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Where does the saying knock on wood come from and what does it mean?
JeSuisUnePirate
Back in the past, people used to believe that the gods live in the tree trunks, so by touching them they get blessed.
Hope this amendment to this answer from another helps
Meaning
The phrase used by people who rap their knuckles on a piece of wood hoping to stave off bad luck. In the UK the phrase 'touch wood' is used - often jokingly by tapping one's head. The phrases are usually used when one is already experiencing some good fortune and hope that it will continue - e.g. "I've been winning on every race - touch wood".
Origin
The derivation may be the association that wood and trees have with good spirits in mythology, or with the Christian cross. It used to be considered good luck to tap trees to let the wood spirits within know you were there. Traditions of this sort still persist in Ireland. See also - the darling buds of May.
The British version - touch wood, had an earlier Latin version used when touching wood - absit omen!, meaning 'far be that omen from us'. This dates from at least the early 17th century, when it is quoted by Heywood. It isn't clear when touch wood began to be used. It must have been well-known by 1849, when The Boy's Own Book published the rules of a children's game that derived from the phrase:
"This game is sometimes called 'Touch-iron' or 'Touch-wood'; in these cases the players are safe only while they touch iron or wood, as may be previously agreed. They are liable to be touched only when running from one piece of wood or iron to another."
Knock on wood - the American version, is known from the early 20th century. For example, The Indianapolis Star, September 1908:
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What does knock knock on wood mean?
Knock on wood means you are hoping that it happens.
What does knock on the wood mean?
Knock on wood means you are hoping that it happens.
What does the superstition knocking on wood mean?
Knock on wood means you are hoping that it happens.
What does touch wood or knock on wood mean?
Touch or knock on wood is an old superstition based on the belief that spirits resided in trees and plants. You touch wood (some people say knock on wood) to ask for good luck or the spirit's blessings.
Why did Midieval people knock on wood?
It was believed that trees had spirits and to invoke those spirits you would tap on the tree, "knock on wood". The practice tended to be a way to ask the spirits to intervene and save you from a bad out come (bad luck). This is why when you say something you do not want to come about you "knock on wood."
Why did people in the 1980's carve wood?
If you mean pumpkins or something for decoration, then I would say because they enjoy doing that.
Where did the phrase knock on wood come from?
The phrase 'knock on wood' is believed to be Germanic in origin. In history it was believed that tiny but lucky creatures lived in the wood. Knocking on the wood would bring them out to gran you good luck.
What is a sentence with knock on wood?
All my children are healthy, knock on wood.
What is the origin of the phrase 'Knock on wood' or 'Touch wood'?
The exact origin of the phrase "knock on wood" is unknown, however many speculate that is could have come from rituals in early times where trees were considered sacred spirits. Others believe the phrase originated in Ireland. To knock on wood was to alert leprechauns that you were thanking them for giving you good luck. Another popular belief is that by knocking on wood you prevent the devil from hearing what you have just said, which in turn prevents the action from occurring. It is also possible that the origination of the phrase "knock on wood" is derived from Christianity and the wood is a reference to the cross on which Jesus was crucified.The British version of this expression, 'touch wood,' is supposed to have derived from a 17th century practice of warding off bad luck by touching something made of wood while saying 'absit, omen!'Phrase maven Gary Martin (please see link) says it became 'knock on wood' in the United States by the early 20th century.
When was Knock on Wood - Eddie Floyd album - created?
Knock on Wood - Eddie Floyd album - was created in 1967.
What are the release dates for Knock on Wood - 1998?
Knock on Wood - 1998 was released on: USA: 1998 (Dances With Films Festival)
Why do people knock on wood to bring good luck?
People knocking on wood is a superstitious act. People think that they say something bad and then knock on wood, it will not happen to them.
