Our planet benefits from bees in countless unique ways. They have exemplary work ethics and management abilities, and who doesn’t enjoy a tasty dollop of honey? These unique insects experience the heat of hard labour in everything they do to pollinate our plants, just like we do. Fortunately, there are some sympathetic individuals working to maintain proper hydration for our buzzing companions. Near Tokyo, in Japan, Hitokotonushi Shrine has erected specially built water fountains that resemble little oases for the region’s hard-working bees.
At the temizu-ya, a Shinto water ablution pavilion, visitors to the shrine can rehydrate by using the basins of water available there. In order to accommodate the bees and provide them with their own unique location to cool down, these water sanctuaries are duplicated in miniature form during the summer.
The tiny bee sanctuaries are designed to meet the demands of the insect, which are minute but no less important. Beautifully designed miniature landscapes with tiny architectural features, plush moss, and other climbable surfaces keep the bees hydrated and content. Insects of different types have enough places to land so they can drink without drowning thanks to the tiny watering sites. The bees can regulate the temperatures of their hives, thin their honey, and feed their young bees when they have access to clean, refreshing water to drink.
Shinto culture and principles emphasise this kind of compassion for all living things. The Shinto way of life is ingrained with reverence for all living things and respect for the environment. This thoughtful insect invention includes a unique water fountain created specifically for the bees. Making these bee habitats has the added benefit of preventing annoyances between human beings and bees and stinging people.
To help people and bees get along, a sign is put up at the temple that says: “To those utilising the temizu, honeybees in the area are now visiting the shrine to drink water. The bees are currently being led to their own personal watering hole. They rarely sting because of their soft nature. Please be kind to them without making them uncomfortable.
The story gained popularity after the bee sanctuary pictures were posted on the shrine’s Twitter account. Knowing that individuals all throughout the world are concerned about the welfare of the most important pollinators on the planet is heartening. These bees might be the coolest around in the middle of a scorching Japanese summer.
For more pictures of the bee paradise, scroll down. Follow the temple on Twitter to see pictures of the Hiokotonushi Shrine and the assortment of lucky insects that frequent the serene and kind location. On this map, locate the precise position of the place close to Tokyo.
The Hitokotonushi Shrine in Japan has built a tiny oasis just for neighbourhood bees to cool off in the summer heat.
The structures are designed so insects can carefully drink water without drowning in it.
Watch the bees using the shrine’s hydrating station:
Hitokotonushi Shrine: Twitter | Website
h/t: [Spoon & Tamago]
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