Children help adult farmers at the apiary

A Swarm of Bees in May

A swarm of bees in May
Is worth a load of hay;
A swarm of bees in June
Is worth a silver spoon;
A swarm of bees in July
Is not worth a fly.

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Meaning

This traditional rhyme comes from English beekeepers’ lore, expressing the wisdom that swarms of bees found early in the season (May or June) are valuable because they have time to settle and produce honey. Swarms caught in July are considered almost worthless due to the diminished time left in the season for the bees to build up stores.

Origin

The saying predates its appearance in printed nursery rhyme collections and is well attested in both rural folklore and beekeeper’s guides. Its earliest published form appears in “The Real Mother Goose” (1916) but was almost certainly spoken in England for generations before that.

Time Period

Documented in poetry and folk sayings since at least the 19th century; possibly much older in oral tradition.

Why It Became Popular

Its catchy structure and connection to agricultural wisdom made it memorable for adults and children. It also offers easy seasonal markers for learning about farming, beekeeping, and the value of timing in nature.

Structure and Style

Meter: Steady, rhythmic couplets
Rhyme Scheme: AABCCB
Line Count: Six lines (often recited as three couplets)
Style Notes: Didactic, simple, nature-based

Themes

Beekeeping
Nature’s timing
Value and worth
Seasonal wisdom

Language Notes

Uses “worth a load of hay,” “worth a silver spoon,” and “not worth a fly” to compare agricultural values, introducing metaphors for abundance and scarcity.

Moral or Lesson

Teaches the importance of timing and preparedness, linking natural cycles to practical reward.

Historical or Cultural Notes

The rhyme reflects rural and agricultural culture, condensing centuries of practical beekeeping experience into memorable verses. Its inclusion in nursery rhyme anthologies bridges folk wisdom and early childhood education.

Notable Variants

Some versions reverse “June” and “May” or use different objects for comparison (“worth a gold guinea”), but the core meaning remains unchanged.

Appearances in Media or Literature

Found in nursery rhyme books, beekeeper manuals, and illustrated children’s anthologies. Sometimes included in folklore studies about agricultural sayings.

Suggested Activities

Seasonal Charting: Track bee sightings and discuss the rhyme’s meaning in spring and summer.
Role Play: Act out an apiary or pretend to catch swarms to review value and timing.
Nature Journal: Illustrate bees and hives for different months as a learning extension.
Discussion: Talk about the importance of timing in farming and nature.

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