Source link : https://las-vegas-news.com/the-20-forgotten-origins-of-common-superstitions/
We knock on wood without thinking twice. We avoid walking under ladders. We toss salt over our shoulders and cross our fingers for good luck. These little rituals feel like second nature, woven so deeply into our daily lives that we rarely stop to ask why we do them. Yet behind each superstition lies a forgotten story, a slice of history that’s been buried under centuries of repetition.
Some of these beliefs trace back to ancient civilizations, while others emerged from medieval fears or practical wisdom that got twisted over time. The truth is, most of us perform these gestures without knowing their origins. Let’s dig into the strange, surprising, and sometimes bizarre beginnings of the superstitions we still follow today.
1. Knocking on Wood
This one feels almost instinctive. You say something hopeful, then immediately rap your knuckles against the nearest wooden surface. The gesture supposedly wards off bad luck or prevents you from jinxing yourself. Most people assume it’s just an old wives’ tale, but the roots go deeper than that.
The practice likely originates from ancient pagan cultures who believed spirits lived inside trees. By knocking on wood, you were either asking the spirits for protection or thanking them for good fortune. Early Christians later adapted this, associating wood with the cross and divine protection. Either way, the superstition stuck around because it gave people a sense of control over…
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Author : Matthias Binder
Publish date : 2026-02-04 14:40:00
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