A traditional country proverb found in a variety of forms, which refers to the number of magpies seen on a particular occasion.
During the journey four magpies rose‥and flew away. ‥I repeated‥the old saw, ‘one for sorrow, two for mirth, three for a wedding, and four for death.’
[a 1846 B. Haydon Autobiography (1853) i. v.]
One for sorrow: two for mirth: three for a wedding: four for a birth: five for silver: six for gold: seven for a secret, not to be told: eight for heaven: nine for hell: and ten for the devil's own sel [self].
[1846 M. A. Denham Proverbs relating to Seasons, &c. 35]
I never see magpies myself without relating the old rhyme: ‘One for sorrow, Two for mirth, Three for a death, Four for a birth; Five, you will shortly be In a great company.’
[1913 A. C. Benson Along Road 162]
Bond thought of the old adage, ‘One for sorrow, two for joy.’ There were a lot of single magpies swooping near the car.
[1981 J. Gardner Licence Renewed ii.]
Related to: bird lore; omens
Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.
