DeepSummary
Josh and Chuck discuss the superstition of knocking on wood to ward off bad luck or ensure good luck. They trace the origins of this practice to ancient Celtic beliefs about tree spirits, particularly oak trees, as well as a more recent 19th century British game called 'Tig Touch Wood' where touching wood would make one safe. They mention various cultural variations, like spitting three times in Greece to ward off the evil eye, or Danes throwing broken dishes at friends' houses for luck on New Year's Eve.
They talk about how performing an action, like actually knocking on wood, is key to making luck rituals feel effective according to research. Other lucky practices mentioned include crossing fingers, which potentially originated as a secret Christian symbol, and Chinese traditions of sweeping bad luck out the back door before the new year.
Throughout the episode, Josh and Chuck analyze the possible folkloric roots and logic behind these superstitions, while also acknowledging their inherent irrationality. They conclude by wishing each other luck in a humorous way, highlighting the overall lighthearted nature of the discussion.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Knocking on wood is a common superstitious ritual to ensure good luck or ward off bad luck, dating back to ancient Celtic beliefs about tree spirits.
- Performing a physical action is psychologically important for luck rituals to feel effective.
- Many cultures around the world have their own unique lucky rituals and superstitions.
- The origins and logic behind these superstitious practices are often irrationally explained through folklore.
- The hosts discuss these irrational beliefs in a lighthearted, conversational, and at times humorous manner.
- Luck rituals persist despite the acknowledged lack of evidence for their efficacy.
- The episode provides examples of culturally-specific lucky practices like Greek spitting, Thai penis amulets, and Chinese new year cleaning.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “And they found that the people who felt like, all right, I think this worked, is the ones who actually did something, whether even if it was throwing the ball, because it was an action.“ by Chuck
- “So they found that they can only date it back to 1912 and said, given its late appearance, restricted distribution most of the UK and colonies, and the fact that crossed fingers bear no relation to the shape of a cross, this explanation is completely unfounded.“ by Josh
- “Well, Chuck, I wish you the best of luck in all of your endeavors.“ by Josh
Entities
Company
Person
Book
Episode Information
Stuff You Should Know
iHeartPodcasts
4/3/24
What's the deal with knocking on wood? It's an action one takes to ensure good luck. Which doesn't exist. Yet we do it. Humans are funny that way.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.