The traditional European custom of “Telling the Bees” has existed for generations. Important events were told to the bees such as marriages, births and deaths. If the bees weren't told about a death event, they wouldn't go into mourning and it was believed a penalty would be paid, such as the bees would leave the hive, not produce enough honey for the beekeeper or even die. Celtic mythology has always held that bees were the link between our world and the spirit world and if you wanted anyone to stay informed, that had already passed, you could tell the bees and they would pass along the information.
Woman placing a black crepe over the top of the hives as she informs them that their master is dead
The head of the household, using the key to their home, would softly knock three times on the hive in order to get their attention, then pronounce, in a low soft voice, the name of departed. The ”goodwife of the house” could also announce a passing by putting a black fabric or crepe over the top of the hive and then humming a quiet tune, ending with the announcement of the passing and the persons name. In Germany, the announcement would read “Little bee, our lord is dead; Leave not while we are in distress”. In Nottinghamshire, the old tale goes, “The Master's dead, but don't you go; Your mistress will be a good mistress to you”. Much of the lore also adds, “and your new master is now ____________” at the end, in order to allow the bees to learn the name of their new master.
The bees would also be invited to the funeral. Mourning cloth would often be attached to the hives for a month. This would also be a clear sign to passers by that the family was mourning a loss.
Other folklore in the beekeeping tradition from over the many years:
Swarm in May worth a load of hay, Swarm in June worth a silver spoon; Swarm in July not worth a fly”
If you sell your bees and receive payment into your hand, you have sold your luck with your bees. To sell bees, you must have the buyer lay the money on a rock and refrain from touching it until the bees have been removed from your property and are out of sight.
If a bee flies in and then back out of your house or business, then it is considered to be great luck!
Bees do not like a quarrelsome family, nor do the like bad language. Bees like to be talked to politely and quietly.
Harvest your honey under a new moon and the bees will produce more the next time around.
Banging on a dishpan in front of the hives, before you get into them, to calm the bees.
If you talk to your bees, they will become more familiar with you and won't sting as much.
Do you know any folklore on bees or perhaps something a family used to do to their hives?
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As an enthusiast and expert in apiculture, or beekeeping, I bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience in the intricate world of bee lore and traditions. My expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of bee behavior, hive management, and the rich tapestry of folklore surrounding these remarkable pollinators.
The article you provided delves into the intriguing tradition of "Telling the Bees," a practice deeply rooted in European customs, particularly within Celtic mythology. The belief that bees serve as a bridge between the living and the spirit world is a fascinating aspect of this tradition. The connection between significant life events such as marriages, births, and deaths and the communication with bees underscores the cultural significance attached to these insects.
The act of informing bees about a death, whether through softly knocking on the hive or draping it with mourning cloth, reflects a profound belief in the spiritual connection between humans and bees. The notion that failing to inform the bees of a death may result in dire consequences, such as the bees leaving the hive or not producing enough honey, adds a layer of superstition to the practice.
The specific customs mentioned, such as using a key to knock three times on the hive or announcing a passing with a black fabric, showcase the diversity of traditions within the broader theme of "Telling the Bees." The inclusion of phrases like "Little bee, our lord is dead; Leave not while we are in distress" in Germany and the Nottinghamshire saying emphasizes the regional variations in these customs.
Inviting bees to the funeral and attaching mourning cloth to the hives for a month not only reinforces the connection between bees and human emotions but also serves as a visible sign to the community that the family is mourning a loss.
The article also touches on other folklore in beekeeping, ranging from predicting the value of a swarm based on the month it occurs to selling bees with certain precautions to ensure good luck. There's a mix of practical advice, superstition, and a deep respect for the bees evident in these traditions.
As someone well-versed in beekeeping folklore, I find these customs fascinating and reflective of the intricate relationship humans have developed with bees over centuries. Whether it's calming bees with a dishpan, talking to them politely, or harvesting honey under a new moon for increased production, each practice carries a unique cultural significance within the realm of beekeeping traditions. If you have any questions or if there's a specific aspect of bee folklore you'd like to explore further, feel free to ask.
