In the UK the phrase touch wood is used. Why We Knock on Wood. To learn more about superstitions, watch this TED-Ed Lesson: Where do superstitions come from? Here’s one origin story: Knocking on wood is thought to come from the folklore of the ancient Indo-Europeans, or possibly people who predated them, who believed that trees were home to various spirits. The expression alludes to an ancient superstition that touching wood would ward off evil spirits. Another theory about the origin of this superstition focuses on Christianity. But, really, why? Knock on wood is the Americanized phrase of the British "Touch Wood." Thanks for the post. Yet while the phrase “knock on wood”—or “touch wood” in Britain—has been part of the vernacular since at the least the 19th century, there seems to be little agreement on how it originated. One explanation states that the tradition derived from the Pagans who thought that trees were the homes of fairies, spirits, dryadsand many other mystical creatures. It is usually done after making a favorable observation, a boast, or speaking of one’s own death. Browse our 7 arrangements of "Knock on Wood." British folklorist Steve Roud wrote that the origin of the expression knock on wood is a Victorian children’s game called “Tiggy Touchwood,” a type of tag where kids are only safe when they were touching wood… If one wishes to... See full answer below. Let's break down the meaning and origin of wood knocking. Knock your knuckles on a piece of wood to bring good fortune or ward off bad luck. Browse our 7 arrangements of "Knock on Wood." Traditionally, when you speak of your own good fortune, you follow up with a quick knock on a piece of wood to keep your luck from going bad. Origin: This phrase has been around since the 19 th century, yet no one can decide on an exact origin. Somehow, this tradition has survived long after belief in these spirits had faded away. “Touch wood, it’s sure to come good,” is the proverbial saying. SKU: MN0029108 What’s the difference between a scientific law and theory? Meaning The phrase voiced by people who rap their knuckles on a piece of wood hoping for good luck. Find your perfect arrangement and access a variety of transpositions so you can print and play instantly, anywhere. In this theory, the wood in question is the cross that Christ was crucified on. Sheet music is available for Piano, Voice, Guitar and 4 others with 8 scorings and 2 notations in 9 genres. There’s also a Jewish version of “knock on wood” origin that contends the practice originated in the 1490s during the Spanish Inquisition under the … The phrase originated based on a superstition that knocking or touching wood will ward off evil spirits. This magical formula, put as touch wood in Great Britain, is based on the superstition that touching or rapping on anything wooden will avoid a disaster, especially after one has boasted. There’s also a Jewish version of “knock on wood” origin that contends the practice originated in the 1490s during the Spanish Inquisition under the infamous Torquemada. Search knock on wood and thousands of other words in English definition and synonym dictionary from Reverso. In Reply to: Wood posted by jessica kite on May 25, 2000 ... Others hold that this game and 'knocking on wood' had a common origin in primitive tree worship, when trees were believed to harbor protective spirits. Knock on wood. Touching a tree would invoke the protection or blessing of the spirit within. Not limited to English-speaking countries, common use of the expression can be found in virtually every part of the globe. Knock on Wood Lyrics: I don't want to lose you, this good thing / That I got 'cause if I do / I will surely, surely lose a lot / 'Cause your love is better / Than any love I know / It's like thunder Meaning and Origins. Copyright © 2010–2020, The Conversation US, Inc. Sign up for The Conversation’s newsletter. Knock on Wood Lyrics: I don't want to lose this good thing / That I've got, 'cause if I do / I would surely, surely lose a lot / 'Cause your love is better than any love I know / It's like thunder A superstitious phrase said after mentioning good fortune in order to prevent bad luck from occurring, often said in lieu of or while simultaneously actually touching a wooden surface. Lyrics begin: "I dont' want to lose this good thing, baby, that I've got." Somehow, this tradition has survived long after belief in these spirits had faded away. It is predated by a now-defunct saying "stomp on wood" which was used in the early 1800s. Knock On Wood:Eddie Floyd. Knocking on the wood, more or less then invokes Christ’s protection. I’d wager few, if any, people today think – after saying something that might bring bad luck – “I’d better ask the tree spirits for help!”. The derivation may be the association that wood and trees have with good spirits in mythology, or with the Christian cross. The saying "knocking on wood" was recorded only after the early 1900s. knock on wood meaning: 1. said in order to avoid bad luck, either when you mention good luck that you have had in the past…. Knock On Wood:Eddie Floyd. This is meant to symbolize calling on Christ for protection or good fortune. Touching a tree would invoke the protection or blessing of the spirit within. Knocking on wood, an act of superstition; Music "Knock on Wood" (Eddie Floyd song), a 1966 song by Eddie Floyd, covered by many performers Knock on Wood (Amii Stewart album), 1979; Knock on Wood – The Best of Amii Stewart, a 1996 album; Knock on Wood (Eddie Floyd album), 1967; Knock on Wood (The Young Gods album), 2008 "Knock on Wood" (1942 song), a song … INTRO: E G A B7 D B7 #1.B7 A I don't want to lose, this good thing, that I got.E Sure, if I do, I will surely, surely lose a lot.A Cause your love is better, than any love I know. KNOCK ON WOOD LIMITED - Free company information from Companies House including registered office address, filing history, accounts, annual return, officers, charges, business activity Victorian and, to a lesser extent, Edwardian writers loved explaining superstitions with bold comparative examples, sweeping generalizations and daring exegeses. However, no tangible evidence supports these origin stories. By Lisa LaBracio and Stuart Vyse on May 18, 2017 in. The History & Superstition of 'Touch Wood' Few people know why they do it, but still today when we mention something good that we would like to see happen in the future, many of us touch or knock on wood twice to keep from jinxing the expected good fortune. knock on wood (third-person singular simple present knocks on wood, present participle knocking on wood, simple past and past participle knocked on wood) ( idiomatic , US ) To take a customary action to ward off some misfortune that is believed to … Knocking on wood, also touch wood, is an apotropaic tradition of literally touching, tapping, The origin of the custom may be in German folklore, wherein supernatural In these instances, people might knock on or touch wood to request good . Posted by ESC on May 26, 2000. Knocking on wood, also touch wood, is an apotropaic tradition of literally touching, tapping, The origin of the custom may be in German folklore, wherein supernatural In these instances, people might knock on or touch wood to request good . Ever said something like, “I’ve never gotten a speeding ticket” – and then quickly, for luck, rapped your knuckles on a wooden table or doorframe? Since at the least the 19th century the phrase “knock on wood”—or “touch wood” in Britain—has been part of the vernacular The phenomenon has been traced to the Celts, an ancient pagan culture, who believed that spirits and gods resided in trees. The phrase ‘Knock on Wood’ is used when you are claiming that you’ve avoided misfortune and you want your lucky streak to continue. Many Christians believe that they are referencing the wood from Christ’s crucifixion when they knock on wood. US informal (UK touch wood) said in order to avoid bad luck, either when you mention good luck that you have had in the past or when you mention hopes you have for the future: The deal will be agreed on Wednesday, knock on wood. Furthermore, the theory goes, Christian reformers in Europe may have deliberately transformed this heathenish belief into a more acceptable Christian one by introducing the idea that the “wood” in “knock on wood” referred to the wood of the cross of Jesus’ crucifixion. In many cultures, it’s a common superstition for people to knock their knuckles on a piece of wood to bring themselves good fortune or ward off bad luck. The common explanation for knocking on wood claims the ritual is a holdover from Europe’s pagan days, an appeal to tree-dwelling spirits to ward off bad luck or an expression of gratitude for good fortune. Rosemary V. Hathaway does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Knocking on wood, or touching wood refers to the tradition in western folklore of literally touching/knocking on wood, or merely stating that you are, in order to ward off evil or to avoid tempting fate. Of course, much folklore is learned informally, by word of mouth or customary behavior. According to Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, “traditionally, certain trees, such as the oak, ash, hazel, hawthorn and willow, had a sacred significance and thus protective powers.”. Knocking on wood may seem trivial, but it is one small way people quell their fears in a life full of anxieties. It was considered good luck to tap trees to let the good spirits know that you were there. Why do people knock on wood? knock on wood (third-person singular simple present knocks on wood, present participle knocking on wood, simple past and past participle knocked on wood) ( idiomatic , US ) To take a customary action to ward off some misfortune that is believed to … Avoid misfortune and/or hope for good luck. Knock on wood definition at Dictionary.com, a free online dictionary with pronunciation, synonyms and translation. Look it up now! Learn more. You might knock on wood and have done so because … Write an article and join a growing community of more than 117,900 academics and researchers from 3,797 institutions. Origin May be the association that wood and trees have with good spirits in mythology, or with the… Take this brief passage on superstition from Keith Thomas in his Decline (747-748): The virtue attributed to […] It seems to trace back to the European idea of touching wood to ward off bad luck, or acknowledge good luck. knock on wood US informal (UK touch wood) said in order to avoid bad luck, either when you mention good luck that you have had in the past or when you mention hopes you have for the future: The deal will be agreed on Wednesday, knock on wood. It refers to the common superstitious belief, found in many cultures in the world, that you should touch wood or a tree to ward off bad luck. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Words nearby knock on wood knock-knee, knockoff, knock-on, knock-on effect, knock oneself out, knock on … Chances are you’ve knocked on wood in the past month. [Deep knowledge, daily. The common explanation for knocking on wood claims the ritual is a holdover from Europe’s pagan days, an appeal to tree-dwelling spirits to ward off … Origin May be the association that wood and trees have with good spirits in mythology, or with the… Here’s one origin story: Knocking on wood is thought to come from the folklore of the ancient Indo-Europeans, or possibly people who predated them, who believed that trees were home to various spirits. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. That puts knocking on wood in a category with other “conversion rituals” like throwing salt over one’s shoulder: actions people perform, almost automatically, to “undo” any bad luck just created. As a teacher of folklore – the study of “the expressive culture of everyday life,” as my favorite short definition puts it – I’m often asked why people knock on wood. The anthropologist Bronislaw Malinowski has a theory about such actions, called the “anxiety-ritual theory.” It states that the anxiety created by uncertainty leads people to turn to magic and ritual to gain a sense of control. In the UK the phrase touch wood is used. (in TED-Ed GIFs), 8 things TED learned from our high school interns. knock wood Hopefully this will be or continue to be the case; hopefully good luck will prevail. The British version of the phrase is "touch wood", while the American version is "knock on wood." The origin of knock on wood is debated but its widespread use suggests a powerful underlying belief system that crosses borders and cultures. In these instances, people might knock on or touch wood to request good luck, or to distract spirits with evil intentions. In history it was believed that tiny but lucky creatures lived in the wood. The origin of the custom may be in Celtic or German folklore, wherein supernatural beings are thought to live in trees, and can be invoked for protection. However, the practice is much older than that, and there are a few conflicting origin stories as to where it came from. So it’s possible – even likely – that the phrase and the ritual predate its first appearance in print. Most sources agree that knock on wood is the American English equivalent to the British English touch wood, but none shed any light upon why the phrase morphed into this form in the United States.Unfortunately, it seems evidence of the exact origin of the expression knock on wood … This goes back to the 3 digit years C.E. But, really, why? Why do people knock on wood for luck? The phrase 'knock on wood' is believed to be Germanic in origin. Knocking on wood is a superstition that started way back in the 19th century. The idiom "knock on wood" originates from German folklore, which hosted the pagan belief that evil spirits inhabited wood. The origin of "knock on wood" is a bit cloudy. Touch wood itself can be traced back to the druids and their Groves wherein they would touch the wood of the trees during rituals and prayer. Knocking on wood is thought to come from the folklore of the ancient Indo-Europeans, or possibly people who predated them, who believed that trees were home to various spirits. Touch wood itself can be traced back to the druids and their Groves wherein they would touch the wood of the trees during rituals and prayer. Meaning The phrase voiced by people who rap their knuckles on a piece of wood hoping for good luck. Nice graphics they gave me a good laugh. knock on wood. Need to translate "knock on wood" to Dutch? Still they knock, to avoid negative consequences. Knock on wood is the Americanized phrase of the British "Touch Wood." To get brand new TED-Ed Lessons delivered to your inbox each week, sign up for the free TED-Ed Newsletter here >>, 5 theories about why we love (in TED-Ed GIFs). Americans accompany this action by saying, “Knock on wood.” In Great Britain, it’s “Touch wood.” They knock on wood in Turkey, too. Jews were running for their lives at the time, and as synagogues and temples were built from wood, coded knocks were devised so Jews could gain entry. There is a corresponding saying you are probably familiar with which is also related to things that have opposites; “There is always a silver lining to a dark cloud.” Origin Theories. While that title track to Eddie's 1967 debut album is the most famous song on the collection, it's far from the only highlight. Example of Use: “I barely avoided being involved in that 20 car pileup, knock on wood!” The general custom though is to knock on wood, not just touch it. This goes back to the 3 digit years C.E. It used to be considered good luck to tap trees to let the wood spirits within know you were there. Traditions of … Meaning and Origins Knocking on wood is a superstition that started way back in the 19th century. Knock on Wood may refer to: . Instrumental Solo in Bb Major (transposable). Associate Professor of English, West Virginia University. Chances are you’ve knocked on wood in the past month. Find your perfect arrangement and access a variety of transpositions so you can print and play instantly, anywhere. Lyrics begin: "I dont' want to lose this good thing, baby, that I've got." Wood and trees have an association with good spirits in mythology. #1 in UK, # 1 R&B and #28 USA in 1966. West Virginia University provides funding as a member of The Conversation US. Very interesting how it seems like everyone has a superstition in their life. Knock on wood or touching wood as a charm or gesture is founded on this presumption of things happening in reverse and its intention is to prevent joy from turning to sorrow. To “knock on wood” has long been been considered good luck, and it certainly was for Eddie Floyd; the Alabama-born singer-songwriter turned the phrase into a No.1 R&B single that's been covered countless times. It was said to originate from early settlers when they would stomp the floor in their log cabins to avoid bad luck. #1 in UK, # 1 R&B and #28 USA in 1966. this expression is a superstition that is used in the hope that a good thing will continue to occur even after its mentioned. What's the origin of the phrase 'Knock on wood'? When in need of a favour or some good luck, one politely mentioned this wis… Print and download Knock on Wood sheet music by Eddie Floyd arranged for Voice or Piano. Knock on wood or knocking on wood is a gesture made to prevent ill fortune or reverse action. In many cultures, it’s a common superstition for people to knock their knuckles on a piece of wood to bring themselves good fortune or ward off bad luck. Knock on Wood Lyrics: I don't want to lose this good thing / That I've got, 'cause if I do / I would surely, surely lose a lot / 'Cause your love is better than any love I know / It's like thunder knock on wood. Why do people knock on wood for luck? Knuckle tapping on wood in order to avoid bad luck or to continue having good luck. this expression is a superstition that is used in the hope that a good thing will continue to occur even after its mentioned. Here's how you say it. Sign up for The Conversation’s newsletter.]. INTRO: E G A B7 D B7 #1.B7 A I don't want to lose, this good thing, that I got.E Sure, if I do, I will surely, surely lose a lot.A Cause your love is better, than any love I know. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. 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