The Chilling Folklore Behind ‘One for Sorrow’ - Magpie Secrets

The Dark Origins of the Magpie Rhyme ‘One for Sorrow’
Have you ever wondered about the meaning behind the old magpie rhyme, "One for Sorrow, Two for Joy"? 🧐 This seemingly innocent counting rhyme may hide chilling superstitions, folklore, and even ties to witchcraft. In this video, we explore the eerie history and unsettling theories behind this mysterious rhyme.
🌿 Discover:
The ancient superstitions surrounding magpies 🖤
How the rhyme has evolved over time ✨
Links to witchcraft and omens 🔮
Join me as we uncover the hidden secrets of one of Britain’s most famous rhymes!
Chapters:
00:32 The Rhyme: ‘One for Sorrow’
01:27 Superstitions and Omens 🌌
04:29 Magpies and Witchcraft 🧙‍♀️
06:50 Sinister Twists to the Rhyme 🌑
🔍 Keywords:
origin of magpie rhyme, meaning of one for sorrow, magpie superstitions, folklore of magpies, one for sorrow meaning, dark history of nursery rhymes, witchcraft and birds, magpie witchcraft, ancient superstitions
📢 Share your thoughts in the comments! Do you believe in these superstitions? What's your theory on the magpie rhyme?

[@colmanpm]

Hello Darklings. 😊 I kept a magpie I found with a broken wing. I mended her wing but had to keep her for weeks whilst she recovered. Her partner visited every day to my joy. They were reunited and still visit a year later. Beautiful creatures. ❤

[@sizenmass6777]

This is so crazy seeing this videoi saw a injured magpie yesterday it died shortly after seeing it though I think Internal Injuries

[@eugo5578]

no they are little shits they take and kill chicks

[@johnnycooper7019]

As an Ex-Londoner when seeing a single Magpie ''Good Morning Mr Magpie, how is your lovely wife?'' is still being used in my Family.

[@infin8ee]

I say it too, and I'm in Australia. I also say (particularly at this time of year) please don't swoop, I'm a friend .😂

[@DirkGently1972]

I’m an atheist and not superstitious at all, yet I still recite the rhyme “ Good morning Mr. Magpie, how’s your family” in my mind if I see only one. Amazing how indoctrination as a child still impacts the mind of a rational (?) adult in the 21st Century! 😊

[@The-Resurrectionists]

Such a charming tradition, isn’t it? 🖤 ‘Good Morning Mr Magpie’ is still alive and well in many families. It’s lovely to see these little rituals passed down! 🕯

[@Betty_Virago]

We’re northern, we always said hello Mr Sheep 😂

[@brubeck1]

in s york we say "aye aye magpie" and salute the bird . I still see people doing it today.

[@thrashmetaldave]

I think a huge part of what has been lost with today's youth is these old superstitions and rhymes. In the 80s we grew up with parents and grandparents who regularly dropped such things into casual conversation and explained them to us, igniting in many a love to learn more about superstitions and folklore of our country

[@notgettingdata]

Bang on target👍

[@scallamander4899]

If it makes you feel any better you parents and grandparents probably failed to pass on a bunch of folklore and nursery rhymes from their parents and grandparents, and the same to those who came before them. Much is lost in oral cultures.

[@paulaunger3061]

@@scallamander4899 I was about to say this ;) Something I'd love to know more about but which was only recorded casually by a rector in the 1850s was a kind of folk coda for the Lord's Prayer: 'One for God, one for Wod (Woden) and one for Lok (Loki)'. So intriguing! But anglo-saxon belief was as quashed by the Normans as Celtic/Brytonic belief was by the Romans. So much is lost and funny little doggerel rhymes are all that's left.

[@jonathanyanakisstsouvallar9700]

Its just a bird? Nature is beautiful its the human race who are evil with sinister motives all this talk of birds been from the dark side? Nonsense!

[@payfortheircrimes]

Its not true. We pass these things to the new generation in our family.

[@jackpayne4658]

When my wife was a child, an old sailor lived next door. He had a tame magpie called Peter, which talked - but only in obscenities. When the old man died, my wife's family inherited Peter. This caused some consternation when the local vicar popped in...

[@joejoejoejoejoejoe4391]

It could be worse, imagine if a local brothel had previously had the magpie, and when the vicar came in it call his name and said "in for your usual ?"

[@krisindaboyce2747]

😂

[@The-Resurrectionists]

Oh my goodness, what a tale! 🖤 I can just imagine the vicar being greeted by Peter’s colourful language! 😂

[@isthereanybodyoutthere9397]

I was always taught to salute a single magpie and ask how they and their amily are which I d to this day. It hasn't made my life better,but..

[@tonkasfinest7780]

​@@isthereanybodyoutthere9397 I greet magpies, too. 😅

[@Lisa-x3n5x]

Aussie here. I went away for a year, and when I returned, the minute "our magpies" (they'd been visiting us for 2 years) heard my voice they set up a cacophony of welcome. It was amazing. And they're great parents. They play with their young. I think I prefer this hemisphere's version. 😊

[@The-Resurrectionists]

What a heart warming story! 🖤 It’s incredible how magpies can recognise us and form such strong bonds. I love that they welcomed you back with such enthusiasm :) Thank you for sharing your experience! 🕯

[@YT-to6ok]

Happy if you keep them all 😂 This side, they're vicious, nest-wrecking, chick-killing bullies. Carrion feeders with harsh, raucous croaking, have you guessed I don't like them at all ? 😅😅😅

[@jeangenie5807]

Sadly despite being beautiful and clever birds, they time their egg hatching to take advantage of other birds fledglings. My mother was incandescent with rage every year as she watched the ducks on a nearby pond lose almost everyone of the ducklings to Magpies each year. I swear if she had had an air rifle or something, she would have taken pot shots.

[@creepingdread88]

Australian magpies aren't real magpies, they aren't Corvidae, members of the crow family.

[@Lisa-x3n5x]

@creepingdread88 You're right. We use the word Corvid for Toresian crows. There are a lot around, and they're very intelligent. You never see their young - really protective. Our magpies are more related to the currawong and butcher bird. My new best friend is a little butcherbird. 🙂 Thankyou! (Bird enthusiast, but not your level. 🙂)

[@ringo4419]

I like magpies and crows They're amazing

[@bernadettelinfoot]

I like them too

[@The-Resurrectionists]

🖤 Their intelligence and beauty are just captivating. I’m glad to hear they have so many admirers!

[@josmith6684]

crows 🐦‍⬛ ate magic ✨ magpies to many and ate bullies to the little birds 🦅 🌅

[@Newco94conferenceleaguediddys]

​@@josmith6684im guessing you've never watched a robin??

[@atlasgunther8947]

crows are not a good sign, many frequent mount shasta videos

[@uncontrolledhistorian7063]

A few years back we rescued and reared a baby Crow who'd been kicked out the nest. He stayed with us for 9 months and even when released, came home. His best mate was a magpie who would sit and watch where our crow stashed his horde of food (a gutter on top of the stable block) then steal said food. They were always together - Crow & Magpie. I still salute a single magpie - UK Folklore :o)

[@bedrockbloke619]

one for sorrow, two for joy! I was led to believe that magpies mates for life, therefore, seeing a lone magpie meant that it's searching for its life partner! I love being a darkling. ❤

[@The-Resurrectionists]

🖤I've since found out that there are many wonderful names for a group of magpies-whether it's a 'conventicle,' 'mischief,' 'gulp', 'tidings,' or even a 'tribe.' Thank you for being part of our own little 'mischief' of darklings! 🕯

[@Swordfrenzy1]

Im a ranger, magpies normally mate for life, one of the pair will sit up in a vantage point and watch as the other gathers food - ready to give a warning cry if needed. So, if you are aware enough of your surroundings, you will not (usually) see an odd number of magpies... and the even numbers are all positive

[@canopusstar5157]

Thank you! You have confirmed what I thought about magpies’ mating habits. I thought if one saw a magpie alone, it was because it had lost its mate but I only suspected they might mate for life. I know crows grieve when their mate is lost. So two for joy makes perfect sense too.

[@fionastevenson4366]

I see so a single magpie is bad luck as they have lost their mate.

[@Swordfrenzy1]

Maybe... or bad-luck as you weren't paying enough attention to see their mate... which means you weren't paying enough attention to see the wolf/pot-hole/other hazard either. That's how I take it anyway lol

[@paulaunger3061]

It's really fascinating watching them interact in big groups. The one which sticks in my mind most was in the early days of the 2020 lockdown and I was waiting in an empty city street for a bus (my job and the bus driver's being among the few not shutdown completely). There was around 30 magpies in a tree opposite, squawking away. After a while, some of them flew off in different directions and I saw some of them hunting through bins, under benches, through bushes etc.... And I realised that where we were was usually heaving with people and fast food. Now there was nobody and no food. And the magpies had come together to work for the greater good of finding something to eat. Poor things.

[@notasstupidasilookprobably]

I had a pair nesting in my back garden as a child and one would be in the tree and other would wind my neighbours cat up. When the cat would try and catch it the other would swoop and attack. They would then switch roles. Me and my big sister used to watch them. Then the arsehole on the other side of us decided one day to shoot one of them with an air rifle (not the first dead bird we found in our garden from him). The poor mate cried for days before leaving the nest as like you say they are monogamous.

[@BerylForrest]

Years ago when I used to go to see the horses, I would hear this chirping and then noticed it more and more until I noticed a little magpie a few feet from me and she'd follow me around. Every time I went, there she was, she was so sweet i loved chatting with her. One day, she was missing 😢 I found her drowned in a dustbin 🗑 that collected the rain water off the stable roof, 😢 i was heartbroken, it still makes me cry when I remember.

[@user-gq3ip8kr5r]

😢

[@The-Resurrectionists]

I'm so sorry for your loss 🖤 Magpies are such special creatures. I can imagine how heart-breaking that must have been🕯

[@BerylForrest]

@The-Resurrectionists it was, it was her that sort me out to chat to & she followed me around. 🙏🌟🙌

[@JamieCurranthemagnificent-z7h]

Beautiful story, I'm sorry for your loss!😢

[@BerylForrest]

@@JamieCurranthemagnificent-z7h thank you

[@melissapinol7279]

I'm a Folksinger, and there is a haunting tune to this rhyme. One time I sang it at an open mic, and a member of the audience burst in afterwards with a frantic chorus I hadn't heard of "I devil, devil, I defy thee". I did some research and yes, this sometimes is a chorus. I got the impression that yes, this is a magical divinatory song, and that the "devil, I defy thee" part was added on in case someone overheard and thought you were practicing magic by singing it. Weird.

[@paulaunger3061]

Would love to hear that :)

[@MrNeiltonoman]

The Unthanks did a great version of it on the Mount The Air LP. It was written by Davy Dodds.

[@Yossiloveu]

Wow, super interesting!

[@RosePringle-fb8ig]

I know the extra bit eights a wish, nines a kiss and ten is a bird you must not miss. I always salut a lone magpie, hello Mr magpie, how are you. Also crows and magpies get a bad press because as carrion feeders, they were always seen at the aftermath of battles feeding on the dead.

[@saddaddrummer]

One of the best versions of the Magpie song was on the TV show The Detectorists, sung by the UnThanks, the video for it is brilliant as well. Really loved this one L, thank you.

[@ajd8558]

Yes!

[@The-Resurrectionists]

It's a brilliant version of the song, isn’t it? The Unthanks have a way of bringing folklore hauntingly to life. I’m so glad you enjoyed this episode! 🖤 Hope you're well :)

[@saddaddrummer]

@@The-Resurrectionists Thank you L, we are good, and hope that you are feeling much better. I have always believed that there are only two types of music, good or bad, I only listen and play the good stuff.😊

[@Supergirl3995]

It was just played on the new Vera series from Jan 1st too!

[@omiai]

I'm always greeting magpies...but I also greet basically any animal I come across, usually with 'hello buddy, how are you?' but it's just because I want to be friends with them all xD

[@FrancisHatton]

They understand kind gentle voices..and will remember you.... especially if you give them a treat...

[@ArachnerdGC]

Nice to know I'm not the only one who does this... although... do you also greet spiders? I do, most people run the other way. (from spiders, not from me!) 😂

[@ArachnerdGC]

@@FrancisHatton They also remember the faces of those who threaten or harm them, and they also tell all their friends that you're a bad'un! All the corvids remember faces.

[@saeveth]

I do this too, like others in the comments. I made “friends” and named the squirrels at the bus stops. We played hide and seek around tree trunks while I waited for the bus. 😂

[@jamescaron6465]

We don’t have magpies but lots of crows and I talk to them. I swear sometimes they answer me.

[@paulboucher806]

This rhyme has always been positive in content for me. Any dark connotations have come by virtue of my experience as a woodsman where the overwhelming prescence of magpies represented an ill omen because as members of the crow family they are nest robbers and depleted the smaller species leading to an influence in the ecologic composition

[@The-Resurrectionists]

That’s such an interesting perspective. 🖤 As a woodsman, you must have a very different relationship with magpies than most of us. It’s amazing how folklore and nature can intertwine! 🕯

[@TheParkAttendant]

I had a pet magpie for 16 years. He could say what?, hello, how are you?. He could imitate every bird in the neighborhood. I was dosing on the couch when I heard cough, cough, cough, mom! He was imitating the kids in the neighborhood.

[@The-Resurrectionists]

16 years with a magpie as a companion-how incredible! 🖤 They really are remarkable birds, and it sounds like yours had quite the personality! I love the thought of him imitating the children, what a clever little soul. 🕯

[@bigoldgrizzly]

I live miles from nowhere and while mending a fence, was startled to be addressed by "Eh Up Lad... How are you "? It was only on the third time through, that I saw the Maggie on a post about 20 feet away. It followed me home and I fed it for a few days before it moved on.

[@HairyBranflake007]

​@@The-Resurrectionists we had two magpies as pets (one injured and one orphaned) and they're so trainable and friendly to the hand that feeds. They can hold their own in a fight as one of our cats found out when it decided to attack one of them 😂🤣

[@sarahudson108]

My dad taught me it as a kid, in the UK as he watched a programme growing up called " Magpie" it was the theme tune .

[@alisonsmith4801]

ITV'S answer to Blue Peter....

[@bobgorman9481]

​@@alisonsmith4801But with Susan Stranks 😊😊

[@alisonsmith4801]

@@bobgorman9481 Filled the time for me till Shang a lang and the Bay City Rollers came on.

[@rtmsound1877]

This rhyme is where the band Counting Crows took their name and is mentioned in the song A Murder of One.

[@LewisLittle66]

There's a bird that nests inside you, sleeping underneath your skin... One of my favourite albums of all time.

[@douglascharnley8249]

You never fail to amaze me..... This reminds me of another rhyme related the days of the week a child is born. "Thursday child has far to go." I took the Queen's Shilling at 15 and have never been home.

[@brendasmart553]

This one would be great to do a deeper dive into it! Thanks, I'm a Tuesday full of supposed grace! 🤣

[@douglascharnley8249]

@@brendasmart553 My wife is full of these rhymes and one-liners of folklore.

[@brendasmart553]

@@douglascharnley8249 Well bring them on, so we can all benefit in her unique interest keeping them alive! 💖

[@sandyhenderson441]

​@@brendasmart553 I'm Wednesday's child, "full of woe".

[@brendasmart553]

@@sandyhenderson441 Right? Oh woe is me- is the only phrase I can think of for that one, doesn't sound fun, sorry my friend. 🎭🤣

[@iainmulholland2025]

😍 while walking down the street I heard lots of chitterlings, looking up I saw 14 magpies on the rooftop happily talking to each other. I love magpies.

[@The-Resurrectionists]

14 magpies! 🖤 That’s truly a sight to behold! I wonder what 14 birds would mean in divination terms?

[@iainmulholland2025]

A friend said, a parliament of magpies, although he does get things wrong sometimes. Divination wise I have no idea.

[@emmahughes987]

I love Magpies grew up amongst a family of them in the tree at the bottom of the garden that returned every year with growing numbers, they always accurately predicted events throughout my life, if I found a pound, nailed a job interview, carried a boy or girl, lost a loved one, now at 45 yrs you'll still catch me greeting them and my four children won't walk by without acknowledging them, amazing birds that have brought so much joy to my life I could only ever see good in them.

[@joec.9591]

Counting crows, as it came to me as a child - 1 for sorrow 2 for joy 3 for a girl 4 for a boy 5 for longing 6 for dearth 7 for plenty 8 for a birth 9 for a funeral 10 for a wedding 11 for remembrance 12 for forgetting

[@bugsby4663]

In the Midlands we salute a single magpie with "morning general" whereas my wife who was from London saluted and said "give my regards to Mrs magpie".

[@The-Resurrectionists]

Love the regional differences in how we greet magpies! 🖤 Thank you for sharing!

[@Armantianne]

I had checked if you had something about this rhyme, and couldn't find one. So now, I am glad and grateful you published a video for it. ❤😊

[@The-Resurrectionists]

I’m so glad I could cover it at just the right time for you! 🖤 This rhyme has such a fascinating history, and I’m thrilled you enjoyed the video :)

[@Armantianne]

@@The-Resurrectionists I always enjoy your videos, this one particularly 🥰

[@Jacob-W-5570]

I love how the UK/GB still holds on to their ancient cultural tales and such. I don't know any nursery rimes myths or legends like that from my own country, the netherlands.

[@The-Resurrectionists]

Thank you! 🖤 The UK does have a rich tradition of keeping hold of these ancient tales and rhymes, but I’m sure the Netherlands has its own treasures too! Dutch folklore is full of fascinating myths-think of The Flying Dutchman, or the legend of Lady White (Witte Wieven). Maybe there’s a whole series of legends we could look into on this channel at some point :) ✨

[@kelllefae3026]

I'm uk .. we still count the magpies n recite the rhyme. 1 for sorrow ,2 for joy , 3 for a girl , 4 for a boy , 5 for silver , 6 for gold , 7 for a secret never to be told ... lol

[@Joanna7428]

I think we as a nation are quite bonkers too. That helps! 😊🇬🇧

[@bobrussell3602]

We have a rhyme 'Jack &Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail (bucket) of water.' The interesting thing about this, is the idea that they went UP the hill, not DOWN. I have only seen three wells. two were up the top of their hills. One was half way up, but this was probably a compromise because the tiny hamlet, of two cottages it served was also half way up. Any information you may have about this would be helpful and enlightening. Greetings from England !

[@anulfadventures]

I remember in Northumberland greeting the first Magpie in the morning; "Good morning Mr. Magpie". My kids still say it on the first magpie.

[@karenchristinewise7833]

In a book that I read in early childhood, there was a counter charm. It was, One bird unlucky cleansed by two, The Dove in Heaven, Is the one that I choose. I once knew a very superstitious person who freaked out when seeing single magpies. I told them about this charm and they wrote it down. Also, the Irish Goddess of Death, Mor Righan/ Morrigan was symbolised by a Raven.

[@The-Resurrectionists]

What a fascinating counter charm! 🖤Thank you for sharing! :)

[@MsStack42]

Such BEAUTIFUL birds.

[@FelixstoweFoamForge]

Good stuff! "Hello Mr Magpie, how are you today, and how are Mrs Magpie and all your Magpie babies?" Current in Modern Suffolk.

[@BritishBeachcomber]

In the rural Southwest, we believe that magpies are lucky. Whenever you see a single magpie you say "Hello Mr Magpie, how's your wife and kids?" It prevents bad luck.

[@Fallen_Crow333]

I absolutely adore Corvids. Though my favourate are crows, since they are of my native land, I love them all. I’m so glad you are here to share the joys of their existences and histories, and I give you my deepest gratitude for your wonderful work.

[@1daveyp]

The most common version is only most common because it was used in the theme tune to the kids TV show Magpie (1968-80, effectively Thames TV's answer to Blue Peter). The version I learned from my Anglo-Scots Mum was; "One for for sorrow, two for mirth, three for a wedding, four for a birth, five for heaven, six for hell, seven for the devil's ain self" She would greet a magpie with "Good morning Mr Magpie, how are you and your family?" Even today I do greet magpies, and always look for a second if I only see one.

[@melly9037]

That's exactly how I greet them, too.

[@deanwal1962]

The one I remember is the same as yours apart from mine uses “Three for a death and four for a birth”.

[@LadyWolf6692]

I haven't heard this rhyme before and also didn't know the folklore behind magpies. I haven't seen a magpie since I was a child growing up in California (US based darkling). Has anyone else from the USA heard this rhyme? As usual, I really enjoyed the video and learned something new 😊

[@MelissaThompson432]

Yes, but with crows. Remember the band, Counting Crows? They named the band after the rhyme because it was supposed to be a thumb of the nose to superstious people. I don't think Adam Duritz was a very good communicator, honestly.... Mostly people thought he was a fan of the counting rhyme.

[@13_13k]

I'm from California also. I have heard this rhyme before because my mother always read to myself and my older siblings which made me into an avid reader to this day. We don't have magpies but we do have Mockingbirds which are very loud and very aggressive towards anything that gets near their nests. I would watch them attack my cat flying down and pecking at her as they squacked because she was a a kitten of a stray that lived under a building and the mother had been hit by a car and she was the only kitten who would come and get food left out for the litter and my dad grabbed her to bring home and we raised her as a pet and she was so sweet but she liked to hunt. And she would always bring "gifts" into the house, much to my mother's dismay. My mother who also grew up in Los Angeles had a mynah bird as a pet when she was a teen and it talked and whistled.

[@deborahraven-lindley3309]

I know this rhyme since childhood; the folklore of other places has always interested me and I grew up in the local library. I also developed an interest in the Child Ballads and noticed ones like The Three Ravens. Now the rhyme exists in symbol as an elaborate tattoo on my person...but not any of the versions referenced in this video. I also came to know it as a 'counting crows' rhyme; my awareness of the similar connection to magpies came later but as they are both corvids that did not surprise me. One is for bad news Two is for mirth Three is a wedding Four is a birth Five is for riches Six is a thief Seven is a journey Eight is for grief Nine is a secret Ten is for sorrow Eleven is for love Twelve is for joy tomorrow. I also live in California, where there is a large population of the more rare yellow-billed magpie. They were devastated by west nile virus but their numbers are slowly recovering. The imagery and imagination of this rhyme has meant a great deal to me, and I have always deeply enjoyed the habits of ravens, crows, magpies, jays and all these birds. Without really meaning to I became an inadvertent observer of them and it has enriched my life considerably. Only recently have I been able to visit the UK and learn more of the 'other side' of this culture; folk and fairytale and stories at their source. Thanks to the content creator, I learned a great deal from watching this of which I was unaware!

[@Angel-kg8fn]

Californian here too. We actually do have magpies, the yellow billed magpie was a common sight at my elementary school out in the orchards. I see them less since I left elementary, but I still see them occasionally and last time I actually saw one, my sick cat passed some tine after. I do love them and have offered them almonds in the past

[@peterburgess5974]

FYI "One for sorrow, two for mirth, three for a wedding and four for a birth, six for rich, and seven for poor, eight for a witch, and I can tell you no more." This is the rhyme I know from growing up in the Ribble Valley near Pendle and the trials of 1612. Ad altiora!

[@ibentley8537]

Where has this channel been all my life! Fantastic! So well researched!😊

[@hebbyhope2094]

Another very interesting video, I didn't think there would be so many theories! Thank you L.❤❤❤❤

[@The-Resurrectionists]

Thank you so much! 🖤 Theories and superstitions around magpies seem endless, which makes exploring them all the more fascinating. I’m so glad you found the video interesting! 🕯

[@davidcalder1239]

Very well narrated and interesting with excellent visuals. The explanation clarifies the prejudice against folk culture which modern folk singers still struggle with. The preposterous notions of religion which persecuted women on the spurious grounds of witchcraft need to be exposed more often. Arthur Miller's The Crucible is a case in point. Thank you for this…

[@LlejaSwordsinger]

Very interesting folklore. This could however be down to something much simpler. Country folk would know about the habits and life of magpies. They mate for life, so when one was seen it was sorrow for it may have lost it's mate. Two seen would be happy as it was a pair mates for life. Three for a girl bring the first blessing as the female bears the offspring continuing their line, four is a boy who will go off to have his own mate and diversify the species. Five for silver six for gold probably because these would have been shiny coins irresistible to magpies who love to collect and hoard shiny objects. Seven for a secret never to be told because unless you knew where they kept their hoard they would not tell you,it was secret. Sometimes these rhymes would be sung to children's games such as skipping and were nothing more than observations put into rhyme. It's amazing what you come up with when there's no books or tv lol. Love your videos. 👍🇬🇧

[@andydavis8437]

Best video so far. Some fun facts: The magpie is the national bird of Korea; seeing a magpie is believed to bring luck Magpies are known for stealing shiny things and the ability to speak so it's no surprise they were thought to be other worldly. They are also attracted to charcoal and will carry embers to their nest which sometimes leads to wild fires. in most cultures they are bad omens

[@sapphirejade5029]

So fascinating!

[@The-Resurrectionists]

Thank you, I'm so happy to hear that! 🖤 Those are some fascinating facts-magpies really do seem to have one foot in the mystical world, don’t they? They certainly have a reputation!

[@Robert-cr8bq]

Well! That was very interesting and quite coincidental. Last week, I heard for the first time the song Magpie sung by the Unthanks, and a lovely song it is too. Written by Davy Dobbs. It contains all you references to the 'Devil Devil I defy thee' and suggest in the words that it sung by witches. But no mention of spitting. As for myself, I alway greet a magpie with respect, and have found that the number I see at anytime of the day does portain wether my plans will be good or bad (I used I Ching, and Tarot cards, so I have leaning towards divination). Apart from this the magpie is my favourite bird on land, and love all corvids (even the rook). Thank you for this episode. ❤

[@The-Resurrectionists]

How wonderful to hear you mention Magpie by the Unthanks! It’s such a hauntingly beautiful song, perfect for capturing the mystery around these birds 🖤✨

[@Robert-cr8bq]

@The-Resurrectionists My pleasure. The song reflects the haunting beauty of these birds. Blessing for this Sabbat.

[@auggiet8380]

I love magpies so much, they hold a very special place in my heart. We had a family of them that got to know us very well, and would occasionally venture into our mud room on days that we had the front door open when the weather was nice. I plan on eventually getting a tattoo of a magpie and a fox with a mountain background (I lived in the High Rockies for 12 years, it was a very formative and important part of my life). I no longer live in a place that has magpies, and I miss them.

[@The-Resurrectionists]

What a beautiful connection to magpies you have! 🖤 A tattoo of a magpie and a fox sounds incredible (I love foxes too!) Thank you for sharing with us :)

[@daryllportas8453]

I always wondered what the rhyme was about since before the TV program "Magpie". The theme tune includes "8's a wish and 9 a kiss, 10 is a bird you must not miss." Maybe Steve Winwood added that. I find old folklore facinating.

[@ricardoortez9812]

I wish I could have kissed Susan Stranks that's for sure. God, I'm showing my age.

[@lynzilancaster-xx9jf]

I have always, on seeing a lone magpie, said "Morning Mr Magpie, I salute you" and saluted the single magpie. It's what my Mum and Nanna always did. Really don't know how or when it originated from, might be a Lancashire and or Cumbria (Lake District U.K.) saying. Wish I'd asked while they were still here. Moral of my comment is don't leave it too late, as once they're gone, you can never ask. X

[@panzerfaust1]

In our then small Essex village we saluted magpies

[@charliemoore2551]

One for sorrow, two for joy is just an understanding of magpie behaviour. Magpies mate for life and are fiercely protective of each other so seeing one on its own suggests something is wrong. It can be an indication that bad weather is approaching for example. The other parts of it have been added over the years because, well, we all like a rhyme, don't we? Having said that, I always count them in the hope that there'll be "six for gold" and I always tap my forehead in salute. What a daftie! eh?

[@bigoldgrizzly]

they do mate for life but tend to flock up often in quite large numbers in the winter months

[@charliemoore2551]

@@bigoldgrizzly A fellow corvidphile! Pleased to meet you!

[@paulbailey7641]

My girlfriend does the salute too and then sings the rhyme when we are driving. It’s nice to connect with nature

[@omiai]

There's also the version for sneezing (apologies if you mentioned this in the video, I've literally just started watching and immediately thought of this and wanted to put it down before I forgot: Ones a wish Two's a kiss Three's a disappointment Four's a letter Five is something even better. I always seem to sneeze three times in a row xD Edit: ah you did mention it, but it's slightly different from the one I know

[@The-Resurrectionists]

🖤 It’s fascinating how these little rhymes have so many variations-it’s lovely to hear yours!

[@peggywalker4081]

I loved it! As always I am left more educated and well entertained. Thank you! 💙

[@monicacall7532]

As always I learn something new every time a new video comes out. Thanks!

[@The-Resurrectionists]

I'm so glad you're learning something new with each video! 🖤 Thank you for watching and for your support. 🕯📚

[@TheBlackcredo]

Don't know if this is a local thing, but I live in South Wales and many people to this day will salute a single magpie whenever they see one. No rhyme or anything, just a simple salute.

[@Ihavetwoearsandonemouth]

I'm in Devon and I do that but also say Good my Lord three times. Also heard some people hold their collarbone until they see a four legged animal.

[@karenstve1769]

In West Yorkshire, tradition to do that here... to ward off bad luck 😂

[@jezjerome]

I do this and I don’t know why, don’t care still going to keep doing it.

[@Mr4444sean4444]

Do it all over, its to show respect to the single magpie, so you dont get no sorrows. Well thats what i was told as a child

[@tommyscott7671]

Haha I'm in East Sussex and I do the same thing,

[@jennyjones8291]

A couple of things that make total sense to me with this- magpies are not solitary so to see one alone could mean something terrible has happened to their family. Always acknowledge them with respect and show that you mean them no harm- corvids make great friends and unforgiving enemies.

[@AnnieNelson-m4j]

I've only recently found this channel, and am very happy I did! Years ago I dived into the origin of children's nursery rhymes. I never did get far, so this channel delights me!

[@The-Resurrectionists]

Welcome to the channel, darkling! 🖤 I’m so glad you found us and are enjoying the dive into the origins of nursery rhymes. There’s so much more to uncover, and I hope the journey continues to delight you! 🕯📚

[@noreenclark2568]

I got told seeing a single magpie to salute it i do this when i see just one, i never knew about the saying Good morning mr magpie etc. Once many years ago a magpie came up to my doorstep but didnt come inside i followed it but it just kept in front of me then flew away. They are sent by the spirit world in warning of bad news as i always had one chattering ouside my bedroom window and i got bad news afterwards. Thankfully i haven't heard them lately. Great to be told these stories i thank you for them ❤

[@staceygallard7999]

I live in Pasadena , California and I never seen a magpie - I love your channel and the history involved in each nursery rhyme!

[@The-Resurrectionists]

Thank you so much for watching! 🖤 I’m so glad you’re enjoying the history in each nursery rhyme! 🕯📚

[@Pringlelover]

In India & Pakistan there is a superstition that when you sneeze it’s a sign that somebody is remembering you or thinking of you.

[@jimmaule1388]

I am constantly amazed with the amount of research you do. Do you have access to a mythological research library? Being from the States my thoughts are Cambridge, Oxford and their Bodleian Libraries.

[@The-Resurrectionists]

Thank you so much for recognising the work that goes into my videos! 🖤 I take research very seriously and always seek out original publications rather than rely on second-hand sources. Thankfully, most libraries offer online resources now, which is incredibly handy if you don’t live nearby. Some even offer Skype-style sessions where a librarian, wearing gloves, will handle the older documents for you, and you can read the book via webcam. I’ve done this several times with some of the larger English libraries. It’s a fantastic way to access rare materials! 🕯📚

[@Welivebythesea]

The sneeze counting rhyme I learned as a child, and later taught my children. The version I know is: 1 for a wish 2 for a kiss 3 for a disappointment 4 for a letter 5 for something better Although it's not included in the rhyme I always commented that 6 or more is hay fever

[@KC-gy5xw]

Ah, I just think the show Magpie when I was younger - Loved Mick!

[@shirleyac12]

Great Afro

[@carolinehiggins334]

I live in Lancashire and my Nan always said to salute a single magpie or it is bad luck.

[@robwalker7575]

1 for sorrow 2 for joy 3 for a girl 4 for a boy 5 for silver 6 for gold 7 for a secret never to be told. 8 for a wish 9 for a kiss 10 for something not to be missed. 11 for health 12 for wealth 13 for the devil himself.

[@brendasmart553]

Loved this one!!! In fact, it might be my favorite! The irony of the religious creating a witchy themed ritual curse, to offset whats thought to be a witches curse, all the while despising & forbidding anything supposedly witch related???!!! Gotta love that, right? 😂🤣😂

[@speleokeir]

Religion doesn't tend to go in for logic or reason.🤔😀

[@brendasmart553]

@@speleokeir Agreed, tho they sure seem to enjoy more than their share of hypocrisy don't they?! 🤣

[@farpointgamingdirect]

​@brendasmart553 Anyone ever tell you that you can be an atheist without bashing religion?

[@brendasmart553]

@@farpointgamingdirect "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians." - Gandi Even in the Bible, Jesus addressed my point of all too common religious hypocrisy when he said, not to focus on the speck in another's eye, while ignoring the plank of wood in your own eye. There were no Christians in his time. Hypocrisy of religious followers has always been a common theme or hurdle if you will. I bash no religion as you imply that I have here. ✌️☯️🙏

[@The-Resurrectionists]

Yes, the irony is absolutely delicious, isn’t it? 🖤 A witchy curse to ward off witches! It shows how deeply superstition was embedded in everyday life, even when it was condemned! 🕯

[@rrstows3522]

I'm a Newcastle fan 😢.I know the sorrow . And some of the joy , more sorrow then Joy like 😅

[@Lizille97]

Your videos are so interesting. Thank you for the hard work. 😊 Did you do a video on the "bless you" after a sneeze?

[@brendasmart553]

Ring around the rosy...

[@The-Resurrectionists]

Thank you so much! 🖤 I haven’t done a video specifically on ‘Bless you’ after sneezing… yet! But now you’ve got me thinking that could make for a very fun deep dive!

[@christabelleblue9901]

Be Less You

[@kasahadragon9499]

Back in the 70s i grew uo watching the show Magpie, the words relating to the numbers of Magpie are stuck in my head from this shows intro. 1 for sorrow. 2 for joy 3 for a girl 4 for a boy. 5 for silver 6 for gold 7 for a secret Never to be told. Someewhere I have the idea that they also contined past the number 7 but I can't remember them. I live in Australia now in a small country tiwn that has a flourishing amount of Magpie. I and my daughter talk to them often and have quite a numbr that visit us regularly in our back yard. They are quite the characters, we enjoy them immensly and have never been swooped 💜🇦🇺

[@bekkakay8573]

Thanks. I’m so glad to have learned truths beyond these superstitions. It just makes me wonder what people hundreds of years into the future will think of the beliefs we hold now.😅

[@Jettypilelegs]

Omg I love this channel so much!

[@EleanorPeterson]

All I know is that, at school, it was considered unutterably naff to watch 'Blue Peter' on the Beeb when there was 'Magpie' and 'How?' (both programmes being much more cool...) on the other side.😁

[@sandyhenderson441]

Oh my that takes me back! How! with Fred Dineage wearing a headband & feather, holding his open hand up, fully convincing 8-10yr old me that he really was an Indian brave. Blue Peter was the programme everyone watched but no-one talked about. I had a Blue Peter badge, just the ordinary white one because my drawing was shown in the gallery of some art contest they'd run... and the BP pets were fun, until the sad announcement that the tortoise had died during his hibernation. And seeing John (Noakes?) & a zookeeper being dragged through pee & poop by a baby elephant who'd had enough of the studio & was leaving right now, was more than vaguely memorable. Yes, I liked How! & Magpie, but BP also had its charms, even if you didn't talk about them with your friends.

[@abenaid11]

Nothing to do with Sue Stranks or Jenny Hanley then?

[@WEEPFORBALDUR]

Don't forget Saturdays mornings, Why Don't you. Which didn't have much to do on it 😂

[@djmossssomjd8496]

Excellent narration. So easy to listen to. I know Magpies are carnivors and I've seen the results of them pecking the eyes out of new born lambs in the field. That said, I always say...at least they always turn up in a smart dinner suit. Thanks for the video, I have subbed. x

[@AdamStone-sd6tq]

Very good little watch this, thank you 👍

[@Lisa-x3n5x]

Thanks

[@The-Resurrectionists]

Thank you so much for your generous support! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@nixswatson]

Excellent! I did not know there were that many different versions....

[@The-Resurrectionists]

Thank you so much! 🖤

[@SiskinOnUTube]

It's only in the last 30 years or so that magpies have turned up in any numbers in my part of southern Scotland. I only ever saw them when I travelled elsewhere as a kid. It's probably a sign of how deeply they were persecuted here.

[@upapaepops]

Great explanation. I was told as a child that magpies used to be very uncommon birds and so it would be rare get past Two for Joy. It would have been unusual to see seven of the birds together, hence the rhyme with it's increasing levels of predicted good luck as the numbers of birds increased.

[@The-Resurrectionists]

That’s a fascinating bit of history! 🖤 Thank you for adding this insight! 🕯

[@bigoldgrizzly]

Crows and magpies are very intelligent birds, though quite murderous to the eggs and young of other birds. We had a crow that would pluck whole apples straight from the tree and fly directly to the top of one of our 100+ foot poplar trees to devour them. After a couple of days watching this behaviour, I saw a Magpie pulling off exactly the same trick... I suspect it learned had been sitting back and watching,, and learned its lesson well. I would just like to say that your unhurried pace and clear speaking is a delight to hear and is increasingly rare on youtube ... Thank you ;

[@Occident.]

Iv heard that poem on Tyneside since I was a boy in the 1960s. On seeing a single Magpie, my wife always greets it by saying hello Mr Magpie how are you today.

[@jamescaron6465]

“Have you ever considered the origins of nursery rhymes?” I do now….

[@hankdusommeil1065]

This morning, looking out of my kitchen window I said to myself: "Well, there's little interest in the sunflower seeds..". At exactly that moment a single magpie appeared. I had to smile, happily unaware of the ominous meaning of this event, and had a great day. I'm sure this is because heaven decreed that I would, with the help of YT algorithm, come upon this site with all these effective counterspells!

[@DavidStevenson-gw2eo]

Folk Law was derived from early forms of shamanism, in the excellent book, The Golden Bough by Sir James Frazer he explains how direct observations of nature itself and how nature provided everything we need for survival was the driving force amongst all tribes in every climb.

[@djrichylaurence8991]

Well this was far more interesting than I thought it would be.

[@heatherinparis]

This was interesting and reminded me of a "nursery rhyme" that I've always wondered re origins and possible meanings. Do you know anything about "one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready and four to go"?

[@Lisa-x3n5x]

Blue suede shoes?

[@The-Resurrectionists]

@@Lisa-x3n5x It was used in "Rock Around the Clock" as well; though it was a nursery rhyme first (recorded in the 1800s I believe) :)

[@The-Resurrectionists]

It likely originated as a counting rhyme used in children’s games or even vaudeville acts. I’ll have to look into the deeper origins for a future video! 🕯

[@ashleymckeever4752]

I hadn’t thought of this one in years, until earlier in the week I ran across a short/ reel either here or on fb of this rhyme. One of those one person arguing both sides of the issue. The guy on there went all the way to 20 which was definitely interesting since I don’t think I had ever heard past 7. Now I want to find out how far the counting goes. Lol. Love these videos they’re amazing! Ok I actually found the short it was posted by a musician/actor by the name William Moore here on youtube. The higher the number the creepier it gets.

[@The-Resurrectionists]

How fascinating to hear the rhyme all the way to 20! I'll be sure to check it out! 🖤 Thank you for sharing that, and I’m so glad you’re enjoying the videos! 🕯

[@ashleymckeever4752]

@@The-Resurrectionists I love folklore and mythology. I’m not as obsessed as I was in school but it’s fascinating to learn more about the things from my childhood that I never really thought about as part of those subjects. Thank you for your wonderful videos.

[@OceanSkyDragon]

All your videos are lovely, this one especially.

[@The-Resurrectionists]

Thank you so much! 🖤 I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed this one! :)

[@TukikoTroy]

Good to see you sticking more to traditional illustrations.

[@The-Resurrectionists]

Thank you! 🖤 I do my absolute best to source historical illustrations and traditional artworks to stay true to the stories' origins. I’m glad to hear you appreciate the effort! 🕯📚

[@adventurecreations3214]

Excellent video. Thank you

[@Carolakapiewacket]

I just love magpies 😊

[@kathdudek1673]

Thank you for your terriffic research & delivery !! 🥰😘🎃

[@timothylyons5686]

And there was me thinking it was the theme of a television show from the sixties to the eighties, hosted by among others Mick Robertson, Jenny Hanley and Susan Stranks .

[@PaulSmith-zx2ru]

So as a child in Yorkshire the old folk said the rhyme had a meaning. Magpies mate for life so seeing one alone could mean it was a widow and in the old days you always doffed your cap to a widow as a sign of respect. The rest of the rhyme makes sense like this too because two for joy means the magpie has found a mate 3 for a girl etc is the family growing as magpies teach their young for a long time after fledgling because they are very clever and inquisitive.

[@kingkong81icloud]

Good morning Mr magpie , salute it 3 times

[@terrymoroney6748]

Very good presentation. Thank you for that !

[@ocdmusic]

I love Magpies, get loads of them in my garden, goot a few crows, loads of pigeons, seagulls, sparrows and a few others and some foxes too. It's funny to watch them all interact. I feed the foxes and the birds have some too everyday. Grew up with the "one for sorrowm two for joy, three for a girl, four for a boy" one, can't remember the rest though. Have you ever done one on the song "Murder Murder Polis"

[@Chloeswalks]

That song was deep in my mind last week I couldn’t get rid of it

[@krisindaboyce2747]

My first time hearing this one. The origins are surprising .

[@yvonnemason5466]

My son's nickname was Magpie , lost my son nearly 2 years ago , i always seem to have Magpies about me . Their a comfort

[@andrewclarvis8976]

I salute lone magpies and say morning mr magpie, how’s mrs magpie? People think I’m mad but I don’t really care!

[@Ladybirdtaj]

Me too 😅

[@gubbinz25]

Beautiful narration.

[@houdinimagpie3364]

The version I learned was from a Nova Scotian story and it goes: One for saddness Two for mirth Three for marriage Four for birth Five for laughing Six for crying Seven for sickness Eight for dying Nine for silver Ten for good Eleven for a secret to never be told

[@philipB31]

Thank you for sharing this.

[@kittyroo-x4p]

If I have one real phobia its seeing one magpie on its own. I know it is totally irrational and I have tried to ignore it but it seems stronger than me. It is as silly as being afraid of black cats, which I am not, but it stems from my childhood and hearing the rhyme. While not exactly bad luck something really irritating seems to happen after i have seen one magpie, while seeing two makes me relax. I just wish I could rid myself of this irrational fear.

[@Ladybirdtaj]

Same!! 😮

[@FJMLAM]

Brilliant Video- Really interesting.

[@Daisy24704]

I absolutely love these videos. I adored them as a child, the weirder the better lol. A little miffed that they keep changing the wording like baa baa rainbow sheep, like WTF???? Also I love the way you say hello darklings lol. I've just subscribed, so lots of catching up to do. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@norfener]

Anyone else remember coming home from school and watching the programme "Magpie" in the TV, which always started with a musical version of the poem. All my schoolmates preferred it to the stuffy, condescending, middle class BBC alternative "Blue Peter!"

[@MyGreatAuntFanny]

I am very fond of all the corvids, having reared several magpies, rooks, crows, jays and jackdaws as a wildlife rescuer. One female magpie in particular stayed with us for a couple of years until she finally paired up with the biggest male in the area. She would wake me every morning by opening my eyelids with her beak, and shouting "hello!". If I was ill she would sit on the head of the bed, refusing to leave the room, eat or drink until I recovered. Usually very wary of humans, all the local magpies would visit the house while she was with us, coming in and sitting about along the backs of sofas. But the day she finally left, so did they, never to return. That was over 30 years ago, and despite many hundreds of birds coming and going, I still get a lump in my throat when I think of her. I hope she was the matriarch to a whole new tribe of magpies that knew how to turn taps on, open bottles and steal jewellery, as she did.

[@aperioculus1988]

They're also considered a bad omen, especially in Christianity, as when Christ was being crucified, he was visited by a dove and a magpie, which landed either side of Him on the cross. The dove grieved for Jesus, but the magpie didn't and so, they were considered evil and bad luck. Either way, I've always loved them. So curious and intelligent.