The magpie, also called xi que in Chinese, is always used to symbolize happiness as the character xi means happiness in Chinese. Therefore, two magpies facing each other means double happiness.

A pair of magpies also symbolizes marriage. There is a beautiful love story about the origin. The story goes that there were two lovers, the Cowherd and the Weaving Maid, who were separated by the Milky Way. They were only allowed to meet once each year on the double seventh. Moved by their love, magpies gathered and formed a bridge for the couple to meet on that day. From then on, marriage can be symbolized by a pair of magpies.

In China a magpie nesting near a house means gook luck for the people of the house. Especially is it good luck to hear the magpie just as one sets out on some undertaking. The chattering of the house magpie, in China as elsewhere, announces a coming guest.