Fun fact. The practice of telling the Bees is an extremely old one with no clear origin. Seemingly unique to Europe. Though some possible links to the early Bronze Age civilizations. Maybe even earlier. So well over 3,000+ years old at this point.

The Bees had to be informed of Deaths in the Family, Deaths of Keepers, Marriages, and changes of ownership of the hives or property. Otherwise it was believed they’d either leave, stop producing honey, or die. Which in of itself was considered an omen for further misfortune.

The weird thing. Is it seems to have legitimate basis in reality. Hives have been noted on numerous occasions as displaying unusual behavior in response to the tradition being followed. In the event the funeral is held on the same property as the hives. There’s been several instances where the Bees have been noted to seemingly attend the funeral. Swarming in large numbers without stinging or interfering in the proceedings. Even in areas where there were no flowers or other plants that could serve to draw them there. Almost as if they were grieving their keeper