Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, and is usually identified with Nathanael (alternatively spelled Nathaniel), who appears in the Gospel according to John as being introduced to Christ by Philip, who would also become an Apostle (Jn 1:43-51). He is also identified as "Nathanael of Cana in Galilee" in John 21:2.

 

At Gulval, near Penzance, Cornwell, England there used to be the ancient ceremony of "Blessing the Mead". The Mead Festival was held on St. Bartholomew's Day (August 24) since, down thru the Middle Ages, St. Bartholomew was the Patrol Saint of the honey-crop and was therefore associated with mead-making.