Popular Superstitions: The Magpie (colour litho)

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Popular Superstitions: The Magpie (colour litho)

8668740 Popular Superstitions: The Magpie (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Magpie. The superstition about Magpies is handed down to us in the following rhyme:- "One means anger, Two brings mirth, Three a wedding, Four a birth; Five is Heaven, Six is Hell, But Seven's the very De'il's ainsel." This very mixed reputation of the Magpie's is probably due to the fact that primitive man regarded white as a sacred or lucky colour, black as the reverse. The Magpie being both black and white in general appearance, he decided that the bird could be neither definitely lucky nor unlucky; apparently it might be either, according to circumstances. Illustration for one of a set of 25 cigarette cards on the subject of Popular Superstitions issued by Godfrey Phillips in 1930.); © Look and Learn

Media ID 38111528

© © Look and Learn / Bridgeman Images

Anger Angry Birth Bitterness Feelings Furor Heaven Hell Luck Lucky Magpie Magpies Rage Supersition Superstition Superstitious Wedding Ceremony Emotions General Knowledge Knowing

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This colour lithograph print of Popular Superstitions: The Magpie from the 20th century captures the essence of superstition surrounding this enigmatic bird. The English School artist beautifully depicts the black and white magpie, a creature with a mixed reputation in folklore. The accompanying rhyme sheds light on the superstitions associated with magpies, where one magpie signifies anger, two bring mirth, three symbolize weddings, and four foretell births. Interestingly, five is linked to heaven while six is associated with hell. However, it is said that seven magpies are considered extremely unlucky - believed to be the devil's own companions. The artwork reflects primitive beliefs about colors as well; white being sacred or lucky and black representing negativity. As the magpie embodies both colors in its appearance, ancient man deemed it neither definitively lucky nor unlucky - leaving its fate up to interpretation based on circumstances. Issued as part of a set of cigarette cards by Godfrey Phillips in 1930, this illustration offers insight into popular superstitions prevalent during that era. It serves as a reminder of how deeply ingrained these beliefs were in society's collective consciousness at the time.

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