Why do English people salute magpies?

(Its quite well known all magpies hold a honorary rank in the british army). Saying "Morning general". (To save time, you can do this while you salute). Saying "Where's your mate?" (Frankly I feel this is a bit imperitent to someone of that rank, but there you go). A more formal version of the above is “Good morning Mr Magpie. read more

If you see a solo magpie you have to do these things to avert the sorrow, in no particular order: Saluting the magpie. (Its quite well known all magpies hold a honorary rank in the british army). read more

Magpies are often referred to as"thieving magpies" due to their fancy for shiny objects, such as jewellery and shiny coins - it would certainly be considered bad luck to have an expensive ring disappear from your house. read more

Like many other birds, magpies mate for life and this may be the inspiration for this rhyme. In some parts of the world magpies are not associated with bad luck at all. In Korea a popular magpie superstition has people believing that that the magpie can foretell when they will have visitors in the future. read more