How did the phrase "knock on wood" originate?

Question

The maturity level and quality of responses on this site by far exceeds other similar sites. I'm glad I made the switch. Knowledgeable people on this one!!

Answer 1

It is commonly thought that knocking on wood has been a superstitious action to ward off evil throughout history. Some believe it has to do with knocking on the wooden cross. Another explanation for this practice is the pagan belief that spirits (dryads) lived in trees. By knocking on the wood of a tree while making some sort of a bold statement, the speaker could prevent the spirit from hearing him and stop the spirit from interfering.

Answer 2

The custom is also thought to originate from Pagan times when trees were held in high esteem. People believed the "tree spirits" inhabited the trees and woodlands. To knock a tree was a sign of respect and was thought to wake the spirit within and provide protection from evil.

It is also thought that the expression and ritual may be a result of the Christian belief in The Crucifixion. Christ was crucified on a cross made of wood and hence, knocking on wood may be a sign of this belief, and a sign of deep compassion and reverence for Christ's resurrection.

Answer 3

Knock on wood
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 though, 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:

"He is a promising looking youngster, and once we get on velvet (knock on wood!) the New York fans will get a chance to see him in action. When that time comes (knock on wood again!) it is more than likely that he will not disappoint."

Note: 'on velvet' means in a position of advantage, especially regarding betting on sporting events

Answer 4

The idea was to wake up any good spirits who lived in the wood or tree to invoke their good luck regarding whatever you were saying. It's come to mean 'hopefully'.

Answer 5

No one is sure, it is a very very old expression, see the link for some possible answers.