This is done after a death in a family, and the bees are put into mourning by tying a piece of black ribbon on a bit of wood, and inserting it into the hole at the top of the hive.
Stolen Bees.
It was believed that stolen bees would not make honey, and that the hive which had been stolen would die.
A Swarm entering a House.
Should a swarm enter a house, it was considered unlucky, and usually it was a sign of death to someone living in that house.
The culture of bees was once more common than it is, and therefore they were much observed, and consequently they figure in the folk-lore of most nations.
Cat.
The cat was thought to be a capital weather glass. If she stood or lay with her face towards the fire, it was a sign of
frost or snow; if she became frisky, bad weather was near. If the cat washed her face, strangers might be expected; and if she washed her face and ears, then rain was sure to come. A black cat was supposed to bring luck to a house, thus:—
Cath ddu, mi glywais dd’wedyd,
A fedr swyno hefyd,
A chadw’r teulu lle mae’n hyw
O afael pob rhyw glefyd.A black cat, I’ve heard it said,
Can charm all ill away,
And keep the house wherein she dwells
From fever’s deadly sway.