Shaggy Dogs & Black Sheep by Albert Jack

October 16th 2005


Touchwood

Touch Wood. If we are hoping for something to happen, or perhaps not to happen, the worst thing we can do is talk about it, because that is challenging fate to give us the outcome we are hoping for, which is never a good idea. The traditional way to ensure a favourable outcome once we have mentioned it is to find a nearby piece of wood and touch it. For centuries, people have touched wood in the hope of ensuring good fortune, and it is now such a natural response we do not even know that we are doing it, let alone why. Sir Winston Churchill once said that he always made sure he was within reaching distance of a piece of wood wherever he went. Many authorities believe the tradition is Christian in origin and that the wood in question is that of a crucifix or a rosary. Others think it stems from the children's game of tag, and a participant is only safe when touching wood. There was also a children's game known as 'touch-iron', so there may be some truth in the theory, but I'm not convinced .