Telling the bees is an old custom where beekeepers update their bees on major life events. This ritual, believed to maintain hive harmony, has deep roots in ancient traditions. In this article, learn about the origins, cultural meaning, and practices of this fascinating folklore.
You Can Tell a Honey Bee Anything
- Telling the bees is an old agricultural custom where beekeepers share significant news with their bees. This folklore tradition is believed to ensure the health and well-being of the hive.
- Rituals associated with telling the bees varied by region and included communicating important life events, with specific practices during mourning and celebrations, reflecting cultural significance across Europe and North America.
- Despite a decline due to industrialization, the practice continues among some modern beekeepers, emphasizing a respect for bees and their role in ecosystems, while also highlighted in literature and royal traditions.
History of Telling the Bees
The tradition of telling the bees is an ancient agricultural custom, believed to date back centuries. This practice involves sharing significant household events with bees to maintain their well-being and harmony with humans.
The belief that bees are deeply connected to the happenings within their keeper’s life has roots in the notion that these little creatures are sensitive to the energies and emotions of their environment. This custom was not just a quaint superstition but a vital part of beekeeping practices aimed at preventing entire bee colonies from dying or abandoning their hives.

There's a special word for when bees hold hands: festooning!
From Celtic Mythology to Victorian Times
Legend has it that telling the bees originated in Celtic mythology. In Celtic times, bees were believed to be messengers to the spirit world. In ancient Celtic culture, if a bee hovered around a person's head or landed on their hair, it was said to be a sign of impending death. When a person died, it was believed the bees knew and would follow the soul out of the house. This mythology was passed down through generations and eventually made its way to the Victorian era.
During the Victorian times, there was a renewed interest in folklore and nature. Beekeeping was an essential craft, and this folklore tradition was a way to explain the importance of telling the bees about important news in your life.
The Role of Beekeepers
Beekeepers around the world have always performed rituals to ensure the health and productivity of their hives. Telling the bees is just one of those traditions that was passed down through generations.
The poem "Mary's Beeches" explains the importance of telling the bees about sad news:
"Mary was a good mistress, and loved her bees; She'd open the hive, and gently bend her knees; 'My dear bees, dear bees,' she'd say with a sigh, 'My dear old mother's died, and I must go by and by.'"
Cultural Significance and Rituals
The bees had to be told! This was especially important in the 18th and 19th centuries in the West. Beekeepers believed that bees were affected by important family events and would thrive or struggle depending on how well their keeper's family was doing.
If you didn't tell the bees about a new baby (two months before the birth), your wedding, or an impending visit from the harvest man, the bees might leave or fall ill. This folklore tradition was especially strong in England, Ireland, Germany, and certain regions of Switzerland.

Kara loves spending time with her bees on the farm
Mourning and Celebration
If the beekeeper's wife passed away, it was important to tell the bees. Beekeepers would knock on the hive and say, "The mistress is dead." This ensured the bees wouldn't leave or the honey wouldn't be bitter from sorrow.
Some traditions, like the one in New Hampshire, sang to the bees in rhyming couplets:
"We've married, we've married, it's true, And this is the honey we're making for you."
After a wedding in Germany, the newlyweds would visit the bees together to introduce themselves and ensure a happy marriage.
Symbolic Actions
Draping the hives in black during a funeral was an important part of telling the bees in Britain. Another common ritual was knocking on the hive and telling the bees about the sad news.
In some parts of England, the bees were told about both happy and sad events. In Brittany, the hives were covered in scarlet cloth during weddings, and in Westphalia, the new couple visited the bees together.
Regional Practices and Variations
Telling the bees rituals varied greatly from region to region, and family to family. In Europe, the tradition was kept alive for centuries, especially in England, where specific rituals like telling the bees about sad news was preserved.
Immigrants brought the tradition to New England, where it was adapted to the American experience. These regional differences offer a fascinating glimpse into the folklore and mythology surrounding beekeeping across cultures.

This bee is pollinating a blueberry blossom
European Countries
In European countries like England, Ireland, and Germany, the tradition of telling the bees was practiced with unique regional twists. For instance, in Brittany, hives were adorned with scarlet fabric during weddings, while in parts of Germany, people tapped on hives with a key or sang to the bees when sharing important news.
These customs not only preserved the tradition but also highlighted the deep cultural significance of the practice.
New England and North America
In North America, particularly in New England and the Appalachian region, settlers adapted the tradition of telling the bees to their new environment. They incorporated local customs, such as draping hives in mourning cloth, to fit their cultural context.
The practice persisted within these communities, maintaining a connection to European roots while evolving to reflect new surroundings.
Modern-Day Relevance
A few beekeepers still tell the bees, and some do it as a playful nod to this ancient folklore. With busy lives and abundant honey production, it's not a necessary ritual for survival.
While there's no scientific evidence supporting the practice, it's not dismissed as pure superstition. The tradition is romanticized and enjoyed by those who appreciate the beauty of the ritual and the connection it represents between humans and nature.

Conservation Efforts
Some beekeepers today believe that telling the bees is a meaningful way to connect with nature and conserve this precious resource. By honoring the bees with this ritual, beekeepers acknowledge our role in their health and well-being.
Bees are essential to our food system and the environment. They pollinate crops and maintain ecosystem health, making their conservation critical.
Decline Due to Industrialization
The decline of the tradition is closely linked to agricultural industrialization and evolving societal values. As industrial farming practices became more prevalent, the number of backyard beekeepers decreased, leading to a reduction in the practice of telling the bees.
The shift towards commercial beekeeping and urbanization also contributed to the decline of this once widespread tradition.
Scientific Perspective
Honey bees are amazingly sensitive to their environment and possess great cognitive abilities. Scientists have shown that honey bees can recognize human faces and learn from experience.
They are able to associate certain sounds and smells with events, like opening the hive and handling them for experiments. This learning and memory help them navigate the world and find essential flowers for pollen and nectar.
Honey bees also perceive subtle changes in their environment, such as temperature and humidity variations. Their heightened sensitivity to vibrations, known as "stickiness," is important for their home, honeycomb construction, and excretion.
Their ability to detect and respond to environmental fluctuations in temperature, humidity, and food availability is critical to the hive's survival. Bees can communicate complex information about sweet versus bitter (quality) and hot versus cold (temperature) through dance. Their cognitive abilities and sensitive nature ensure the survival of the colony and are reasons we're so fascinated by these incredible creatures.

Honey Bees are Sensitive Creatures
Honey bees are sensitive insects and their behavior is affected by their keepers. They have fantastic memory and are able to recognize human faces. This sensitivity extends to environmental changes, such as temperature and humidity variations, and vibrations like the sound of a car (if it's near the hives).
Respect the Bee Colony
Telling the bees is a playful way to honor these sensitive creatures and respect the bee colony. Beekeepers should respect the importance of the colony and their role in preserving these incredible pollinators.
Prominent Figures and Literature
The tradition of telling the bees has been immortalized by prominent figures and in literature. John Greenleaf Whittier’s 1858 poem “Telling the Bees” is a significant literary reference that connects the tradition to themes of mourning and remembrance.
The tradition has seen a resurgence of interest, particularly after significant events like the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, where beekeepers informed their hives of her death. This highlights the ongoing cultural relevance of the practice.

John Greenleaf Whittier's Poetry
Whittier’s poem “Telling the Bees” conveys the poignant ritual of informing bees about a death, illustrating the deep emotional connection between humans and bees. The poem portrays this act as a crucial ritual, where bees are informed of a death, highlighting their symbolic role in human grief.
Whittier’s poetry often explores themes of nature and human emotion, with references to bees symbolizing the connection between life and death.
Royal Beekeepers and Queen Elizabeth II
Royal beekeepers in the UK have a longstanding tradition of caring for the hives at Buckingham Palace, emphasizing the royal family’s connection to beekeeping. The royal household maintains a tradition of beekeeping, with a royal beekeeper caring for hives at Buckingham Palace. These traditions have historically included ceremonies and practices that acknowledge the connection between the monarchy and the bees.
The passing of Queen Elizabeth II brought international attention to the tradition of telling the bees about a monarch's death. It's a ritual that was likely performed when the queen mom was called to the throne many years ago.
Anecdotes and Stories
Here are a few stories about telling the bees. They offer a glimpse into the past and the importance of honoring this ancient tradition.

Mistress Mary is Dead
Mistress Mary was known for her nurturing care towards her pretty bees, establishing a strong emotional bond with them. After her death, the bees refused to eat and became listless, showing their deep connection to her and grief over the loss.
This tale exemplifies the folklore belief that bees are intimately linked to the lives of their keepers, reflecting the significance of informing them of important life events, such as death.
The Good Master and Chore Girl
In the tradition, a strong bond exists between the master and the chore girl small, as she assists him in various tasks, which also extends to caring for the bees. The master would inform the bees of his passing through a ritualistic knocking on the hive, followed by a gentle announcement to prevent the bees from leaving.
A beekeeper in California of many years told this story about his bees:
"My happy bees didn't like it when Mistress chore girl broke her leg. Not one bit. They seemed to sense that she was ill and wouldn't be bouncing around the hive like she always did."
This practice reflects the enduring tradition of telling the bees, highlighting the vital role that humans believe they play in the lives and well-being of their bee colonies.
An old beekeeping tale says that if you don't tell your bees the Master is dead, they'll mourn his passing and stop producing honey. Here's a story about a beekeeper and his loyal assistant:
Of course, the master had a special honey reserved for speaking with the bees. It was a dark, aromatic honey from honeycomb. He'd knock on the hive, three knocks, and say, "The Master is dead. The chore girl small and I have done our best." He'd pour a little of the honey in the smoker and wave the gentle blue mist around, saying, "Here's the news, little ones. The Master didn't want the bees to leave him."
Keep This Tradition Alive
Telling the bees is an old folklore tradition that's steeped in culture and human emotion. This unique custom has been observed in many cultures around the world and offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. From Celtic mythology to Victorian times, this bees-related tradition is a unique way to honor these incredible pollinators.
While it's not a necessary practice in today's beekeeping world, it's a lovely way to connect with nature and your bees. The scientific community can help explain the bees' sensitivity and remarkable cognitive abilities.
Anecdotes and stories about telling the bees are what keep this ancient custom alive. They offer a glimpse into the past and remind us of what's important: respecting and caring for the natural world.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tradition of telling the bees?
Telling the bees is a tradition where beekeepers communicate significant life events to their bees, believing it preserves harmony and the health of the hives. This practice reflects the deep connection between humans and nature, emphasizing the importance of mindful stewardship.
Where did the tradition of telling the bees originate?
The tradition of telling the bees is believed to have originated in Celtic mythology, where bees were regarded as carriers of the souls of the deceased. This custom experienced a resurgence during the Victorian era.
How did beekeepers inform the bees of important events?
Beekeepers inform bees of important events by knocking on the hives and using verbal communication. Additionally, they may drape hives with black cloth during funerals or offer wedding cake during celebrations.
Why did the tradition of telling the bees decline?
The tradition of telling the bees declined primarily due to industrialization, shifting societal values, and a decrease in backyard beekeepers as urbanization and industrial farming practices became more prevalent.
Does the tradition of telling the bees have any scientific basis?
The tradition of telling the bees does not have empirical scientific support, although bees' sensitivity and cognitive abilities may enhance the belief in the necessity of communication. Ultimately, it remains a cherished cultural practice rather than a scientifically validated one.