"Telling the Bees" explores the ancient tradition of sharing important family news—births, deaths, marriages—with beehives. This practice, rooted in a belief in the interconnectedness of human and bee communities, saw keepers tapping on hives and whispering the news, sometimes draping them in black crepe for mourning. The essay traces the tradition's decline, linking it to the shift from small-scale, intimate beekeeping to industrialized practices. It reflects on the lost reciprocity between humans and nature, symbolized by this ritual, and suggests that the fading tradition reflects a broader detachment from the natural world and its rhythms. Ultimately, "telling the bees" represents a deep-seated human desire to connect with and acknowledge the living world around us, a connection now increasingly threatened.
In 1962, Roald Dahl's daughter Olivia died from measles encephalitis at age seven. Devastated, Dahl initially retreated into grief and questioned his faith. With the encouragement of a family friend, he eventually found solace by immersing himself in the creation of a measles vaccination campaign, advocating for its importance and helping fund research. While never fully recovering from the loss, Dahl channeled his grief into a positive action, hoping to prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedy.
Hacker News users discuss Roald Dahl's reaction to the death of his daughter Olivia, with many focusing on his stoicism and attempt to find reason amidst grief. Some commenters find his eventual embrace of pseudoscience, specifically faith healing, understandable given the tragedy, while others criticize it as a dangerous path. The piece's portrayal of Dahl's complex grief resonated with several readers who shared personal experiences of loss and the different ways people cope. A few commenters also note Dahl's difficult personality, both before and after Olivia's death, questioning the simplicity of portraying him solely as a grieving father. Several users mention the irony of his later anti-vaccine stance, given that measles took his daughter's life, sparking discussion on the complexities of grief and its impact on decision-making.
After the death of her father, a woman inherited his vast collection of 10,000 vinyl records. Overwhelmed by the sheer volume and unable to part with them, she embarked on a year-long project to listen to each album. This process, documented on TikTok, resonated with many experiencing grief, transforming the daunting task into a journey of connection with her father and a way to process her loss through his musical tastes. The viral response highlighted how shared experiences of grief can be unexpectedly comforting and create a sense of community around mourning and remembrance.
HN commenters largely discuss their own experiences with inherited music collections and the emotional weight they carry. Some detail the difficulties of digitizing or otherwise dealing with large physical collections, with suggestions for careful curation and prioritizing sentimental value over completeness. Others share anecdotes about connecting with deceased relatives through their musical tastes, reflecting on the role music plays in preserving memories and sparking intergenerational dialogue. Several users also critique the Washington Post article for its perceived sentimentality and framing of vinyl as a uniquely powerful medium for grief processing, arguing that any cherished belongings can serve a similar function. A few express skepticism about the virality of the story, viewing it as a common experience rather than an exceptional one.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43636948
HN users discuss the tradition of "telling the bees" and its cultural significance. Some find it a beautiful custom reflecting a deep connection with nature and a recognition of bees' importance. Others view it practically, suggesting it might have served to calm the bees during disruptive events like funerals. The possibility of subconscious communication with bees is raised, as well as the parallel custom of including bees in inheritance. Skepticism is also present, with some commenters seeing the tradition as purely superstitious. The discussion also touches upon the decline of bee populations and broader themes of ecological awareness and respect for the natural world. A few comments mention personal experiences with beekeeping and the surprising gentleness of bees under certain circumstances.
The Hacker News post "Telling the Bees" has generated a moderate number of comments, most of which delve into the historical and cultural context of the practice of "telling the bees." Several commenters express fascination with the tradition and its implications.
One compelling comment highlights the deep emotional connection between humans and bees implied by the ritual. It notes that beyond the practical aspects of beekeeping, the practice of "telling the bees" suggests a recognition of the bees as sentient beings deserving of respect and inclusion in significant life events. This commenter links this to a broader theme of animism and the attribution of spirit to elements of the natural world.
Another commenter provides further historical context, noting the prevalence of the custom across various cultures and geographical regions. They mention specific examples of similar traditions in different parts of Europe, emphasizing the widespread nature of this belief system. This expands the conversation beyond the initial focus on the British Isles and demonstrates the universality of human interaction with nature.
A separate thread discusses the symbolism of bees and their hives. One user links the hive to concepts of the feminine, the home, and ordered community. This adds a layer of symbolic interpretation to the practice of "telling the bees," suggesting that the ritual might represent a communication with a natural force associated with these concepts.
Other comments speculate about the practical origins of the custom. One suggestion is that it stemmed from the need to keep the hive calm during times of stress or change within the human family. This pragmatic perspective provides a potential counterpoint to the more spiritual interpretations.
A few commenters also share personal anecdotes related to beekeeping, adding a personal touch to the discussion. One commenter, for example, mentions their experience introducing new bee colonies to their property. While not directly related to "telling the bees," these anecdotes contribute to a sense of community and shared interest in the topic.
Overall, the comments on Hacker News explore the practice of "telling the bees" from various perspectives, ranging from historical and cultural analysis to personal reflections and symbolic interpretations. The comments enrich the understanding of the custom by delving into its potential origins and exploring its deeper meaning within the context of human relationships with the natural world.