An old photo of mine taken near Walney Pond Visitor Center in 2011. The old beehive isn't there anymore, long worn out but I am glad I have this photo.
I found this interesting snippet online the other day.
"Telling the Bees - In an old Western European tradition, bees were seen as part of the household and needed to be told when major life events happened. Deaths, births, marriages, even someone leaving or returning home, all would be quietly whispered to the hive.
Why? Because forgetting to tell the bees was said to bring misfortune: they might stop making honey, abandon the hive or even die.
This custom may have roots in Celtic belief, where bees were thought to move between the world of the living and the spirit world. The presence of a bee after death was once seen as a sign the soul was departing.
To share the news, the keeper (often the "goodwife") would approach the hive, tap gently and speak softly, letting the bees know, with respect.
This practice was especially common in the 18th and 19th centuries across Western Europe and even carried to the U.S. It may have deeper roots in Celtic lore, where bees were seen as a spirit messengers, a belief that adds another layer to the tradition's quiet power.
It's a tender, beautiful reminder of how deeply people once honored the natural world, and the quiet bonds between all living things."
Beautiful post, Denise. It's sad that we don't all appreciate and take care of our nature and environment as much now. With the global warming and all the pollution. Such a shame. Your post is very much appreciated and a great reminder to be thankful for our earth 🌎 and to take proper care of it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda, I am glad you found this interesting :)
DeleteWow, how fascinating. I knew nothing about this. But I do know that bees are even more valuable than anyone ever thought back then.
ReplyDeleteVery true Ginny, thank you :)
DeleteNice photo and a good memory of what once was.
ReplyDeleteInteresting bee story, Denise.
Thank you Margaret, much appreciated :)
DeleteWhen the Queen died, the Royal beekeeper visited all the hives to tell the bees their mistress had died and that King Charles was now their master. Black ribbons were tied round the hives.
ReplyDeleteI am very happy you told me this Janice, thank you :)
DeleteGiven that people have ascribed metaphysical powers to all manner of animals, a bee seems like an admirable choice to me.
ReplyDeleteVery much so David :)
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteGreat post and photo. I am thankful for the bee keepers. I love honey. Take care, have a great day!
Hello Eileen :) me too and I wish you the same.
DeleteWhat an interesting legend. Maybe I need to find some bees to talk to.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ann and maybe we all should :)
DeleteThat's quite interesting about sharing major life events with bees...I like the custom.
ReplyDeleteThanks Angie, I do also. It’s another great connection with nature :)
DeleteThat is interesting and yes people once did respect nature. The Earth provides everything we need, yet we are killing it. So sad really :-(
ReplyDeleteThe world needs to do better Ananka, that’s for sure :)
DeleteI've read stories and seen a movie where the people consulted with bees. Pretty interesting stuff.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is Val, thank you :)
DeleteOh wow! I never heard that. I like it very much. If I had bees I would talk to them. I've talked to all my critters my entire life...and my plants...and inanimates like cars and chairs and pens...we're all in it together. ;)
ReplyDeleteI have found myself talking to these that you mentioned Rita :) and couldn’t agree more with “were all in this together”.
DeleteI never heard of this myth until I read your post. Who knew about this strange connection that bees have with the spiritual world. As I have been badly stung at least twice by bees, they are not insects I treasure.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry you have been stung by bees Gigi. I only ever remember having that one time in my life, and that was years ago.
DeleteYou reminded me of a book I read where the main character kept bees and had to keep them informed about her plans. Title? Escapes me now.
ReplyDeleteThat’s interesting Marcia. If you remember the title could you let me know please. In the meantime I will do a search myself :)
DeleteI love-love-love this folklore tale, Denise. You are so good with words! The picture of the woman is amazing....with no gloves or face covering. She looks like a Bee Whisperer. Love, Andrea xoxo
ReplyDeleteThat’s great Andrea and that title could definitely apply to this lady :) sending love and hugs xoxo
DeleteInteresting
ReplyDeleteThank you Christine :)
DeleteYes a reminder we all need that we MUST share the world with all creatures great and small.
ReplyDeleteHugs Cecilia
Couldn’t have said it better Cecilia, thank you :) sending hugs.
Delete