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john65pennington's avatar

What is the origin of "knock on wood". Is this just another myth legend?

Asked by john65pennington (29258points) April 10th, 2012
4 responses
“Great Question” (1points)

Superstitions, they drive some of us batty. My worst is a black cat. I will circle the block, in order to avoid a black cat from crossing my path.

Question: so, what is the origin of “knock on wood”? Is this another superstition or is it accomplished for good luck?

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syz's avatar

When you say “or is it accomplished for good luck” then it is by definition a superstition.

syz (35943points)“Great Answer” (1points)
marinelife's avatar

One version (no one knows for sure) is that it derives from tree-worshipping cultures in which spirits inhabited trees.

JLeslie's avatar

I think, but I am not sure exactly, it goes back to when people would speak about something that should be unspoken. They would speak softly and knock on wood so others did not hear. I think it evolved to how it is used today.

Supacase's avatar

I don’t know, but it is the one superstition I can’t seem to ignore even though I know it’s ridiculous.

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