Myths about animals in Hampshire’s countryside

If you want to know how to speak to bees, what different colour butterflies mean, or how to get mice to leave your home, we’re here to help

Oct 9 2024

Ranger wearing a Hampshire Countryside polo shirt walks along a country path holding a clipboard
The British countryside is steeped in a rich history of mythology and superstition. There can be a lot of contradiction between beliefs. So, if you want to know how to speak to bees, what different colour butterflies mean, or how to get mice to leave your home, we’re here to help.
A mouse sits on the ground surrounded by moss and roots

Mice

If mice infested someone’s house in large numbers, it was thought to be bad luck, a sign of impending sickness or an omen of death. Equally, as well as being unpleasant, it was said to be bad luck if mice entered a bedroom, ran across someone’s body, or chewed clothes. Luckily, there’s a humane solution to this problem. Tradition dictates that if you’d like mice to leave your home, just nicely inform them that their chosen residence is inconvenient and politely ask them to relocate. Please let us know on Facebook or Instagram if you try this and it works.

Eels

People used to believe that to create an eel, you should throw horsehair into a running stream. We at Hampshire Countryside Service have been unable to prove this to be true.

Eels were also a popular ingredient in folk medicine. It was believed that eels could cure deafness, and that wearing eel skins as garters would prevent cramps or cure rheumatism.

However, a lot of communities didn’t trust eels and avoided eating them.

Bee resting on an orange flower

Bees

Medieval, Elizabethan and Stuart people viewed bees as being holy, clever, and mysterious. As such, their products were used across the country, with the wax being used in church candles and their honey being chosen to symbolise wealth and bounty.

As bees were so revered, specific rules and behaviours had to be followed when caring for them. Some of these are still even used today.

It was said that:

  • Bees should only be bought with gold coin. If only ordinary money was available, bees instead should be gifted, loaned, or bartered for.
  • If there are any large family events, like weddings, births or deaths, then the bees must be told to keep them content and prevent them from leaving their hive. Food from the occasion, specifically weddings and funerals, should be given to the hive, who will show their approval by humming.
  • Always speak in quiet and calm tones around bees, as shouting and swearing offends them. It is said that bees have been known to leave a hive or simply die if their keeper doesn’t follow these rules.

Find out more about the eight main types of bees you’re likely to see out and about in Hampshire’s countryside.

A rabbit sitting in long grass in the sun

Rabbits

A rabbit’s foot, specifically the left hind leg, is considered good luck. Some people therefore wear them as good luck charms or keychains.

This belief originated with the Celts, who linked rabbits with good fortune. They believed that rabbits could talk to spirits, underworld gods and holy spirits as they live in burrows.

We ask that you don’t cut the legs off of rabbits you encounter in the wild or as pets!

A brown and butterfly resting on a leaf

Butterflies

Superstition states that if a white butterfly enters your house, you’ll have good luck. Brown butterflies in your home mean that you will receive an important message, while yellow butterflies mean that it’ll be a beautiful sunny day.

However, others believe that butterflies are the souls of departed loved ones, or even an omen of death if they enter your house. Don’t worry though, if a butterfly lands on you it’s a sign of good luck and purity of heart.

Find out more about countryside myths by listening to our podcast episode. You can also send us your wonderful wildlife photos on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up to our newsletter to learn more about Hampshire’s countryside.

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