May DTC Yahoo Group

I'm an active member in the April and May DTC Yahoo groups... more on what they are in detail later, but the short story: they are a group of people online who all have sent their Dossier to CHina in the month in question.

Each group selects a name and here's my stab at it.

The names are supposed to be symbolic, fun, wonderful and should try not alienate anyone... there are dad's in the groups so a name like the May Mom's or something like that would suck for the guys.

Here's mine:
Magpies of May.

hmmm, ok, some of you out there know the symbolism of a magpie, most don't and are wondering, ok Lisa, why a foodgroup... the word pie doesn't mean food! Anyway, my theme is a Magpie, carrying a few Peonies tied with a Red Thread.

Note the following from several sources:


Magpie
A bird that belongs to the same family as crows, ravens, and jays. The black-billed magpie lives throughout Europe, central Asia, parts of Siberia, and western North America from Alaska to New Mexico.

Magpie Symbolism
Chinese: The "Bird of Joy"; good fortune. A chattering magpie signifies good news, the arrival of guests. Under the Manchu dynasty it also represented imperial rule.

Magpie, a Symbol of Happiness
Magpie is a symbol of happiness in Chinese culture. The singing of a magpie foretells happiness and good luck. That's why it is called 'Happy Magpie' by Chinese people. The Manchu minority in Northeast China even regards magpies as sacred birds. Legends concerning magpies are found in the historical records about Manzhu. (By Ye Qinfa, China Online)

Other Random Magpie Thoughts:
In ancient china, it is believed the presence of magpies brought happiness and unlimited opportunities, and is considered as an auspicious omen. All your goals will be attained if you see the magpies. You will succeed in finding a new job, starting a new venture, finding a new love, getting rich, getting children, obtaining recovery from illness, finding popularity, passing examinations and getting promotion if you see a pair of magpies in your home or living space.

Meanwhile, peonies being the queen of all flowers, when carried by the magpies are regarded as an auspicious omen that makes your dreams flourish. This is especially great for those who are seeking for making themselves more seductive and attractive to their lovers.

Double Seventh Day Festival:

The Magpie is tied to the ancient, but rarely recognized, festival in China "Double Seventh Day" based upon an incredibly romantic and heartwarming folktale of a Cowherd and WEaving Maiden (aka Master SEamstress for the Gods in Heaven) who fall madly in love. They meet on earth, fall madly in love and are permitted to marry... they are so in love they each stop they duties and the Heavenly Mother gets angry, demands the return of the daughter and forbids them to see again. Heavenly MOther created a silver river of stars so wide that the Cowherder could not fly to see his wife in the Heavens. The great sadness that occurs iss noted by the Sun God (Weaver's Dad) and so one night a year he allowed them to reunite. On that night, seventh moon and seventh night, the Magpies of Heaven form the bridge (called the Milky Way) over the Silver River. This festival is about love and the bringing together of lives through time and distance... kind of like those of us longing to bring children into our hearts.

There are several other variations of the Magpie story, but they all seem to involve 2 people falling in love and how the Magpies bring them together through the years.