If someone in your family dies and you keep bees, there’s this old tradition called telling the bees about a death. You go out to your beehive and let the bees know about the loss, hoping they’ll stay calm and won’t leave or stop making honey.
People used to believe bees were deeply connected to the home and family, so sharing big news with them kept that bond strong.
It might sound odd—why would bees care about what happens to us? But this custom goes way back to medieval Europe, where folks saw it as a way to show respect and keep the bees loyal.
Whether you have a hive or just like quirky rituals, learning about this tradition opens up a world of old beliefs and a different kind of respect for nature.
If you’re curious about how people actually tell the bees and why they cared so much, there’s a story behind this curious custom. It’s not just about bees—it’s about connection and care in a way you might not expect.
Origins and Meaning of Telling the Bees About a Death
The tradition of telling the bees about a death runs deep in history, tied to beliefs about family and nature. People wanted to show respect for bees and include them in life’s big moments.
This practice comes from stories and customs in different places, especially Europe and New England.
Ancient Folklore and Superstitious Roots
You can trace telling the bees back to old myths, especially in Celtic culture. People thought bees had a link to the spirit world.
When someone died, they’d tell the bees, almost like sending a message from the living to the dead. Bees weren’t just insects—they became messengers between worlds.
If you didn’t tell them, some believed the bees might get angry, leave, or even let the hive die. Sharing the news protected your hive and honored the spirits, or so people hoped.
Cultural Significance in the United Kingdom and Beyond
In the UK, telling the bees became pretty common, especially in rural life where beekeeping was just part of the day. Families would gather around the hive after a death, speaking or singing to the bees about the loss.
Settlers brought this tradition to New England, so it lived on in America too. People didn’t just tell the bees about deaths—they shared news of births, marriages, and moving house.
Showing respect like this helped keep the bees calm and loyal to the family.
Connection Between Bees and Human Spirits
People believed honeybees in your hive shared a life bond with your household. Telling them about a death acknowledged their place in the family circle.
The idea was that bees would mourn with you and help protect your home’s wellbeing. Some thought bees could carry messages to the spirit world or even guide souls after death.
This made the ritual feel personal—the hive became more than just a source of honey. It turned into a part of your family’s story and memory.
If you want more details, check out the origins of telling the bees or how it connects to Celtic mythology.
Modern Instances and Royal Traditions
When a royal death happens, someone actually goes to inform the bees—yeah, really. It’s a way to show respect and keep old traditions alive.
Telling the Bees Upon Queen Elizabeth’s Death
After Queen Elizabeth died, her bees had to hear the news, sticking to a centuries-old tradition. John Chapple, the royal beekeeper, took on this task at Buckingham Palace and Clarence House.
He knocked softly on each hive and spoke to the bees, saying, “The mistress is dead, but don’t you go. Your new master Charles III will be a good master to you.” The act aims to keep the bees calm and connected to the home.
If you want the full story, here’s a CBC article.
The Role of the Royal Beekeeper
The royal beekeeper—right now, that’s John Chapple—has a pretty unique job. He doesn’t just care for the bees; he also acts as a messenger during big royal events.
He’s kind of a guardian, respecting both the bees and the history behind them. For over 15 years, Chapple has managed the queen’s hives and kept the custom alive, blending care with ceremony.
His role helps the bees stay loyal even when the household changes.
Ceremonial Practices at Buckingham Palace and Clarence House
At both Buckingham Palace and Clarence House, where the queen’s hives live, the telling-the-bees ritual happens with care. The beekeeper visits quietly, trying not to upset the bees.
He knocks gently on each hive and speaks softly, sticking to the old tradition. This ceremony respects the idea that bees belong to the family and the home.
It’s supposed to help the hive’s health and keep honey production steady, even during tough times.
Customs Involving Black Crepe and Mourning Ribbons
People who tell the bees about a death often dress the hives with black crepe or mourning ribbons. These simple materials signal respect for the loss, marking both the home and the hive in a quiet, meaningful way.
The black crepe sends a silent message to the bees about what’s happened. Folks in rural areas have used this visual sign for generations, and you’ll still see it in royal traditions.
This custom feels like it deepens the bond between bees and their keepers. Even in mourning, people want their bees to sense the changes in the household.
