A few weeks ago I asked the question Lambs to Magpies regarding the Notts Nickname. So I thought I'd have a deeper look into the Bird which Notts County carry as their Nickname. There are of course many stories rhymes and superstitions about the Magpie. One of the most Famous things regarding the Magpie is the Rhyme.
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's a Wish , Nine's Kiss, Ten is a Bird You Mustn't Miss the Magpie. Along with the Rhyme there are many Superstitions. Such as if you see a single Magpie, to keep the Sorrow away you simply Spit on the Ground. Another way is to Spit over your Left Shoulder and say Devil I Defy You. While another way is to nod your head and say Hello Mr Magpie, how's the Missus and kids?
Of course the Magpie is one of the Most Intelligent of the World's Bird species, they can recognize each other and they also morn their Dead. If you ever see a Dead Magpie, keep well away because they can recognize the Human face and will rightly or wrongly associate you as the Killer of their Kin. Farmers who Kill Magpies to keep them away from their crops, cover their Faces when they Hang Dead Magpie Bodies on the fences of their Land. This Gruesome Ritual does work as it does with Crows, the Family of which Magpies are apart of.
The Magpie is Also a Killer. Smashing other Birds eggs for their yoke and eating their Hatchlings. Interestingly the birds called Magpies in Australia are Not related to Magpies in the rest of the World. The Magpie's Genus name is Pica Pica. Pica is Old English for Pie. So if you shout come on you Pica's down the Lane you're still right. I May write a part two to this Topic, if this one is Received Well.
BRONZE MEDAL ALERT
Track Cycling: Womens Sprint.
BRONZE MEDAL ALERT
Weightlifting: Womens 81KG
Final Medal Table sees GBR in 7th place with 65 Medals in total.
USA top the table with China 2nd
GBR are third in the total medals table behind USA & China.