a group of magpies is a tiding. has any1 heard of passing "glad tidings" to the magpie? to ward off bad luck

Question

I am thinking particularly of the time-honoured rhyme "one for sorrow, 2 for joy...." it is a custom to say hello to the first magpie that you see - to ward off bad luck... I query that it is passing "glad/good tidings to the magpie" and that this is the reason why we have the name "tiding" for a collective of this curious wonderful brid....

Answer 1

Aren't we strange people - we "salute" a single magpie and wish them well and all that nonsense, when behind our backs they're thieving bastards who are not averse to having a go at something like a cat! - and that's not saying a thing about the stupid squawking noise they make or the crap they dump everywhere!

Answer 2

I know the one about "good morning Mr Magpie" and coming from the racing stables we always " salute" and say "I salute you Mr Magpie". As far as 1 for sorrow 2 for joy etc.... you'll drive yourself mad with it esp where we live, misty mornings out on the gallops we're inundated with the buggers!!!

Answer 3

If I see a lone Magpie I always say, Hello Mr Magpie how are you and yours, good luck, good health and happiness to you and yours.

Answer 4

I always say good morning mr magpie hows your lovely wife. Also if with someone else then one magpie seen by two brings good luck for me and you.

Answer 5

I always say Good Morning , Good afternoon or Good evening, Mr. Magpie, depending on what time of day it is, when he comes into my garden

Answer 6

i've heard of people waving at the lone magpie to wave away the bad luck.

Answer 7

some plains natives usually toss a handful of cornmeal towards the offending bird/s...like when ya spills the salt...toss abit over ya shoulder....same thing....new wave ppl love the black crow/etc...cos theyve inadvertently chose a gothic bird for their cultural i.d. and use plains indian lore to compensate for their ignorance...

Answer 8

Just a simple salute