Stories behind superstitions knock on wood the simple. Stewarts disco version was the most successful on weekly music charts. Though we may say we dont believe in superstitions, they have an unmistakable power. Knock on wood superstition mystery, book 2 by linda o johnston. The song has become covered by later artists, most notably amii stewart in 1979. I dont want to get out of bed if the hour is whatever followed by.
Which, id just like to say that ive never understood that one because my birthday is n a th and ive never encountered anyone in life who tried. To touch wood or knock on wood is a superstition action to ward off any evil consequences or bad luck, perhaps because of some recent action youve taken or untimely boasting about your good fortune ive never been in danger of drowning, touch. The real reason people knock on wood and the origin of other. The knock on woodtouch wood superstition has pagan origins, from the spirits and creatures who inhabited the woods knocking on tree trunks would awaken them for protection. Cunaplusshutterstock this phrase is almost like a verbal talisman, designed to ward off bad luck after. Eating peanuts before an auto race brings bad luck.
Prayables knocking on wood works uncovering truths. You run into a neighbour from your street on the other side of the world. Why we knock on wood, and the truth about 7 other common superstitions duration. Knock on wood and other superstitions author rh value publishing formatbinding hardcover book condition new new quantity available 1 binding hardcover isbn 10 0517459442 isbn 9780517459447 publisher random house value publishing place of publication new york this edition first published july 9, 1986. Publication date 1984 topics superstition publisher new york. Knock on wood and other superstitions hardcover july 9, 1986 by rh value publishing author see all formats and editions hide other formats and editions. Knock on wood and other superstitions by rh value publishing, july 9, 1986, random house value publishing edition, hardcover in english.
I liked learning about superstitions that were new to me. Knock on wood where did it come from, whats the purpose. Why we knock on wood for good luck and the explanation of. Traditionally, when you speak of your own good fortune, you follow up with a quick knock on a piece of wood to keep your luck from going bad. Sep 01, 2003 grade 35itchy ears, broken mirrors, and hats worn backward join wood spirits, ghosts, and of course black cats in this imaginative exploration of common and lesserknown superstitions. Weve been leafing through the history books to trace the roots of this belief. I answered this question about black cats earlier, look around for the other person who asked it. To ask other readers questions about knock on wood, please sign up. Wong explores seventeen superstitions, some common, others that are less known, and.
Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. In this collection of original poems, accomplished poet janet s. Telling someone to knock on wood is a motor reflex just like saying thats what she said, it comes out before you can even stop yourself. The shapely poems are infused with fey intimations in keeping with the collections theme. I explain to students that research for this book usually takes the form of book research and internet research, but for this book i did a third kind of. Why we knock on wood and other common superstitions. Original poems combine with stunning illustrations reminiscent of folk art, to explore superstitions and superstitious beliefs from black cats to knocking on wood and lots more. Even though i have not read the 1st book in the series, information about that story was revisited as part of the story in this book. Feb 11, 2015 why we knock on wood, and the truth about 7 other common superstitions duration. Knock on wood and other superstitions by random house value. Oct 14, 2019 the knock on woodtouch wood superstition has pagan origins, from the spirits and creatures who inhabited the woods knocking on tree trunks would awaken them for protection. Poems about superstitions are, at the very end of the book, the about the superstitions, which briefly explains why the seventeen elements are associated with superstition, for example the belief that ghosts live in umbrellas come from the chinese culture, and the authors note that tells.
Mcelderry books isbn 9780689855122 itchy ears, broken mirrors, and hats worn backward join wood spirits, ghosts, and of course black cats in this imaginative exploration of common and lesserknown superstitions. It became a symbol of good fortune around 1850 after a mention in notes and queries magazine source. Included are an alphabetic encyclopedia of wellknown and lesserknown superstitions. Knock on wood is the 2nd book in the superstition mystery series. Wong is the author of more than a dozen picture books and poetry collections. This month, its touch wood, also commonly known as knock on wood. Jeffrey rosenthal tackles this in his new book, knock on wood. Carole potter a small sampling of the many symbols, charms, expressions, and behaviors that have a story behind them. Many of us have uttered the phrase knock on wood or avoided stepping under ladders in the hopes of warding off bad luck. Summary knock on wood is an anthology of poems written by janet wong. Weve been using the phrase since at least the 19th century to protect our good fortune but theories as to why link it back even further. Poems from the world of dreams, a new york times best illustrated book, and knock on wood. Pdf download the encyclopedia of superstitions free.
Knocking on wood, also touch wood, is an apotropaic tradition of literally touching, tapping, or knocking on wood, or merely stating that one is doing or intending to do so, in order to avoid tempting fate after making a favorable prediction or boast, or a declaration concerning ones own death or another unfavorable situation. Poems about superstitions, both illustrated by julie paschkis, as well as grump, a charlotte zolotow award highly commended book, illustrated by. Apr 16, 20 traditionally, when you speak of your own good fortune, you follow up with a quick knock on a piece of wood to keep your luck from going bad. Origins of some common superstitions, like why we knock on. Publication date 1984 topics superstition publisher.
The first recorded evidence of people saying touch wood the british version of knock on wood comes from the 1800s. Things that have been in direct contact with other things, retain that contact. To touch wood or knock on wood is a superstition action to ward off any evil consequences or bad luck, perhaps because of some recent action youve taken or untimely boasting about your good fortune ive never been in danger of drowning, touch wood. All the poems in this text are themed around superstitions in current or historical societies. Knock on wood is a mustread for anyone who wants to understand why things happen. Knock on wood and other superstitions by rh value publishing. If youve ever caught yourself knocking on wood, you may wonder, does knocking on wood really work.
Wong explores seventeen superstitions, some common, others that are less known, and delves into their origins as well as their lore. An authors note with a bit of information about superstitions concludes this engaging book. Thats what tech insider is answering in this clip below where they explore the origins of 8 common superstitions including knock on wood and 7 others like the number being unlucky. Brits tend to say touch wood, but the meaning is the same. This book is the one that was the most fun to write. But these and other common superstitions typically have a colorful history that dates back centuries. Maybe you have knowledge that, people have see numerous time for their favorite books when this knock on wood poems about superstitions, but end going on in harmful downloads. In knock on wood rory is settling into destiny, managing the lucky dog boutique and becoming part of the destiny community. Of course you dont have to be famous to believe in superstitions. Then you can start reading kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer no kindle device required. And what about all the other things on your superstitions list. The cancer is no more likely to stay in remission one way or the other.
These are the origins of 7 common superstitions, like why we knock on wood. In his book the lore of the playground, british folklorist steve roud traces the practice to a 19th century childrens. Knocking on wood wikimili, the best wikipedia reader. Cats, clovers, ears, and garlic are just a few of the items that carry superstitions.
Knock on wood is a 1966 hit song written by eddie floyd and steve cropper and originally performed by floyd. This is the second book in the superstition mysteries. However, the practice is much older than that, and there are a few conflicting origin stories as to where it came from. To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. Start studying knock wood learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Explaining the origins of 8 common superstitions like knock. Passed down through the ages, many of these superstitions are grounded in myth and old wives tales, but each tells a storybequeathing a record of the values of a bygone day and age. Darrell bricker, ceo, ipsos public affairs, coauthor of the big shift rosenthal is a lighthearted and entertaining writer. More recently, simply saying the phrase knock on wood. Knock on wood and other superstitions july 9, 1986. Knock on wood and other scandinavian superstitions. Dont want to lose this good thing as the song goes well, you better knock, knock on wood.
Christians adapted this ritual to associate knocking on wood with the wood of the cross thus seeking the protection of god. Open library is an open, editable library catalog, building towards a web page for every book ever published. The pocket guide to superstitions is a book of historical research, the result of years of searching for examples of superstitions in every source we can think of novels, plays, poetry, children. Knock on wood and other superstitions by rh value publishing and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at. Knock on wood and other superstitions by random house.
You do not have to have read the first book, but it does fill in the background for the reader of how rory ended up in this quaint yet quirky little town. Knock on wood and other superstitions open library. In knock on wood, with great humour and irreverence, rosenthal divines the world of luck, fate. Besides spreading disease, sneezing means that your enemy has mentioned your name and swedes combat such terrible luck by saying prosit. Stories behind superstitions knock on wood the simple things.
If youre about to get on a plane, what should you doand avoid doingto assure a safe flight. Poems about superstitions, both illustrated by julie paschkis, as well as grump, a charlotte zolotow award highly commended book, illustrated by john wallace. Many of us touch wood or knock on wood to ward off bad luck or secure good luck, reaching out for the nearest wooden surface as we say it. Superstitions are largely innocuous and allow for at least the illusion of control in situations where we feel like we have none. Superstitions knock on wood poems about superstitions thank you entirely much for downloading knock on wood poems about superstitions.