Superstitions of the WorldKnocking on wood: superstition explained
What people believe, where it comes from and what is really going on.
The belief
After saying something hopeful, such as "I have never been ill", many people knock on wood, or say "touch wood", to avoid bad luck.
Where it comes from
The custom is said to come from the belief that spirits lived in trees, and touching a tree asked for their protection, or to thank them. Another theory links it with Christian reverence for the wood of the cross. Nobody knows.
What is really going on
A harmless gesture. It shows a common human habit of not wishing to boast about good fortune.
See also
- Evil eye (nazar) The belief that a harmful look, especially of envy, can bring harm is found from
- Horseshoe A horseshoe hung above the door, points up, is lucky in many Western countries,
- Four-leaf clover The rare four-leaf clover is considered lucky, in particular in Ireland, where c
- Crossing fingers A gesture for luck in many countries, thought to come from the early Christian s
- Shooting star In many countries, a shooting star is an occasion to make a wish and keep it a s
- Wishbone Two people pull on the wishbone of a chicken or turkey; the one with the larger
Questions people ask
What is the superstition about knocking on wood?
After saying something hopeful, such as "I have never been ill", many people knock on wood, or say "touch wood", to avoid bad luck.
Is it true?
There is no evidence that it affects events; it is a cultural belief.
This page reports popular beliefs for interest. Superstitions do not predict or cause anything, and nothing here is advice.