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The Learning Kingdom's Cool Word of the Day for April 16, 1999
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knock on wood
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In Britain, the phrase is "touch wood," but the meaning is the same.
It's said (while performing the act, of course) as a way of warding
off evil influences. "With good weather, we'll make it into port by
Sunday, knock on wood."
There are several interesting theories about the origin of this
ancient ritual. The most commonly accepted explanation goes back
to pre-Christian times, when Pagans believed in the protective powers
of the spirits of certain trees, notably oak, ash, or holly. By
touching the tree, one was said to awaken the benevolent spirit
within.
Another theory that may ultimately come from the same source involves
the extremely ancient children's game of tag, where one who is
touching a tree is safe from capture.
It is likely that another explanation, in which the wood is the cross
of Jesus, is a Christian reinterpretation of a much older source.
Another unlikely theory explains that during the Spanish Inquisition,
Jews would use certain codes to knock on the wooden doors of
synagogues for safe entry.
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