Knock on Wood, the Church, and Door Idioms
I teach when I am not writing or I can say, when I am not teaching, I write. I have done a lesson where students were given ten living rooms to look at. They had to guess whether the occupant/s were male or female, state if they were married or single, guess their income or social status, say if they were young or old and what country they came from. They had to give their opinion on the style of furnishing.
In the end, they were given photos of the occupant/s who happen to be standing in front of their doors. The lesson was quite revealing and interesting.
But the doors generated other ideas. Why don’t I take photos of doors and church doors? I thought of people knocking on church doors to gain sanctuary. And then I began to wonder about the origin of the expressions” knock on wood” “ or “knock wood.” I did some research, the sources which I have listed below.
One source states that the tradition derived from the Pagans who thought that trees were the homes of fairies, spirits, dryads and many other mystical creatures. In these instances, people might knock or touch wood to request good luck, or to distract spirits with evil intentions. When in need of a favor or some good luck, one politely mentioned this wish to a tree and then touched the bark, representing the first "knock." The second "knock" was to say "thank you." The knocking was also supposed to prevent evil spirits from hearing your speech and as such stop them from interfering.
Alternatively, some traditions have it that by knocking upon wood, you would awaken and release the benevolent wood fairies that dwelt there.
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| photo of medieval Tuscany village 123 RF.com |
Another story of this superstition’s origin comes from a time when people lived in wooden huts. The prosperous and healthy were afraid to speak of their good fortunes; envious, evil spirits could ruin and reverse it. When someone talked of their good fortune, they knocked loudly on the wooden walls to prevent any jealous eavesdroppers and spirits from hearing.
The idea that knocking or touching wood would ward off evil or bring you good luck, may have been adopted by Christians, as were many early pagan beliefs.
In a number of Christian communities, the belief is that by touching wood, you are touching the wood of the Cross and as such are seeking the protection of God. On this same token, there were people who believed that by carrying pieces of wood or the true cross, that this would bring you good luck. This probably led to people wearing crosses around their necks. It is no longer as fashionable as it used to be.
The idea that knocking or touching wood would ward off evil or bring you good luck, may have been adopted by Christians, as were many early pagan beliefs.
In a number of Christian communities, the belief is that by touching wood, you are touching the wood of the Cross and as such are seeking the protection of God. On this same token, there were people who believed that by carrying pieces of wood or the true cross, that this would bring you good luck. This probably led to people wearing crosses around their necks. It is no longer as fashionable as it used to be.
Likewise, the church building is a sanctuary for whoever knocks on its wooden door. Unfortunately, the idea of the church as a sanctuary has been disrespected by forces in a country in a state of destructive civil war. Those who thought they were safe were slaughtered.
We learn that one of the most interesting elements of this particular superstition is that regardless of nationality, religion or geography, there seems to be a similar phrase in many cultures across the globe. For example, in the Arab world "امسك الخشب" (imsek el-khashab) is said and means to “knock on wood”; In Arabic it's دق الخشب - duqq al-khashab - knock wood; In Turkish: Tahtaya vur. (knock on wood).
In French we say: 'Touchons du bois'. which means: 'Let's touch wood'. Hungarians say. “Hogy lekopogjam.” (to knock it)
In French we say: 'Touchons du bois'. which means: 'Let's touch wood'. Hungarians say. “Hogy lekopogjam.” (to knock it)
In Brazil, this expression exists: "bater na madeira," which also has the exact same meaning. Again, in Czech the saying is "klepat na dřevo" or “Musím to zaklepat” (I have to knock it). In Finland the saying is "koputtaa puuta" and in Greek "chtipa xilo." Despite being on opposite sides of Europe, the phrase is used for the same purpose and it also means exactly the same as the English equivalent.” In the USA the expression used is “knock on wood.”
In Sweden, the phrase "ta i trä" (touch wood) is commonly used as a part of the phrase "peppar peppar, ta i trä" (pepper pepper, touch wood), the double "pepper" also being used to ward off a temptation of fate. It's often shortened to just saying "peppar peppar" while knocking on wood.
In the Caribbean, we say, the same, “knock wood.” It seems that no matter where you are, it might always be better to touch wood for luck - just in case.
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| St. Thomas, Virgin Islands |
I am now leaving you with some door idioms.
As dead as a doornail.– to be devoid of life.
As one door closes, another one opens-we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us
At death's door- to be very sick
When poverty comes in the door, loves flies out the window.
Backdoor man-A man having an affair with a married woman.
Beat a path to your door-to be eager to buy or get something from someone: She was a successful lawyer and had clients beating a path to her door.
Behind closed doors -if something happens behind closed doors, it is hidden or kept secret from public view: The deal was negotiated behind closed doors.
Get his foot in the door — get started toward a goal; take the initial step to do something bigger
Keep the wolf from your door-If you keep the wolf from the door, you succeed in providing food and other necessary things for yourself or your family.
Sources
https://forum.wordreference.com/threads/touch-wood-knock-on-wood.1048439/
(c) Althea Romeo-Mark 08.11.18
(c) Althea Romeo-Mark 08.11.18
This is very interesting, Professor ! I like your course.
ReplyDeleteDear Eva,
DeleteI am delighted that you found the blog interesting.
All the best,
Althea Romeo-Mark