These strings were single decades of beads and a cross, called paternosters (meaning “Our Father” in Latin). This prayer became known as the “poor man’s breviary,” and beads were utilized to assist in this devotion. In this way, they could participate more fully in the liturgical prayer of the monastic tradition. Because many people could not read or could not afford a breviary to say prayers, the laity would recite 150 Our Fathers, to mirror the 150 Psalms prayed in the Psalter by those in religious life. Prayer beads were used in early pagan and Christian times, and in the Middle Ages, the structure of the rosary became more defined. The history of the rosary has unclear beginnings. To understand the whole meaning, let’s look back at the story of the rosary. Over time, Christianity adapted this pagan practice. Another explanation for the phrase “knock on wood” refers to the practice of praying the Holy Rosary, in a time when rosaries were often made of wood. Other sources note the phrase may have come from a children’s game, similar to “tag,” in which players had to touch wood to be “safe.īut the common saying also has Christian origins and interpretations. Knocking on tree wood, then, was a way to invoke the blessings of these spirits, or distract and ward off the evil spirits. Some historians believe the phrase comes from ancient pagan beliefs that fairies or spirits lived in trees. The practice of literally knocking on or touching something wood to ward off bad luck or to continue good luck may have originated from pagan cultures or folklore. The phrase and practice of “knocking on wood”, as it is commonly used today, is superstitious.
It is a fitting time to reflect on the popular devotion of the rosary and to grow in appreciation of it throughout the year. After all, the saying “knock on wood” has a Catholic connection to the holy rosary and to the Cross. Knock on wood, here’s hoping Mary’s intercession through all those rosaries said during the month will help bring peace and healing to our world. We have just completed October, the month dedicated to the Holy Rosary.
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