The bee came to represent the soul due to its fact to return home over extreme distances, as well as fertility. Many superstitions surround the bee, such as killing the first wasp of the season in England protected you from your enemies.
Since bees are incessant hard workers the bee can represent diligence, respect for social order and cleanliness. It can mean hope and faith, and Napoleon used it in his regal symbol to represent family. It has also been used on coins of ancient civilization.