The cuckoo is easily recognizable by the transverse stripes on the chest and the characteristic ko-ko sound that can be heard from 1 May in southern Norway. PHOTO: British Ornithologists’ Union
Of Egil M Solberg | 01.05.2024 00:00:29
Folk beliefs: The cuckoo (Gauken) has a special place in old folklore. Some want it to bring happiness, others claim it can predict the future. On the primstaff, 1 May is marked with a bird, and this day is called Gauksmesse and marks the start of summer.
According to popular belief, different events will occur depending on which direction you hear the cuckoo crowing from at Gauksmessa:
* If it crows from the south, the grain will be sown in good weather (sågauk).
* If you hear the cuckoo hooting from the north, sickness and death will occur (någauk).
* If the sound comes from the west, everything will happen according to your own wishes (willargauk),
* and it sounds from the east, you will find happiness in marriage (lily cuckoo).
The cuckoo is easily recognizable by the transverse stripes on the chest and the characteristic ko-ko sound that can be heard from 1 May in southern Norway.
The cuckoo is the only bird that lays eggs in other people’s nests.