Why do we knock on wood? Tracing the origins of common superstitions

The origin of superstitions.

Why do we knock on wood?

Learn about where common superstitions come from.

Superstitions are a part of human history, mysterious little rituals that many of us engage in without quite knowing why.

You might touch wood to ward off bad luck or steer clear of a black cat crossing your path.

These peculiar practices seem so deeply embedded in our lives that questioning their origins rarely crosses our minds.

So, where did these superstitions come from and what do they really mean?

Knocking on wood: The forests whisper back

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Knocking on wood is a superstition almost as old as time, much like the origin of superstitions.

In ancient civilizations, people believed that spirits resided within trees.

A gentle knock was considered a way of asking the spirits for favor or thanking them for good luck.

Over time, this practice has endured, transforming into what we know today as a quick rap on a wooden surface to keep misfortune at bay.

The number 13: What is the origin of this superstition?

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Why do skyscrapers often lack a 13th floor, and why is Friday the 13th considered inauspicious?

In Western culture, the number 13 has been associated with bad luck.

Some historians trace this belief back to the Last Supper, where Judas, who betrayed Jesus, was the 13th guest to sit at the table.

Whether you see it as folklore or a serious taboo, the aversion to the number 13 continues to influence architecture, travel and even business.

Breaking a mirror: Seven years of bad luck

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Another superstition that many swear by is that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck.

In ancient Rome, it was believed that a person’s reflection captured a piece of their soul.

Shattering a mirror, then, was akin to fragmenting one’s soul, leading to misfortune.

The specific duration of seven years likely stems from the Roman belief that life renewed itself every seven years.

Crossing your fingers: A Christian gesture?

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The act of crossing your fingers for good luck has roots that may surprise you.

Initially, this gesture was a secret Christian sign during times of persecution.

Later, it evolved into a symbol for good luck or to ward off evil, possibly because the cross shape was thought to harness benevolent spirits.

Today, we often cross our fingers when hoping for a favorable outcome, sometimes without even realizing its historical background.

Walking under a ladder: A risky passage

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Most of us know to avoid walking under a ladder, but do you know why?

This superstition can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where the triangle was considered a sacred shape.

A ladder leaning against a wall forms a triangle, and walking through it would be seen as desecrating it.

In medieval times, this idea persisted, given a Christian spin that associated the ladder with the Holy Trinity.

Tossing salt over your shoulder: An ancient superstition

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Throwing salt over your left shoulder after you spill it is a ritual steeped in history.

Salt was once an expensive commodity, and spilling it was a significant loss.

The act of throwing it over your shoulder was a way to appease the spirits, particularly the devil who was believed to lurk behind you.

Though salt is no longer a luxury, the practice persists as a knee-jerk reaction to a minor accident.

The origin of superstitions: The black cat

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In ancient Egypt, black cats were considered divine and were often associated with the goddess Bastet.

But during the witch trials in Europe, black cats gained a bad reputation as witches’ familiars.

Nowadays, encountering a black cat can be seen as either good or bad luck, depending on cultural context.

Though largely considered a symbol of bad luck in Western culture, black cats are seen as auspicious in some other parts of the world.