Mike's Stuff - What does it mean when you see 8 Magpies?

What does it mean when you see 8 Magpies?	Story location: Home / Blog /
	05/Apr/2007

I saw 8 magpies on my way to work this morning, all within the space of about a minute. The standard magpie rhymes only go up to 7.

They weren't all together but were in small groups along the same stretch of railway line. This was slightly spooky because I was listening to last nights Mark Radcliffe show which I recorded from Radio 2 (last ever show tomorrow night although he's returning soon with a new show co-hosted with Stuart Maconie). On the show, Mark was discussing Magpies with Rick Wakeman and they were debating whether you have to see them all at once or whether you're allowed to add up magpie numbers.

1 comment	permanent link
Keywords: Magpie Blog Radio

Laura wrote

8 magpies

It usually means there is another Magpie nearby as Magpies mate for life with the same partner. We have plenty Magpies in our area!( surprising enough even with the moggies trying to get at them!) As already written from the TV Magpie' from the 70s by others ,according to this its meant to be sorrow...mmmm not convinced with this song but was a catchy 'ditty' in its time! full lines are

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 Eight to wish Nine to kiss Ten is a bird you must not miss

and finally( yawn!)

In the British Isles, Magpies are associated with bad luck in Devon, while in Scotland, a Magpie near the window of the house foretells death.

one version off original 'ditty'

Six for gold Seven for a secret never to be told Eight for Heaven Nine for Hell Ten for the Devil himself

21/6/2008 20:09:37

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