Knock, Knock!!
Picture a troop of summer campers as they gather around the cabin leader to hear the plan for a hiking trip that evening. “We’ll be heading out after dinnertime,” the leader announces. “Weather permitting,” they add and tack on a “Knock on wood!” Wood is plentiful in our daily lives—and especially so at summer camp—so it’s an easy request to fulfill, but what exactly do people mean when they use this expression and where did it come from?
Used to express a desire for good luck and a fortunate outcome, the phrase Knock on Wood is much appreciated here at Everything Summer Camp, the home of C&N Footlockers. Here we take the idea of good luck seriously which is why our trunks are constructed from solid, 3/8" cabinet-grade plywood to make a sturdy, reliable, and beautifully-crafted camp trunk. Knocking on the solid wood of our trunks is a way of recognizing the quality and care that goes into each one.
So where did this phrase come from? We don’t know for sure, but there are a couple different theories:
The first theory goes back to an 1800s phrase from a popular children’s game by the name of ‘Touche du Bois’ or ‘Touch Wood’. To play the game, one would make a statement and then immediately would have to knock on a piece of wood to avoid being caught or punished.
The other theory goes back much further to an ancient belief that there were spirits living within trees. When you knocked on a tree, it was thought to awaken or appease the spirits inside and bring you good fortune.
So next time you find yourself wishing for a positive outcome, try knocking on some wood—it just might help! And if you're looking for a trunk that will bring good luck and last for many summers to come, check out our traditional steel camp trunks right here at Everything Summer Camp where, the home of C&N Footlockers. Thanks for reading, Folks. And, as always, Happy Camping!
- John