and faraway places, like cliffs or steep areas. This makes the risk of falling and getting hurt higher, especially when using ropes or harnesses. It's important to be safe, use the right gear, and learn proper techniques to avoid accidents and injuries.
- Encounters with Wildlife: In some places, mad honey harvesting might bring harvesters close to other animals that can be dangerous. This includes aggressive animals like bears or stinging insects that are attracted to the smell of honey. Knowing about the local animals and being careful can help avoid conflicts or risky situations.
- Environmental Hazards: The places where honey harvesting takes place can have environmental risks. This can mean extreme weather, rough terrain, poisonous plants, or other natural dangers. Honey harvesters should be ready for these challenges and focus on staying safe in outdoor environments.
- Honeycomb Instability: While taking honeycombs, there's a chance of disrupting the hive and damaging the comb. This can make it hard for bees to rebuild and survive in the long run. Honey harvesters should be careful and handle the honeycombs gently to avoid harming the hive.
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