Telling the bees is a tradition practiced in various European countries where beekeepers inform their bees about significant events in their lives, such as births, deaths, marriages, and departures. Failing to notify the bees can result in consequences like the bees leaving the hive, halting honey production, or even dying. The origin of this custom is unclear, with some speculating that it may be connected to ancient beliefs about bees’ connection to the afterlife. The tradition is well-known in England but has also been recorded in Ireland, Wales, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Bohemia, and the United States. There are different variations of the practice for death and funerals, with methods like hanging black cloth, softly humming a tune, knocking on the hive, or using a key to inform the bees. In some cases, bees are invited to funerals, and food and drink from the funeral are left for them. Neglecting to tell the bees about a death can result in calamity, affecting both the family and anyone who purchases the hive. The tradition also extends to weddings, where bees are informed of the joyous occasion, and hives may be decorated or left with a slice of wedding cake. The custom of
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