The weekend has flown by, and this is the first chance I’ve had to breathe. I have to go downstairs and make tea, so this will be a quick post, just something I wanted to write about before I forgot.
I was talking with a woman at work about the “One for sorrow, two for joy” saying, which in the States we always use for crows and here they use for magpies.
She said that she always salutes magpies, out of respect. Very surreptitiously, but she’ll touch her forehead in a salute and say “Hello Madam” or “Hello Sir.” She says that it is an old legend that the souls of witches are reborn as magpies, and it is advisable to show respect by greeting them when you see them. I was telling Phil that, and he said that he does it as well, just greets them under his breath. I was amazed. Isn’t that the most interesting thing to hear “regular” people say today? I love it.
It reminds me of the stories of people (more in Ireland, I think), leaving dishes of milk out for the little people, to show respect and stay on their good side. :)
By the way, does anyone know if it is a legal requirement in Canada to have both French and English versions of a site? Since they’re officially bilingual?
I thought it was just Quebec who were billingual. I do have a Canadian or two on my friends list if you want me to email them.
I’ve never heard of the saluting magpies thing. The only odd one I have heard is that making a potion to sprinkle on your lawn will make the ‘little folk’ come and deal with the moles:)
Although I do throw salt of my shoulder if I spill it and I pick up pennies and give them away if I see one, giving the penny away doubles your luck apparently.
Thank you. :) I can’t find anything specific on the Canadian Government sites, but I have emailed for information. Amazon.ca does have both languages, but they can afford to do it as a courtesy, whether you need to or not.