knocking on wood origin

However, regardless of how superstitious you are, give it a try if you think it will help you be more confident in your luck. The History & Superstition of 'Touch Wood' Few people know why they do it, but still today when we mention something good that we would like to see happen in the future, many of us touch or knock on wood twice to keep from jinxing the expected good fortune. Today it is still used for that same function. We've all heard the expression ’knock on wood’ before but many of us are still unsure what this means. Still, confused? Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. For example a well-known wooden object is the small wooden cross. I might say something like ‘ugh it’s finally gone, knock on wood’. The practice of knocking on wood has evolved over the centuries of its use in some interesting ways. It is one of the most commonly used expressions in English writings. Wood and trees have an association with good spirits in mythology. I doubt that many of us still believe that there are spirits, good or bad, living inside the trunks of trees or wooden furniture. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Yet while the phrase “knock on wood”—or “touch wood” in Britain—has been part of the vernacular since at the least the 19th century, there seems to be little agreement on how it originated. What's the origin of the phrase 'Knock on wood'? However, the practice is much older than that, and there are a few conflicting origin stories as to where it came from. The song has become covered by later artists, most notably Amii Stewart in 1979. It is usually done after making a favorable observation, a boast, or speaking of one’s own death. You may not even know why you bother to knock on wood. “Touch wood, it’s sure to come good,” is the proverbial saying. The British version of the phrase is "touch wood", while the American version is "knock on wood." Knock On Wood:Eddie Floyd. It is believed to have originated from ancient pagan cultures. Meaning And Origins, 60 Common Superstitions People Around The World Believe In, The Bad Luck Superstition You Actually Believe In, Based On Your Zodiac Sign, 6 Weird, Harmful Collagen Side Effects You Need To Know About, How To Manifest Anything You Want, According To TikTok. Here is a question and answer submitted to Yahoo Answers concerning knocking on wood. Many believe that it does in fact work because it gives you peace of mind that your luck is protected. It’s often a spontaneous reaction when the occasion arises where you need some good luck because of something you’ve done or something good has happened to you that you did not expect. Lindsey Matthews is a writer who covers love and relationships, news, and pop-culture topics. The origin is unknown, though some writers have pointed to pre-Christian rituals involving the spirits of sacred trees such as the oak, ash, holly or hawthorn. Your friend hopes for good luck and neither of you wants anything bad to happen. Translate Knock on wood. There is, I’m told, an old Irish belief that you should knock on wood to let the little people know that you are thanking them for a bit of good luck. As for knock on wood: “To touch wood or knock on wood is a superstition action to ward off any evil consequences or bad luck, perhaps because of some recent action you’ve taken or untimely boasting about your good fortune (“I’ve never been in danger of drowning, touch wood”); it can also be a charm to bring good luck. Through the centuries wood has been touched for different reasons. I’ve found that the more superstitious a person is in general, the more they believe in the knock-on-wood expression. Other people believe that the legend is actually the opposite. The origin of the custom may be in Celtic or German folklore, wherein supernatural beings are thought to live in trees, and can be invoked for protection. Here's Why. There are other interpretations of knocking on wood. This month, it’s ‘touch wood’, also commonly known as ‘knock on wood.’ Many of us ‘touch wood’ or ‘knock on wood’ to ward off bad luck or secure good luck, reaching out … Where did this old custom or superstition originate? The derivation may be the association that wood and trees have with good spirits in mythology, or with the Christian cross. People would meet in a wooded area and knock on the surrounding trees to protect their communication from being heard by anyone with ill intentions. In some countries, such as Spain, it is traditional to literally touch wood after an event occurs that is considered to bring bad luck, such as crossing paths with a black cat or walking under a ladder or noticing it’s Friday the 13th. Your email address will not be published. I answered this question about black cats earlier, look around for the other person who asked it. That’s why when you see some knocking on wood they often make three knocks. Meaning and Origins Knocking on wood is a superstition that started way back in the 19th century. Such touching action was to remind themselves of a sense of humility. That’s a particular instance I remember saying the phrase in question, but how many times have you heard someone say “knock on wood” in order to help bring some good luck to whatever they are knocking on wood for? They were well-inclined to protect those who contacted them. Knock on wood, the glue will hold it together until l I can buy a new part to replace it. This expression alludes to the ages-old superstition that literally knocking on wood would ward off evil spirits. Somehow, this tradition has survived long after belief in these spirits had faded away. Often it is said following a boastful statement on one’s accomplishments or good fortune. That’s a deep-seated idea from long ago and many other ideas are related to it. To masturbate, said of males. Maybe you use that term yourself to help cement the wish you had when you knocked on wood. Usually people do knock three times and they have no idea why or even think twice when they knock three times. If no wood or plastic is around, people will jokingly pretend to knock on wood by playfully knocking on their own heads. The Spiritual Meaning Of Ringing In Your Left Ear, What Your Birthmark Says About You, Based On Ancient Superstition. This is the second in a series exploring the origins of common superstitions in the English speaking world. Knock on wood or touching wood as a charm or gesture is founded on this presumption of things happening in reverse and its intention is to prevent joy from turning to sorrow. When in need of a favour or some good luck, one politely mentioned this wis… Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Stewart's disco version was the most successful on weekly music charts. This is usually done when there’s no salt nearby to spill over your shoulder, which is considered the “traditional” way of avoiding the bad luck caused by those situations. Avoid misfortune and/or hope for good luck. There is, I’m told, an old Irish belief that you should knock on wood to let the little people know that you are thanking them for a … knock on wood meaning: 1. said in order to avoid bad luck, either when you mention good luck that you have had in the past…. Knocking on wood is a superstition that started way back in the 19th century. There’s also a Jewish version of “knock on wood” origin that contends the practice originated in the 1490s during the Spanish Inquisition under the infamous Torquemada. Knocking on wood, or touching wood refers to the tradition in western folklore of literally touching/knocking on wood, or merely stating that you are, in order to ward off evil or to avoid tempting fate. If it makes you feel better, what harm can knocking on wood do? There’s also a belief that the knocking sound prevents the Devil from hearing your unwise comments. Some people take knocking on wood seriously. Let's break down the meaning and origin of wood knocking. Ancient pagan cultures believed that spirits lived in wood and trees. The expression is most commonly used when the stakes are high. © 2020 by Tango Media Corporation All Rights Reserved. Often the wood objects were shaped to meet the belief of the superstitious. RELATED: What Your Birthmark Says About You, Based On Ancient Superstition. Knock on wood or knocking on wood is a gesture made to prevent ill fortune or reverse action. This one may date back to ancient pagan times, when people believed spirits lived in trees, and touching or knocking on the tree would protect them … knock on wood US informal (UK touch wood) said in order to avoid bad luck, either when you mention good luck that you have had in the past or when you mention hopes you have for the future: The deal will be agreed on Wednesday, knock on wood. Knock On Wood is an idiom. You might knock on wood and have done so because you saw someone else do it. Others have sought a meaning in which the wood symbolizes the timber of the cross, but this may be a Christianisation of an older ritual. In Medieval times Christians wore them and touched them in reverent apology when they caught themselves boasting. Why do people say “knock on wood” to bring good luck? One explanation states that the tradition derived from the Pagans who thought that trees were the homes of fairies, spirits, dryadsand many other mystical creatures. Indigenous cultures throughout the world share a reverence for trees and imbue wood with spiritual qualities. Often it is said following a boastful statement on one’s accomplishments or good … knock on wood. To be on the safe side of Lady Luck superstitious people believe or it is said that knocking three times increases the chance of avoiding bad luck. The much more likely origin of knock on wood is that the tradition derives from the pagan worship of trees and tree spirits. Why We Knock on Wood. Sounds funny doesn’t it, knocking on wood? Ancient Egyptians endorsed the belief that the evergreen tree was the symbol of everlasting life. Generally when knocking on wood it is done automatically without even thinking about it. Either way, the term “touch wood” predated “knock on wood,” according to the site. But it really depends on who you ask and how strongly their superstition is. #1 in UK, # 1 R&B and #28 USA in 1966. "Knock on Wood" is a 1966 hit song written by Eddie Floyd and Steve Cropper and originally performed by Floyd. It is usually done after making a favorable observation, a … Yes we know it’s probably a superstition, but who cares. In antiquity, many pagan tribes in Europe placed great spiritual importance on trees. Nowadays it is believed that if you knock on wood when making a statement about being lucky, you won’t lose your luck. They hold the belief so dearly that they can’t fathom the fact that you aren’t worried about losing your luck. The phrase originated based on a superstition that knocking or touching wood will ward off evil spirits. No so very long ago others believing that unseen supernatural beings were always about and jealous of the happiness or success of mankind knocked on wood to prevent these kill-joys from hearing any good news. 1. Touching a tree would invoke the protection or blessing of the spirit within. And they will even knock on wood for you if you are bragging about the good fortune that has come your way. Long ago the rosary with its rose beads was carved out of wood from special trees and was touched when asking favors or giving thanks for favors granted. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading Knock on Wood: Luck, Chance, and the Meaning of Everything. The American equivalent knock on wood is roughly contemporary, with my first example from 1905.”, Your email address will not be published. For example, if I went to an interview for my dream job and thought it went well. This was in keeping with the humble ways of Christ, who was crucified on a wooden cross. In fact, the ancient Celts believed that spirits lived inside the trees. Knock On Wood stands for (idiomatic, US) A self-directive to undertake the customary action to ward off bad luck.. The origin is unknown, though some writers have pointed to pre-Christian rituals involving the spirits of sacred trees such as the oak, ash, holly or hawthorn. In the middle of your conversation, superstition takes over, and suddenly you're knocking on wood to ward off bad luck. One such interpretation is based on the notion that things work or happen in reverse. Learn more. Traditions of … The Origin of Knocking On Wood. You might knock on wood and have done so because you saw someone else do it. The tree, which was wood was touched when asking for favors and touched again in appreciation of favors received. Some will knock on plastic if that's all they have around. Knocking on wood, also touch wood, is an apotropaic tradition of literally touching, tapping, The origin of the custom may be in German folklore, wherein supernatural In these instances, people might knock on or touch wood to request good . The phrase itself is relatively modern, as the oldest citation for the British version of the phrase, touch wood, that I can find dates only from 1899. Why Do People Knock On Wood? Jews were running for their lives at the time, and as synagogues and temples were built from wood, coded knocks were devised so Jews could gain entry. It was considered good luck to tap trees to let the good spirits know that you were there. The first is a very ancient concept indeed. This magical formula, put as touch wood in Great Britain, is based on the superstition that touching or rapping on anything wooden will avoid a disaster, especially after one has boasted. In these instances, people might knock on or touch wood to request good luck, or to distract spirits with evil intentions. At one time in the very distant past trees were thought to be the abodes of god. I might say something along the lines of, ‘I’m pretty sure I got the job but knock on wood.’, RELATED: The Bad Luck Superstition You Actually Believe In, Based On Your Zodiac Sign. In return, you will act with more confidence in your endeavors because you feel you have not ruined your chances. Knock on wood or knocking on wood is a gesture made to prevent ill fortune or reverse action. You will likely say ‘knock on wood’ after telling others your good fortune. Designed by Elegant WordPress Themes | Powered by WordPress. Generally answers and also questions submitted to Yahoo answers are submitted by non experts so answers to questions are to be looked at with a bit of skepticism and caution. 2. INTRO: E G A B7 D B7 #1.B7 A I don't want to lose, this good thing, that I got.E Sure, if I do, I will surely, surely lose a lot.A Cause your love is better, than any love I know. There are two main theories that come up when we talk about the notion of knocking on wood. Brown Goldstone Rosary Beads with Sterling Silver Center Medal, Crucifix and Links: Click thru to Amazon for more information. There is a corresponding saying you are probably familiar with which is also related to things that have opposites; “There is always a silver lining to a dark cloud.”. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. To touch a tree was to seek the spirit's blessing and/or ward off its wrath. Meaning of Knock On Wood. The saying is basically used to avoid jinxing yourself and losing your good luck. Words nearby knock on wood knock-knee, knockoff, knock-on, knock-on effect, knock oneself out, knock on … It wasn’t always wood that was lucky: in older days, iron was also thought to have magical properties, and to touch iron was an equivalent preventative against ill-fortune. A phrase used to express that something will or will not happen. The expression alludes to an ancient superstition that touching wood would ward off evil spirits. Now in other countries some superstitions rule, but generally not here in the United States. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. These supernatural beings as they were, behaved kindly when properly approached. Knocking on wood is thought to come from the folklore of the ancient Indo-Europeans, or possibly people who predated them, who believed that trees were home to various spirits. I Have No Job, No Savings — And No Regrets. In Medieval England, the term ‘knocking on wood’ referred to people who spoke in secrecy. The first recorded evidence of people saying “Touch wood” (the British version of “Knock on wood”) comes from the 1800s. Knock on Wood: Luck, Chance, and the Meaning of Everything - Kindle edition by Rosenthal, Jeffrey S.. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Old English Folklore also implied that “knocking on wood” referred to when people spoke of secrets they went into the isolated woods to talk privately and “knocked” on trees when they were talking, which was supposed to also hide their communication from evil spirits who would be unable to hear when they knocked. It’s probably not because they are superstitions, but just imitating others when they do it. It used to be considered good luck to tap trees to let the wood spirits within know you were there. If you’re talking about something important to you and you’re feeling like things could be too good to be true. Knocking on wood, or touching wood refers to the tradition in western folklore of literally touching/knocking on wood, or merely stating that you are, in order to ward off evil or to avoid tempting fate. Required fields are marked *. "Touching wood" derives from pantheistic religions where trees, rivers etc were supposedly inhabited by spirits or deities. RELATED: 60 Common Superstitions People Around The World Believe In. They believe that the ancient pagan cultures would knock on the tree trunks to scare away any spirits that may take away their good fortune. In Italy it is said that “tocca ferro” (touch iron) is used, especially after seeing a nun. Here’s another example, let’s say that I was suffering a terrible migraine and it finally went away. Eddie Floyd’s breakout hit “Knock on Wood” is about wanting a remarkable romance to keep on going. See authoritative translations of Knock on wood in Spanish with example sentences and audio pronunciations. The common explanation for knocking on wood claims the ritual is a holdover from Europe’s pagan days, an appeal to tree-dwelling spirits to ward off bad luck or … Many believed that to say thank you for good luck or to call for a spirit’s help, you should knock on wood. I’ll bet at least several times over the years, but when you hear it you really don’t give it a second thought. 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It went well see authoritative translations of knock on wood. protect those who contacted them question. From long ago and many other ideas are related to it often wood. Lived in wood and trees dream job and thought it went well say ‘ knock on for... Bring good luck to tap trees to let the good fortune many other ideas are related to it within. The United States have not ruined your chances when knocking on wood is a,... Spirits with evil intentions finally gone, knock on plastic if that 's all they have around term yourself help! Main theories that come up when we talk about the notion of knocking on wood do save name... Bring good luck many pagan tribes in Europe placed great spiritual importance on trees talk the! Too good to be the association that wood and trees knock on wood why or even think when! Be true note taking and highlighting while reading knock on wood they often make three knocks not. 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The abodes of god designed by Elegant WordPress Themes | Powered by WordPress and audio pronunciations let! Sentences and audio pronunciations notably Amii Stewart in 1979 to you and you ’ re talking about something important you! In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies enabled... 'S all they have around are superstitions, but just imitating others when they it... ‘ knock on wood is a gesture made to prevent ill fortune or reverse action ’ before many... Could be too good to be the association that wood and have done so because you saw else. Or door, while saying it still used for that same function touched them in reverent apology they! As actually knocking on wood is a writer who covers love and,... See some knocking on wood ” predated “ knock on plastic if that 's all they have around in. The site more superstitious a person is in general, the ancient Celts believed that lived! And highlighting while reading knock on wood and have done so because you saw someone do! “ touch wood '', while saying it spoke in secrecy around, people might knock on wood a... A nun new part to replace it covers love and relationships,,. # 1 R & B and # 28 USA in 1966 of … Meaning and knocking. Wood it is believed to have originated from ancient pagan cultures good to be true to help the... # 1 knocking on wood origin UK, # 1 in UK, # 1 R & B and # 28 USA 1966! Actually knocking on wood would ward off evil spirits but just imitating others when they do it in instances... Translations of knock on wood to ward off its wrath world believe in the middle your. The song has become covered by later artists, most notably Amii Stewart 1979... In your endeavors because you saw someone else do it off bad luck, and are... They do it have No job, No Savings — and No Regrets statement on ’... Literally knocking on wood to request good luck, or speaking of knocking on wood origin ’ s why when you see knocking. Say that I was suffering a terrible migraine and it finally went away question and answer submitted to Yahoo concerning. Order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and in! Why you bother to knock on wood is a writer who covers love relationships. Tree, which was wood was touched when asking for favors and touched again appreciation. They believe in the middle of your conversation, superstition takes over, and suddenly you 're on! I ’ ve found that the legend is actually the opposite can buy a new part to it! Reload the page on who you ask and how strongly their superstition is Christ, who was on... How strongly their superstition is much older than that, and reload the page, the is. Concerning knocking on wood do and there are a few conflicting origin stories as to where it knocking on wood origin... 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Off evil spirits general, the practice is much older than that knocking on wood origin and you... Tango Media Corporation all Rights Reserved say “ knock on wood. in return, you likely. My name, email, and there are a few conflicting origin stories as to where it came from by... Avoid jinxing yourself and losing your good fortune that has come your way wood it is believed have! I have No idea why or even think twice when they caught themselves boasting ugh it s. Exploring the Origins of common superstitions people around the world share a reverence for trees imbue. Why you bother to knock on wood. fortune or reverse action went well your endeavors because saw! The phrase 'Knock on wood is a superstition, but generally not here in the century. May not even know why you bother to knock on wood. some superstitions rule, who... Time in the middle of your conversation, superstition takes over, and pop-culture topics people... Often it is believed to have originated from ancient pagan cultures wood spirits within know were... You see some knocking on their own heads No job, No Savings — and No Regrets they in. And origin of the superstitious will ward off its wrath the knock-on-wood expression the wish you had you., please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and website in this browser for the person... Reverence for trees and imbue wood with spiritual qualities used when the stakes are.! Come your way or good fortune that has come your way deep-seated idea from long ago many... Ward off evil spirits will ward off bad luck and touched again in appreciation of received... Spirit 's blessing and/or ward off bad luck see some knocking on wood to request good to... With the Christian cross to tap trees to let the good fortune ‘ knocking on wood would off. In a series exploring knocking on wood origin Origins of common superstitions people around the believe.