Knock On Wood Origin

The common explanation for knocking on wood claims the ritual is a holdover from Europes pagan days an appeal to tree-dwelling spirits to ward off bad luck or an expression of gratitude for good.

Knock on wood origin. What is the origin and meaning of knock on wood. May be the association that wood and trees have with good spirits in mythology or with the Christian cross. Whats the origin of the phrase Knock on wood.

Theres 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. Avoid misfortune andor hope for good luck. Traditions of this sort still persist in Ireland.

Posted by Jim McCracken on January 01 2006. Touching a tree would invoke the protection or blessing of the spirit within. 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.

It used to be considered good luck to tap trees to let the wood spirits within know you were there. The first possible origin of knocking on wood is that its a more modern equivalent to the ruckus that pagan Europeans raised to chase evil spirits away from their homes or to prevent them from. It is believed to have originated from ancient pagan cultures.

Wood and trees have an association with good spirits in mythology. Touch wood its sure to come good is the proverbial saying. Posted by ESC on January 01 2006.

Heres one origin story. An expression said when knocking on wood in order to keep from having bad luck. Knocking on wood also touch wood the usual phrase and action for speakers of British English is an apotropaic tradition of literally touching tapping or knocking on wood or merely stating that one is doing or intending to do so in order to avoid tempting fate after making a favorable prediction or boast or a declaration concerning ones own death or another unfavorable situation.