St. Gobnait
Deborah, or Abigail

Patron of
Honeybees and Beekeepers
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Feast Day: February 11

Gobnait (Gobnet, Gobhnet, Gobnaid, Gobnata, or Gobnatae), was born in County Clare, Ireland, sometime in the 5th or 6th century. Gobnait is Irish for Abigail (“Brings Joy”). As the patron saint of beekeepers, her name also has been anglicized as Deborah, meaning "Honey Bee."

Actual size: 5½" x 7½" x ¾" thick (also available in larger sizes)

View the scroll that comes with this piece.

Scrolls may also be ordered separately.

The symbolism and inspiration:

For nearly a decade, I've been wanting to portray a patron saint of bees.
I knew about Ambrose, but wasn't really inspired by his "honey tongue" as a reason for his patronage. Then there's Valentine, but he's got a lot of other responsibilities. For years now, in the Writer's Almanac, Garrison Keillor has been noting "Midsummer's Eve or St. John's Eve," with St. John being the patron saint of beekeepers...I keep meaning to let Garrison know there are others, but St. Expeditus just hasn't been up-to-speed on my cases lately!

I grew up with an appreciation for the healing properties of honey and the "wonderfulness" of bees. My grandfather, Dr. Jacob Hutzelman developed a cure for foul brood, and my beloved Aunt Alice, an RN, was also a beekeeper. She even met her husband because of the bees. (With thick glasses and a plaid shirt, Gobnait would look a lot like her.)

Then, as often happens, someone "connected" with me and sent the inspiration I needed. A beekeeper (named Deborah!) emailed an inquiry about considering St. Gobnait. I did, and here it is...

PB

Also see our St. Gobnait's Blog for interesting facts, legends and more...

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Our St. Gobnait Anachron is available as a Ceramic Tile, Spirit Stone, Pendant, One-of-a-Kind Jewelry, Greeting Card, Bookmark, and more.
Click here for information.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Before you fill your cart, please take a minute to read the
The Fine Print Page.
If you wish to use a credit card, PayPal, or bank transfer, just click on the button below.
(You do NOT need a PayPal account,)

If you prefer to order via phone or regular mail, click here. (credit cards, checks, and money orders)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Our Anachrons^TM are now available in 4 sizes.
If you'd like to order something larger than the "Classic" 5½ x 7½ inches
Click for details.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Feb 2012

Two special pendants