Unlucky in Devon - 10, 11 & 12

Honey bee I photographed in Devon - if you want to use my photographs please attribute this blog.

It is unlucky -

"To omit to inform the bees of the death of a relative, by tapping at each hive with the key of the front door. It is necessary too, to say to each hive as one taps "Maister is dead," or "Missus is dead," as the case may be.

To forget to put the bees in mourning, by placing a scrap of black crape or cloth on the top of each hive.

To neglect to communicate any great social or political event to the bees.

(The bees resent the omission of these ceremonies, and in consequence cease work, dwindle and die)."

Hewett 1900

[A friend of mine in the bee keeping world in Devon says that informing the bees of deaths is fairly common still among some bee keepers.  He doesn't do the whole key or black cloth routine however. On getting married he told me to go up to see the bees he has on my allotment and give them an account of events.  He also makes time on days of funerals to go around telling his bees, and removes his hat when telling them.  He also says hello to any bees he meets out and around town, jokingly assigning them woman's names, as if he knows each one personally!  He is not from Devon, but is very much a part of our local areas bee keeping world, and has been for a few decades.]

Honey bee I photographed in Devon - if you want to use my photographs please attribute this blog.