Bee Lore

One theory for the derivation of the word “ceremony” suggests that it is derived from the Latin word cera meaning wax.  It reflects the importance of wax in olden times.  Bees wax was involved in many aspects of life, and greatly used by the religious community.  Religion, which dominated life, was a great consumer of beeswax.  

Candles for light – for the souls of the departed, for the high altars in churches.  Beeswax  because of its smoke free burning and pleasant aroma was always in demand.  Torches, images, seals for contracts and wax coated tablets for writing and wax for medicine.  Such was the demand , wax suppliers were fully occupied in meeting the market requirements, and they became influential and prosperous.

From: http://www.honeyshow.co.uk/