People have regarded magpies as auspicious birds since ancient times. Why do magpies make people feel this way? Magpies are covered with black and white feathers. The head, neck, back and tail are black. Shining bright purple luster. The feathers on the shoulders and abdomen are flawless. Black and white make magpies look so simple and elegant. Magpie's posture is light and graceful. Especially its long tail, which is more than half of its body, makes it look more handsome. Whether it is parked on a branch or landed on the roof, the long tail always sticks up and down, and the whole body vibrates with it, which makes people feel that it is so lively and lovely.
They inhabit mountains and plains and can be found in wilderness, farmland, suburbs, cities, parks and gardens. But the general rule is that the more human activities, the more magpie population, and it is difficult to see this species in the inaccessible jungle. Magpies often form large groups and move in pairs, foraging in open farmland during the day and perching on tall tree tops at night. ?
In cities and villages, you can hear its crisp and pleasant sound. That voice brought happiness and joy to people. In the bleak autumn of the west wind and the cold winter of ice and snow, magpies stand on high branches and sing a few songs in the fields, which makes people feel full of vitality and energy. Magpies are rich in food and like to eat insects and plant seeds. It can help people eat pests in crops and orchards, and sometimes it can catch mice in the fields. Magpie is simple and elegant, graceful in posture, crisp in singing, and can kill insects. How can anyone not like it?
Magpies have always been called "good news birds" in China. Going out to see magpies will make people feel that something good may happen that day. Unlike in China, magpies are notorious thieves in Europe and are not very popular. Europeans call magpies thieves, not only because magpies steal other birds' chicks, but also because they think magpies will steal them and choose expensive ones.
Why do magpies become thieves in the eyes of Europeans? A long time ago in Europe, it was said that shiny trinkets, such as rings and jewels, were found in magpies' nests. Later, an opera called La Pie Voleuse appeared in France, which played a role in fueling the situation. Just like the name of the opera, it tells the story of a servant accused of stealing his master's silverware, and the real "murderer" is a magpie. The fire in the opera made magpie famous, and now the disgraceful role of magpie thief is printed in the hearts of Europeans. The power of culture is powerful. Over time, magpies have become a symbol of thieves in Europe.