Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Katie Beirne Fallon and Shaun Donovan knocking on wood in the Oval Office (2015). Knocking on wood (also phrased touching wood or touch wood) 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 one's ...
Knocking on wood: This age-old superstition is believed to prevent bad luck or jinxes. If you say something hopeful, knock on wood to "seal the deal" and keep good fortune on your side.
Apotropaic observances may also be practiced out of superstition or out of tradition, as in good luck charms (perhaps some token on a charm bracelet), amulets, or gestures such as crossed fingers or knocking on wood. Many different objects and charms were used for protection throughout history.
Knocking on wood is a superstitious gesture used to ensure that a good thing will continue to occur after it has been acknowledged. However, it is sometimes used after speaking of a plausible unfortunate event, so that it does not actually occur.
“Knock on wood, but I'm in perfect health and have a lot of energy. I feel like I'm in my twenties,” he declares, adding that he's like to go out doing what he loves.
(knock on wood), you'll be all too familiar with our answer -- we are not sure. A few possibilities are repeated fairly consistently in the search results for our query "knock on wood origin." The explanation we prefer is the ancient belief that spirits either dwelled in or guarded trees.
For premium support please call: 800-290-4726 more ways to reach us
Knocking on wood" is thought to ward off all evil energies. [2] The ritual is completed when a person is talking about something positive that has happened in their life. The ritual is to pinch your right ear lobe and knock on wood twice, while saying mashallah. [5] It is believed that this stops Satan from becoming aware of your good fortune.