Why Do We Cross Fingers Or Knock On Wood for Luck?
The three most common superstitions and their history explained.
Jordan: Mom, I’ve been doing awesome in all my exams so far, tomorrow is the last — I think I am going to nail it.
Mom: Knock on wood — don’t jinx it before it’s over!
Jordan: Yea you’re right — I think I’ve done well but fingers crossed for a good result.
That’s probably a pretty normal conversation most of us have had at some point in our lives — whether as the son/daughter or as the parent or in a different context.
We knock on wood many times a day and cross our fingers for good luck all the time. There are so many other superstitions that we casually practice every day without knowing the roots of the belief. Here are some of the most common beliefs and their origins — so you know exactly what ancient magic you’re pinning your hopes on when you conjure all the luck in those crossed fingers.
#1 — Touchwood or knock on wood
There’s hardly anyone I know that would be unfamiliar with touching wood for good luck or in the context of “not jinxing” something good.
What’s with touching wood that is so lucky? How does the almighty wood — and often your own…
