Why We Knock on Wood: The Origins of Superstitions

Have you ever stopped to think about the origins of superstitions?

You’ve probably done it—said something hopeful, then instinctively rapped your knuckles against a wooden surface. Maybe you don’t even know why. But that simple gesture isn’t just a habit. It’s part of a long chain of beliefs passed down through generations.

When we talk about knocking on wood, tossing salt over shoulders, or avoiding broken mirrors, we’re stepping into the deep and strange world of old traditions.

Where do these customs come from? Why do they persist, even in a time dominated by science and reason? This article dives into the origins of superstitions, uncovering how ancient fears, religious beliefs, and cultural rituals continue to shape everyday actions.

The Need for Control in an Unpredictable World

Superstitions often emerge from uncertainty. In ancient societies, life was unpredictable—plagues, storms, poor harvests. Without scientific explanations, people looked for patterns and causes in the unseen.

By performing small rituals or avoiding specific actions, they felt a sense of control. If you dropped something before a journey, perhaps it meant delay would save your life. If your eye twitched, maybe someone was speaking ill of you. These beliefs provided reassurance and structure.

Even today, when logic and data dominate, that desire for emotional security hasn’t disappeared. Superstitions survive because they tap into our oldest instincts: fear, hope, and the human craving for meaning.

Knocking on Wood: An Ancient Plea to the Spirits

The act of knocking on wood is one of the most widespread superstitions in the world.

Its origins are often traced to ancient pagan cultures, particularly among the Celts. They believed spirits lived in trees—benevolent beings that could offer protection or guidance.

By touching or knocking on wood, people hoped to awaken these spirits, thank them, or seek their favor. It was a spiritual gesture, not just a physical one. In other cultures, the knock was meant to chase away evil forces who might overhear your positive statements and try to reverse them.

Over centuries, this practice lost its religious context but kept its form. Now it’s a reflex. But each time we do it, we’re echoing an ancient belief: that nature listens, and that actions can protect words.

Read also: The Most Powerful Mythological Creatures and Their Origins

Salt, Mirrors, and the Power of Symbolism

Another enduring superstition involves spilling salt—something that was once so precious it was used as currency. In ancient Rome, soldiers were sometimes paid in salt, a “salarium,” which gave us the word “salary.” Spilling it was seen as careless and disrespectful.

The ritual of tossing salt over the left shoulder stems from the idea that evil spirits lurk on that side. The salt would blind or repel them, keeping bad luck at bay. Again, a tiny act with symbolic power.

Mirrors, too, were once believed to hold parts of the soul. Breaking one wasn’t just damaging an object—it was believed to shatter your connection to the spiritual self.

The idea of “seven years of bad luck” may have come from Roman beliefs that the soul regenerates every seven years. Until then, you’d be spiritually vulnerable.

All of these actions—though often performed without thought—reflect how deeply the origins of superstitions are tied to ancient understandings of the world.

When Superstition Becomes Cultural Ritual

Superstitions are not universal. While some, like knocking on wood, have global reach, many are deeply rooted in specific cultures.

In Turkey, for instance, chewing gum at night is believed to turn into the flesh of the dead. In Japan, hiding your thumbs while a hearse passes is thought to protect your parents from death. In Brazil, placing a purse on the floor is said to bring financial ruin.

These beliefs serve as informal social codes. They help people navigate fear, grief, wealth, and relationships using familiar signs. They also connect generations—many people inherit superstitions from parents or grandparents, long before understanding their background.

As such, they’re not just irrational habits. They’re emotional anchors. They’re a kind of folk wisdom—imperfect, yes, but rich with meaning.

Superstitions in the Modern World: Do They Still Matter?

It’s tempting to dismiss superstition as outdated. In an era of smartphones, AI, and medical breakthroughs, why do people still avoid black cats or knock on wood?

Because knowledge doesn’t always erase emotion. You can understand weather patterns and still feel uneasy during a storm. You can know logically that a broken mirror means nothing—and still feel a shiver when it happens.

Many psychologists argue that superstitions function like coping mechanisms. Athletes wear lucky socks. Students bring “exam pencils.” These small rituals reduce anxiety and create a sense of preparedness.

In other words, superstition isn’t always about belief. It’s often about comfort. It’s a human response to stress, change, and uncertainty.

Are All Superstitions Harmless?

While many superstitions are benign, some can have negative consequences. Believing in “bad luck” can lead people to avoid travel, cancel plans, or live in fear of arbitrary numbers like 13. Others might spend money on charms or rituals that exploit their fear.

In extreme cases, communities may ostracize individuals due to superstitious fears—such as accusations of witchcraft or possession. In these moments, superstition crosses into harmful territory.

Still, most modern superstitions are personal and relatively harmless. The key is awareness. When we recognize why we believe something, we can choose whether or not to keep it—and how much power to give it.

What Superstitions Reveal About Us

The origins of superstitions reveal what people value and fear. Protection, love, safety, good fortune. They are mirrors of the soul—emotional blueprints passed down not through science, but through stories, symbols, and rituals.

That’s why they persist. Because even if we stop believing in spirits in the trees, we still want to believe that our words matter. That our hopes can be guarded. That we’re not alone in trying to shape our futures.

The next time you knock on wood, pause for a second. You’re not just following a habit. You’re connecting with something ancient—something human.

Questions About the Origins of Superstitions

1. Why do people knock on wood after saying something positive?
Because ancient cultures believed it would invoke tree spirits for protection or silence evil forces.

2. What’s the history behind tossing salt over the shoulder?
It’s linked to ancient beliefs that salt wards off evil, especially from the left side of the body.

3. Are superstitions the same in every culture?
No. While some are global, many are unique to specific countries or regions, shaped by local beliefs.

4. Do superstitions still serve a purpose today?
Yes. Even if not “true,” they offer emotional comfort, reduce anxiety, and help people feel in control.

5. Can superstitions be dangerous?
Sometimes. If taken too far, they can create fear-based behaviors or justify harmful actions.

6. Why are mirrors linked to bad luck?
They were once seen as holding part of the soul—breaking one symbolized spiritual damage or vulnerability.

7. Is the number 13 unlucky everywhere?
No. In some cultures it’s neutral or even lucky. The fear of 13 is more common in Western traditions.

8. Do modern people still follow superstitions?
Absolutely. Even highly rational individuals often carry small rituals or habits based on superstition.

Victor Sousa 18 de June de 2025