What is the origin of the ritual pouring honey on Our Lady?

When August opens a jar of Black Madonna Honey and pours it over the head of the Our Lady statue, the Daughters begin rubbing the honey into the statue, and soon Lily joins in as well. The Daughters explain that churches bathe their statues in holy water, but the Daughters use honey. Honey, as a preservative, symbolizes how Mary’s spirit will be preserved in the hearts of the Daughters.