Celtic mythology says that bees are extremely wise and are believed to be messengers between our world and the realm of spirits and faeries. Honey was considered a magickal substance used in rituals and made into the mead – an alcoholic beverage that was said to have prophetic attributes. Irish folklore advises against fighting in front of bees as they can easily take offense, stop honey production and leave. They should be treated with kindness and regarded as family members which means telling them all your news, especially big events such as a marriage, birth or death. If there is a death in the family, cover the hive with a black cloth or ribbon and offer them a tiny bit of food from the funeral party.
