magpies

[cazdarke]

what is the saying for the magpies ie one for sorrow

[delboy3]

One for sorrow
Two for joy
Three for a girl
Four for a boy
Five for silver
Six for gold
Seven for a secret, never to be told

Unfortunately I don't know the rest!

[China Doll]

Eight for a letter from over the sea and nine for love that's as true as can be.

I think the reason magpies were actually described as unlucky initially is because they were believed to be the only bird that flew when Christ was dying on the cross. However I'm not sure where I got that from so don't quote me on it.

[moonshadow]

Eight for a wish

Nine for a kiss

Ten for a time of joyous bliss

[spudqueen]

All together now......

Ma a a g pieeeeeeeeee

[Count_Emmup]

Delboy's seven are the original words - the others were added to extend the TV childrens' programme theme song:-

Eight's a kiss
Nine's a wish
Ten is a bird you must not miss!

[gizakloo]

delboy3's rhyme is certainly the one I've always known, but I wonder how many subscribe to the old country superstition about how to prevent the sorrow apparently caused by a lone magpie? Now, I don't live in the country and I'm not superstitious (honest!) but when I see just the one in my garden I just have to look him in the eye and say politely "Good Morning, Mr Magpie!" So far it seems to have worked. Whew, what a relief!