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caroling tidings

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One common collective noun for magpies is 'tiding' (or sometimes tidings). This unusual phrase originates from their characteristic behavior which seems like they're sharing tidings or news with each other in their moring warbling and caroling. While some may find it whimsical, others see it as an expression of nature's fascinating language. The term “tiding” in this context is deeply rooted in folklore and mythology. Historically, magpies have been associated with omens and prophecies. In many cultures, the appearance of magpies is considered to herald news, good or bad. This belief is encapsulated in the old superstition counting rhyme.

“A tiding of magpies. 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.”

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caroling tidings of minstrel magpies warbling jingles

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024




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Date: 8/16/2024 12:56:00 AM
Congrats John. Now that I have read your notes, the senryu has a deeper meaning for me - thank you, as I did not know about the mythology surrounding magpies. BTW I was uncertain whether you had meant more than one group of magpies ("tidings" - plural), or not. Irrespective, this is a nice senryu.
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John Anderson
Date: 8/16/2024 9:43:00 AM
It was a play on words and as the notes say 'tidings' is acceptable for a single group
Date: 8/15/2024 1:22:00 PM
John I really enjoyed the back story of this as I had forgotten the rhyme long ago. I miss the sound of magpies in the morning. Such a beautiful sound
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Suzanne Delaney
Date: 8/20/2024 2:07:00 AM
That's funny, John: I think a very difficult bird to mimic- imposters soon discovered. SuZ
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John Anderson
Date: 8/15/2024 1:58:00 PM
Thanks, I am a bird watcher and do counts that are recorded on eBird for Lake Wollumboola. I have a streak of 1059 successive days. I try to join it to the tidings with whistles, but the mob stares back with disdain.

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