Knock on Wood!

Knock on Wood!

©Allen Merritt (2016)

I was having a phone conversation the other day when I responded affirmatively to a question by saying, “Knock on wood.” I remember this phrase growing up as meaning something to the effect that everything was fine and hopefully will remain that way. I guess it would be thought of similarly as if I had said, “God willing.”  

Most of the time you are supposed to find a piece of wood to knock on as you were saying it to make it a more concrete statement to ward off negativity or bad luck. But what does it mean and where does the tradition/ritual come from?

According to one website’s theory, trees hold spirits within and if you knock on them, you are able to invoke those spirits for positive good luck. It also was a way to demonstrate a sense of gratitude.¹

Now, doesn’t that make you want to go out and hug a tree or two?

I mean, who would not want to invoke the best in positive energy and good luck!

Makes sense to me.

In any case, I remember my mother using it. I also remember if wood was nowhere to be found, I would knock on my head as a symbol of “knocking on wood.”  I know that part is a bit silly, but the contextual meaning of wishing for good luck by saying this phrase while simultaneously performing the action is what I remember the most.

If you want to know how various traditions view this idea of “touching wood”, then try looking up the phrase “knocking on wood” on Wikipedia. Most of the various cultures around the world see it as a custom for good luck and spiritual protection against negative forces.

It’s interesting because I haven’t thought much about this phrase in many years, but it stuck in mind once I said it in conversation, so I thought I would share my experience.

This also brings to mind an old classic song by the same name.

Of course, I understand it does not have quite the same impact, but it plays on the idea of the tradition and superstition of the phrase. Have a listen and you can get the jist of it.

KNOCK ON WOOD "Amii Stewart" - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ztZ7WFo3nw

So I want to wish everyone a bit of good luck this week. So it is up to you to answer the following in proper accordance.

Are you going to have a happy-go-lucky and wonderful week?

Say this: “Yes, I am. Knock on wood!”

(Make sure to have some wood to knock on.)

If that doesn’t work, just go find a tree and give it a good squeeze!

Enjoy your Life Living On a Positive Note!

Cheers!

http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2014/01/knock-wood/¹ (Viewed on 3/13/2016)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knocking_on_wood² (Viewed on 3-13-2016)