The Keeper
![Beeswax is used to trace the intricate designs on pysanky (Ukrainian Easter eggs). Beeswax is used to trace the intricate designs on pysanky (Ukrainian Easter eggs).](/bees-shared/images/4.1.2.2b.jpg)
Beeswax is used to trace the intricate designs on pysanky (Ukrainian Easter eggs).
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Wax
When they reach a certain age, bees naturally produce wax flakes in glands on the underside of the abdomen. They use the wax to build cells in which they raise their broods and store honey. Beekeepers can collect the wax.
Beeswax is used in many ways: in candles that burn more cleanly than others, in furniture polish and in cosmetics. It was traditionally used-and is still used today-in ear candling therapy, in encaustic art and in decorating Ukrainian Easter eggs, or pysanky.