Blessing of the Bees

Fionn (2nd Class) - "The Priest Blessing the Hive"

The Blessing of the Bees is a tradition that goes back centuries in Ireland. Ancient Irish manuscripts reveal bees were sacred animals and they were brought to the country from Wales in the 5th century, by a Saint named Modomnóc, also know as Modomhnóg.

At some point, every home in Ireland would have had access to a beehive. They used honey as a form of adding sweetness to the food, and wax was used to make candles. Beekeeping was also protected under the "Bee Judgements" of the Brehon Laws.

People invited the parish priest to bless the bees and their beehive.

Glen (2nd Class) - "Blessing the Bees..."