British rural beliefs and superstitions

A host of long-cherished customs survive across our islands - some widespread, others distinctly local. Alexandra Chidley-Uttley explores the most curious and persistent British traditions

- Alexandra Chidley-Uttley

1 SALUTING MAGPIES

This centuries-old practice is still common across the British isles in rural and urban communities alike. The magpie is commonly associated with death - perhaps because, legend says, it was the only bird that did not weep at Christ’s crucifixion. A solitary bird is said to bring bad luck when approaching from the left, but good fortune when coming from the right. As the old nursery rhyme about the number of magpies seen tells us: “One for sorrow, two for joy.” To ward off potential misfortune, salute a single bird with the words: “Good morning, Mr Magpie, how's your wife today?”

2 LYCHGATES AS THRESHOLDS

The roofed gateway at a churchyard entrance, the lychgate — from the Old English