scrap pad

magpie saying

I've been meaning to look up the saying that goes with magpies since first seeing them in Ireland this summer. Also: a group of magpies is called a "parliament."

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 for a wish, nine for a kiss;
Ten for a bird that's best to miss.

I kind of prefer the version that ends at seven, but also there's one (found here) that goes to twelve.

Eight for a wish, 
Nine for a kiss, 
Ten for a letter, 
Eleven for Worse and Twelve for Better