Most southern traditions have roots buried deep from folklore and word of mouth passed down from generations past. One of those long told tales is called “Telling the Bees”. No one knows for sure where this tradition came from, but like most of our spoken folklore, they came from Europe and parts nearby. Legend claims that the custom goes back for centuries and that there can be grave consequences for not telling the bees. Celtic Mythology adds the belief that bees are intermediaries between our world and the other side.
Recently when Queen Elizabeth passed the Royal beekeeper was tasked with telling the bees. It was told that John Chapple (Royal Beekeeper) went out to the royal apiary and decorated each hive with a black ribbon and a bow, signifying a family in mourning. Then John gently tapped on the hives and whispered a prayer to millions of bees that their new owner was King Charles III, and that they were still going to be cared for after the queen’s passing.
It is said that bees must be told of all significant family affairs. Hives can be decorated, and the bees are told of weddings, births, and deaths. It is believed they will not produce honey or may leave entirely if they are not kept aware of what is happening within the family. Most beekeepers are well aware of Telling The Bees and faithfully report any news to the buzzing hives.
It is my heartfelt wish for my friends and family to Tell The Bees if something were to ever befall me. I would love to see a decorated beehive at a graveside service one day. Even an empty one would be a gentle reminder of the enduring power of tradition, and a whispered message carried on the wings of countless bees to the other side.
Honey bees, honey bees, hear what I say!
Your Master, poor soul, has passed away.
His sorrowful wife begs of you to stay,
Gathering honey for many a day.
Bees in the garden, hear what I say!
(County Folklore, vol. V, Lincolnshire, 1908)