Valentine’s Day in London can sometimes feel like a bit of a rush for the last bouquet of roses at the local florist, but for those of us who keep bees in the city or wander the quiet paths of Hampstead Heath, this season has a much deeper, more “honeyed” history. Long before heart-shaped boxes of chocolates filled our shops, honey was the true language of love. Whether you are battling the February sniffles or looking for a way to help our local pollinators, there is something truly magical about the connection between bees and romance. We believe that understanding the folklore of the hive helps us appreciate the simplicity of nature’s gifts.
1. Cupid’s Golden Tip: The Original Love Potion
One of the most charming pieces of mythology is the tale of Cupid, the mischievous god of desire, who was said to have dipped the tips of his arrows in honey before taking aim. While the sting of his arrow brought the “pain” of love, the honey coating ensured that the result was ultimately sweet. This ancient imagery reminds us that honey has always been associated with attraction and the “sweetness” of a partner’s character.
2. The “Telling of the Bees” Traditions
In old English folklore, bees were considered part of the family, and it was essential to “tell the bees” about all major life events, especially weddings and new romances. If a young Londoner found a sweetheart, they might whisper the news to the hive to ensure the relationship would be as industrious and harmonious as a colony. It was believed that if you didn’t keep the bees “in the loop,” they might become offended and leave the hive. While we don’t expect our Highgate bees to pack their bags if you forget to mention your Valentine, there is a beautiful authenticity in acknowledging our connection to these tiny, vital neighbours who share our urban landscape.
3. Bees as Symbols of Purity and Fidelity
Bees have long been symbols of unwavering devotion. Because they work so selflessly for the good of the hive, ancient folklore often cast them as the ultimate examples of fidelity and hard work—qualities many look for in a long-term Valentine. In some cultures, seeing a bee on Valentine’s Day was considered a sign that a hardworking and faithful partner was on the horizon. While seeing a honeybee in February depends entirely on a lucky break in the London weather, our bees do fly on sunny winter days to stretch their wings. If you spot one near a Christmas Rose in your garden, consider it a very good omen for your heart.
4. The Nectar of the Gods
Throughout history, honey has been referred to as “The Nectar of the Gods,” a substance so pure it was fit for the divine. Folklore suggests that eating honey with your beloved would bind your souls together, much like the bees are bound to their queen. This isn’t just about romantic fluff; it’s about the nutrition and energy that honey provides, which was once seen as a miraculous gift from the earth. Sharing a spoonful of local London honey is a simple, healthy way to connect with the planet and your partner without the need for over-the-top gestures. It’s a bit like a North London hug in a jar.
5. St. Valentine and the Awakening Hives
Interestingly, St. Valentine’s Day falls right as the natural world begins its slow stir toward spring. In beekeeping folklore, this mid-February period is when the queen begins to increase her egg-laying, and the “heart” of the hive starts to beat faster. It’s a time of renewal and the promise of future sweetness. For the conscious Londoner, Valentine’s Day is less about the commercial “work” of the holiday and more about noticing these quiet shifts in nature. By planting early foragers like Crocus or Winter Aconite now, you are essentially sending a Valentine to the bees that will help them survive the final stretch of winter.
6. Honey as a Gift of Healing
Folklore doesn’t just focus on the “butterflies” of new love; it also treasures the healing power of honey for long-term care. It was often said that a gift of honey could “sweeten” a sour mood or heal a broken heart. We know today that honey has incredible nutritional benefits, especially for those of us living in the city who might be feeling a bit overwhelmed or run down. Giving a gift made from the hive—like our handmade honey soaps or beeswax candles—is a way of saying “I care about your well-being”. It’s a thoughtful, authentic alternative to the usual plastic-wrapped gifts that populate the high street.
7. The Bee’s Choice: Finding Your Perfect Match
Just as bees have “favourites” when it comes to flowers—preferring the blues and purples of Lavender or the heady scent of a Mock Orange—folklore suggests we should be just as discerning in love. A bee won’t waste its time on a flower that offers no substance, and neither should we. The best relationships, like the best honey, require the right ingredients and a lot of patience. Whether you’re in a quiet garden in Oxfordshire or a bustling balcony in Hendon, the lesson remains: choose what is real, what is nourishing, and what helps you bloom.
Valentine’s Day is the perfect moment to pause and appreciate the extraordinary world of the honeybee right here in our London postcodes. Whether you’re treating yourself to some Highgate Honey or just spending five minutes watching the birds in the trees, remember that sweetness is often found in the simplest places.
If you’ve found yourself captivated by these tales and want to explore the deep history of our winged friends, I highly recommend reading The Sacred Bee in Ancient Times and Folklore. It is an incredible resource for anyone who wants to understand the profound spiritual and cultural bond we share with the hive.