Knocking on wood

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Knocking on wood, and the spoken expression "knock on wood" or "touch wood" are used as a charm to bring good luck or to avoid "tempting fate" after making some boast or similar statement.

The expression is usually used in the hope that a good thing will continue to occur after it has been acknowledged. So, for example, one might say: "The rain looks like holding off, knock on wood", or "Knock on wood, I'm much better now."

It is commonly thought that knocking on wood has been a superstitious action to ward off evil throughout history. Some believe it has to do with knocking on the wooden cross. Another explanation for this practice is the pagan belief that spirits (dryads) lived in trees. By knocking on the wood of a tree while making some sort of a bold statement, the speaker could prevent the spirit from hearing him and stop the spirit from interfering.

However, there is no evidence for either theory, and the superstitions have not been traced beyond children's games of tag of the early nineteenth century.

Contents

[edit] History

According to Steve Roud, the earliest documented references to "touching wood" are from 1805 and 1828 and concern chasing games like "Tiggy-touch-wood", where you are safe from being "tagged" if you "touch wood". Says Roud, "'Tiggy-touch-wood' was an extremely well-known game, and it is most likely that the phrase passed into everyday language."

[edit] Variations

In some versions of the superstition, it is better to touch the underside of wooden furniture, as this is unfinished and closer to the real wood. If there is no wood available, some people will tap their head instead in gentle self-mockery.

In Poland the versions of this charm is "odpukać w niemalowane" [knocking on unpainted (wood)], as the name of the charm suggests the charm only works if one knocks on unpainted wood.

In Italy a similar superstition obtains- except that you must knock on metal, preferably iron.

[edit] In songs

I've never had to knock on wood
But I know someone who has
Which makes me wonder if I could
It makes me wonder if
I've never had to knock on wood
And I'm glad I haven't yet
Because I'm sure it isn't good
that's the impression that I get.

  • The artist Aceyalone refers to knocking on wood with this lyric, from the song "The Grandfather Clock":

I said my final salutations as I stepped amongst the monks
Then he took me exactly where I stood like he should
And I tried to reason with him and I tried knocking on wood

  • On the album Californication, by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the phrase knock on wood appears in the song Purple Stain

Knock on wood we all stay good
'Cause we all live in Hollywood
With Dracula and Darla Hood
Unspoken words were understood

[edit] References

Roud, Steve (2004). A Pocket Guide to Superstitions of the British Isles. London: Penguin. ISBN 0-14-051549-6.

[edit] See also

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