BYU Studies Quarterly
Keywords
Mormon studies, symbolism, beehive
Abstract
This photo essay presents Brinkerhoff's inspiring photos of beehives in significant Mormon places. For early Mormons, the beehive symbolized the kingdom of God and was used as an architectural feature, in publications and discourse, on gravestones, on money, and more. Beehives used on temple doors and entryways symbolize entering the kingdom of God. The beehive on financial items symbolizes the Saints' consecration of their worldly goods. The beehive was chosen in 1848 as a symbol for the State of Deseret, using Ether 2:3. Later, when the State of Deseret became Utah, the beehive came to symbolize industry, cooperation, and economic well-being, and civic order. But Latter-day Saints would do well to remember the beehive's original symbolism of building the kingdom of God on earth.
Recommended Citation
Brinkerhoff, Val
(2013)
"The Symbolism of the Beehive in Latter-day Saint Tradition,"
BYU Studies Quarterly: Vol. 52:
Iss.
2, Article 9.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol52/iss2/9