Where did the phrase “knock on wood” come from?
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 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.
