Magpies

[Lucy Dexter]

Is it bad luck to see one magpie?

[Jules001]

It is supposed to be, but it depends on how much you believe in things like that. The rhyme, one for sorrow, two for joy , three for a girl and four for a boy, five for silver, six for gold, seven for a secret never to be told is supposed to be linked to how many magpies are seen and what is portrayed by that number.

[littleoldme]

Apparently, so I'm told (not that I believe in such bunkum, of course) you can overcome the bad luck caused by seeing a lone magpie by saluting it smartly and saying "Good morning/afternoon/evening, General".

You wouldn't catch me doing anything that silly, of course. Goodness me, no. I always make very sure no-one's watching first.

[ursula62]

The reason it's considered bad luck is because magpies are said to mate for life.

If you see a single magpie the chances are that it's mate has been killed.

Often if a magpie is killed on a motorway, you see it's partner nearby, and later in the day you probably see both magpies dead at the side of the road.

[rumanshu]

ursula62- that's so sad!  I hope it's not true.

I was always taught that if you see a lone magpie you should say "bless you, my lord" 3 times.

[Englishbird]

I say 'good morning captain' - I have been known to salute, LoL - my friend has a version involving spiting but that's not for me.

[Robinia]

It's bad luck for the squirrel who buries nuts in my lawn. A lone magpie often follows him around, digs them back up & eats them.  And he never seems to notice!

[Clare A]

In the spirit of the rhyme already quoted, we always used to say 'where's your mate, then?' upon seeing a lone magpie. It is of course an old wives' tale, and won't really portend bad luck for you. Anyone remember the ITV children's programme 'Magpie' presented by Susan Stranks and Tony Bastable? A kind of funkier, subversive Blue Peter, as I recall!

[ursula62]

Magpie by Thames TV.

One for sorrow, two for joy
Three for a girl and four for a boy
Five for silver, six for gold
Seven for a secret never to be told.

Then they had a competition to write the rest of the song.

They chose:

Eight for a wish and nine for a kiss
Ten for a show you must not miss!

[5029]

only if you are superstitious