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Nikolae Keaveney asked this question about The Girl on the Train:
What does "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." mean? How does that relate to the story?
Laura It's a British folklore/old wives tale/superstition kind of thing. It relates to magpies and is supposed to predict luck/the future. If you see a magp…moreIt's a British folklore/old wives tale/superstition kind of thing. It relates to magpies and is supposed to predict luck/the future. If you see a magpie on its own = impending sorrow, two = joy, three = there will be a new baby girl, four = new baby boy, five & silver = related to supposed upcoming wealth etc. etc. You're also supposed to salute the magpie/s as you see them. Pretty strange but it's something I've done my whole life. I'm not exceptionally superstitious but it can't do any harm!(less)
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The Girl on the Train
by Paula Hawkins (Goodreads Author)
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