"Hello mr. magpie how's your wife and kids" Why do people say this?

[Mickythehuckster]

I was in my back garden one morning when I heard my neighbour saying the above phrase, as I thought she was talking to me I said "Eh?" She then replied "Oh I was just saying "hello mr. magpie how's your wife and kids to the magpie"
I replied, "You was talking to a bird, are you mad?"
And then she went on to tell me that many do this to ward of bad luck to which I replied "Do you do this to eagles, owls, crows or any other dangerous birds which could cause you damage or take your eye out?" and she said , no just the magpie, which lets me honest couldn't harm a fly so why the fear and superstition?
The funniest thing was when I invited her to a seance where we were going to do a ouija board she said no as "It's black arts"
Well isn't an irrational fear of a docile bird and then talking to it which could be considered a spell the "Black arts?"
The other day I actually ran over a magpie on a bend which I didn't see until the last moment and still feel bad about, but anyway I ran over this magpie and didn't say the "Hello mr magpie, blah blah voodoo" and I actually won £1800 on a scratchcard! So much for bad luck eh?
What are your thoughts on this voodoo ritual?

[gness]

Micky. The act of taking off the helmet appeared to the magpie to be a salute.

[Jumbo747]

I'm wondering.......how do you know to say 'Good morning MR Magpie, how's your wife' ?
Methinks it might be 'Good morning MRS Magpie, how's your husband' ?!!

[gness]

The male is the one hanging about on his own doing nothing Jumbo. Easy.

[Mickythehuckster]

"Micky. The act of taking off the helmet appeared to the magpie to be a salute."
Haha, brilliant, best answer for sure, mamamlynne was a close second though.

[Mamyalynne]

always the bridesmaid ;-)

[gness]

It was Mamy`s link though. She can always come up with proof needed.

Think we are converting Micky folks. Watch out for him giving the odd salute, curtsey and greeting to Mr. Magpie.

[Mickythehuckster]

Haha, I know that next time when I see a magpie next this thread will pop into my head.
Off home now so good evening all.

[joggerjayne]

I like voodoo. I think it's a good religion.

[gness]

See you Micky. Thanks for the fun.
Agree JJ. Did it once and it worked. Ex will never walk briskly again.

[RATTER15]

Ive lived in rural Devon all my life, I have not once met anyone who greets or salutes magpies although I have hears of such ridiculous practises. I have shot hundreds in the course of pest control.

I don't understand people that believe in these nonsense superstitions!

[wiltsman]

I've lived in the country all my life and have never said 'Hello Mr Magpie' to any magpie. I see magpies around my house all the time and a couple of years ago I saw fourteen of them in a tree at the bottom of my garden, so you wont catch me greeting them. I wouldn't have the time!

I don't like them; last year whilst driving home a magpie swooped in front of my car, caught a sparrow on the wing and killed it as soon as it landed on the verge. And yes, I do know it's just nature.

But, you can see I've no time for magpies.

[brassique1]

In Romany Gypsy culture there are 2 such sayings. In the morning you should salute and say "Hello Mr Magpie, how's your wife?" After midday you should bow or doff your hat and say "Good afternoon your Lordship". I think it's supposed to bring good fortune :-)

[islasmum]

A friend of mine in her 70's has always said "Good morning Mr Magpie" and blown it a kiss when she sees a single bird - I haven't asked if she changes it to Good afternoon etc if it is after midday.

[Mick-Talbot]

Do yo have any bricks , Mickey ?

[maggiebee]

I speak to all the feathered visitors to my garden - no magpies here though - have never seen one in Dundee.