Why do we say ‘knock on wood?’
Why do we say ‘touch wood?’
What could the origins possibly be for this common phrase?
So, touching or knocking comes from the pagan belief that the good spirits that inhabit the wood have the ability to help, heal and protect.
For centuries, trees and wood have symbolized protection and prosperity.
Cultures all over the world have been using this common practice to bring good luck and or prevent bad spirits from terrorizing them.
This practice can be traced all the way back to the Celts, who believed that their gods and spirits lived in trees.
Celts would call upon their gods and spirits for protection while in battle, or from severe weather, or any other harm that might come their way.
They also believed that knocking on the tree trunks of their gods was a way of showing gratitude, so they would turn to the trees whenever they were in search of a good outcome.
