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by chocstar on May 14th, 2009

chocstar

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Why is seeing one magpie considered unlucky?

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  • by anguilla on May 15th, 2009

    anguilla

    From the "Dictionary of Superstitions" by David Pickering:

    According to the biblical story of Noah, it was the one bird that refused to enter the ark, preferring instead to perch on the roof, while another Christian tradition blames the bird for refusing to wear full mourning at Christ's crucifixion. The bird's piebald coloring suggests its perverse nature, which combines the white of the blameless dove and the jet black of the raven, both of which left the ark before the other animals and were thus left unbaptized by the waters of the Flood.

    Popular superstition holds that it is most unlucky to see a single magpie, but less alarming to encounter a pair of them. Particular dread is associated with seeing a lone magpie when setting out on a journey (particularly if it is to church), and the sight of one of the birds circling a house and croaking is thought to be a portent of death. A lone magpie flying away from the sun is especially ominous, though the threat is removed if the observer quickly hurls something after it with the words "Bad luck to the bird that flies widdershins." Other protective measures that may be taken on seeing a lone magpie include bowing to it and wishing it good morning, taking off one's hat to it or immediately making the sign of the cross. ...Braver souls may spit three times over the right shoulder (or once in the general direction of the bird) and intone "Devil, Devil, I defy thee."

    ...Scottish superstition claims that each magpie holds a drop of the devil's blood under its tongue.

    [That last statement is the only thing that comes close to answering your question.]

    On a more positive note, a single magpie perching on a rooftop is said to be an encouraging sign that the building will never fall down, while a magpie chattering noisily in a tree close to a house is giving notice of the arrival of a stranger.

    ...The Chinese actually consider the magpie a harbinger of good luck and warn that dire misfortune will befall anyone who kills it. ...Whoever is reckless enough to destroy a magpie is earnestly advised to resist the temptation to eat the bird's brain, which can cause madness.

    [This book is incredible; it explains EVERYTHING about everything!!!]

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