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,

I have always loved the rhyme and continue the magpie superstitions from my childhood… I still bow to a single magpie!


I recently heard an extended version ….eight for a wish, nine for a kiss, ten for a time of joyous bliss!

I am not sure how old the latter part of the verse is, but intend to find out.


This is my first print related to the rhyme and I am looking forward to designing 3 and 4 next. I designed this print after following magpies around for several days on our local downs and the picture is a combination of several birds and surroundings.