Superstitions? Who Made Them Up?

This signifies the neutralization of a jinxing brought on by mentioning an either hoped-for or feared result. The knuckles are rapped on a nearby piece of wood (or, jokingly, someone's head). Usually this is only valid if done on bare (i.e. unpainted) wood. One possible reason for the tradition could have been from an animist culture who believed that the knocking would release spirits to protect them. It has also been said to stem from a belief that any nearby evil spirits who overhear somebody speaking of good fortune which has come his way may send some bad luck to offset it; knocking on wood was thought to keep the spirits from hearing. It is also known as "tapping wood" or "touching wood". In Italy, one knocks on iron with the hand in the corna horns position

I have heard it from my parents which my parents get it from their parents also. So I guess it is more likely to be a tradition. As my mom would put it, there is nothing to lose to follow that act. =)

It came from the time of the witches in Salem.. They believed if you knocked on wood the evil spirits would answer and strenghten their powers. Maybe thats why they always rode on a broom made out of wood it had the power to fly because of the spirits inside the wood. LOL.. kidding ..

It is touch wood dear

Yes, there are many others. I think its because it is something bad, peple used to knock on the wood and, no way no way. so its becoming like that. I dont know why. its just my guessing though. There are things like if a kid tooth is fell, if it is the upper part, then trhow it down.. but if it is lower part. throw it up.