What's "spelling bee?" And is there a reason why it has "bee" in it?

Rebecca

​A "spelling bee" is a contest where contestants compete by spelling out words. If they get the word wrong, they are eliminated! It's not too certain why it has "bee" in it. Some say that it actually comes from the Middle English word "bene," meaning to help someone with a task. I like to think of it as a play on words, or letters in this case, 'cause the letter "B" sounds just like the word "bee," and it's a spelling competition! Ex: My son is participating in the school's spelling bee today. Ex: I'll <be> right there with the <honey>. => "be" sounds like "bee," and "bees" make "honey"