Magpies. The Bird of Many Meanings

Magpies are fascinating birds that have inspired many myths and legends around the world. Here are some examples of stories about magpies from different cultures:

In China, Korea, and Japan, magpies are considered to be auspicious birds that bring good luck and happiness. They are associated with the Qixi Festival, also known as the Chinese Valentine’s Day, which celebrates the annual meeting of two lovers, Zhinü and Niulang, who are separated by the Milky Way. According to the legend, a flock of magpies forms a bridge across the sky to allow the lovers to reunite once a year.

In Britain, magpies are often seen as omens of bad luck or death, especially if seen alone. There is a well-known rhyme that predicts one’s fortune based on the number of magpies seen: “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.” Some people believe that greeting a lone magpie or saluting it can ward off the bad luck.

In Celtic lore, the magpie was a bird associated with fairy revels; with the spread of Christianity, however, this changed to a connection with witches and devils. In Scandinavia, magpies were said to be sorcerers flying to unholy gatherings, and yet the nesting magpie was once considered a sign of luck in those countries. In France, magpies were believed to be able to foretell the weather and the future.

In Native American cultures, magpies had various meanings and roles. Some tribes of Native Americans believed that wearing a magpie feather was a sign of fearlessness, while others considered the magpie to be a sacred messenger of the creator, or even a guardian with shamanic abilities. In some legends, the magpie helped the coyote, the trickster, to create the world or to steal fire from the gods.

These are just some of the many stories and beliefs that people have about magpies. Magpies are truly remarkable birds that have captured the imagination of humans for centuries.

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