“Knock on Wood”
The superstition of knocking on wood

I’m a no-superstition and logic-all-the-way type of gal, but one “superstition” that I constantly practice and that makes me feel better is KNOCKING ON WOOD.
This seemingly simple gesture we sometimes do has transcended generations and cultures. It’s a minor thing to do, but let’s explore where it comes from, its place in Turkish culture, and what it means to me personally.
Background
They say “knock on wood” or “touch wood,” as a phrase comes from at least the 19th century, but they are still unsure of its true origins.
There are reports about it being originated in some pagan communities around the world. One article says that one example is the Celts, who “worshipped and mythologized the trees.”
Since they thought the trees had Gods in them, touching wood would provide protection from harm or evil spirits.
An article on History also says, “Christians, meanwhile, have often linked the practice to the wood of the cross from Christ’s crucifixion.”
It’s interesting… When you search about the origins of “knock on wood,” all you get is European history and white history in general.
No one ever talks about the older history of knocking on wood as a protection in indigenous and Asian communities.
For example, in these communities, wooden objects were carved, worn or carried around for protection.
During that time, Shamanism was also one of the common practices.
Did you know that ancient Turkic cultures practiced Shamanism and believed in a God called “Kök Tangri,” a.k.a. Sky God?
Turkish culture
One theory of the etymology of the word “shaman” is that is comes from Tungusic languages, related to the root “a man who loses self-control” but it also had an Indo-European cognate in a word for a Buddhist ascetic. The world “shaman” was transferred to French through Russian.
Old Turkic people used the world “kam” instead of “shaman.” However, the Orkhon Inscriptions of the eighth century, which offers valuable information on ancient Turkic people’s lifestyle and history, does not mention the world “kam.”
Turkish people coming from shamanism before they were converted to Islam is a topic for another day because there’s a lot that I want to say about that.
But “knock on wood” is still a huge part of Turkish culture. In fact, in Türkiye, “tugging an earlobe before knocking on wood twice is the best way to ward off misfortune.”
Personal reflections
As someone being born in Istanbul, Türkiye, to Turkish parents, I grew up knocking on wood every time I felt scared or unsafe.
I was talking to my uncle the other day, and we were talking about psychology and spirituality. I told him about my intrusive thoughts since my dad passed away last year.
Now, I can’t help but fear the possibility of the sudden death of family and friends. He mentioned something that really resonated with me and has been a part of my experience, too.
He said that he’s fascinated ny how these fearful, intrusive thoughts that haunt us seem to magically disappear when we knock on wood for protection. And we feel a sense of protection almost immediately.
I experienced this a lot and started to notice how much it helps me mentally. It’s like a miracle solution to my fearful, intrusive, and/or negative thoughts, which I’m aware that it probably comes from being exposed to this superstition since I was a kid.
When I look at it from my logical mind, I can see that this relief or a sense of protection from knocking on wood comes from being brainwashed since I was a kid. The beliefs they teach us as little kids get ingrained in our subconscious mind.
Well, in this context, it’s working out perfectly for me, and I don’t mind it.
Does this happen to you? Do you feel a sense of protection or luck when you knock on wood? What other superstitions bring you comfort?
Sources:
- Where Did the Phrase “Knock on Wood” Come From? | Trusted Since 1922 (rd.com)
- Why Do People Knock on Wood for Luck? | HISTORY
- Knock on Wood: Exploring the Superstitions and Folklore Surrounding Wooden Objects — Wood Questions
- Shamanism: A practice of early Turkic beliefs | Daily Sabah
- Where The Phrase ‘Knock On Wood’ Came From (grunge.com)
Thank you for reading!
This is a response to the Saturday prompt below: