And so one chance comment by Hallie here a few days ago has drawn me down unexpected pathways.
In the British Isles, there’s a whole cluster of folklore concerning how one must tell the bees when something important happens in the family. Most usually, it sounds like this was observed at the time of a death. There was a belief that if the bees were not duly notified, they might take offense and leave. I also read something about the custom of turning the hives away as a coffin was being carried by.
As Hallie mentioned, the bees were also told of all family good news as well — the idea being that they would spread the news over the land.
Rima Staines is the talented artist who did the covers for their two albums. (One of which is shown above.) Her artwork reflects the strangeness and beauty of the music and it’s definitely worth some time.
It’s after midnight now, these busy days in the midst of a family visit, but I’ll continue much more indepth wandering around bee folklore soon. I can feel the magnetic pull of it all, growing in me, now that I have bees down in my garden.
Telling the Bees
And so one chance comment by Hallie here a few days ago has drawn me down unexpected pathways.
In the British Isles, there’s a whole cluster of folklore concerning how one must tell the bees when something important happens in the family. Most usually, it sounds like this was observed at the time of a death. There was a belief that if the bees were not duly notified, they might take offense and leave. I also read something about the custom of turning the hives away as a coffin was being carried by.
As Hallie mentioned, the bees were also told of all family good news as well — the idea being that they would spread the news over the land.
I’m drawn deeply into the rich intensity of bee lore, and will post more in coming days… I’ve just discovered an extraordinary British “folkadelic” band entitled “Telling the Bees”, and their title track refers to the old ways of this custom.
Rima Staines is the talented artist who did the covers for their two albums. (One of which is shown above.) Her artwork reflects the strangeness and beauty of the music and it’s definitely worth some time.
It’s after midnight now, these busy days in the midst of a family visit, but I’ll continue much more indepth wandering around bee folklore soon. I can feel the magnetic pull of it all, growing in me, now that I have bees down in my garden.