We've all done it, but why? I'll tell you.

Why It's Lucky

The tradition dates back to pagan times, when people believed that gods dwelled in trees. Touching wood (if you're British) or knocking on wood was a way of acknowledging and securing favor with the gods. People have also long believed that if you draw attention to your good fortune, you will make evil spirits envious and they will take it away. "He who talks too much of happines summons grief" goes the old proverb. There are two theories as to why knocking on wood helps: One explanation suggests that knocking on wood frightens the bad spirits away or prevents them from hearing of your good fortune. The other proposes that it acknowledges and calls to the good spirits, who will use their power to ensure you retain your good luck.

Now you know. Knock away!

I bought a book that has given me a reason to post more blogs. To educate the masses! And by that I mean the now two, since Could has apparently left, people who actually read this. It's a book about luck. (hence the title of the blog) I can do good luck or bad depending on what you would rather read about. Anyhoo, on with the show! Seems only logical that we start with Lady Luck herself.

Why She Is Lucky

More than two thousand years old, Fortuna (for the ancient Romans) was the original lucky lady, and she personified chance and fortune. Although she wasn't lucky enough to be granted her own feast day, she did have her own cult, along with a number of temples that became destination oracles for emperors in search of answers. Priestesses there gave seekers responses to questions as the result of die tosses or lot drawings. Representations of her on coins and carvings are plentiful and varied. She is often pictured with a cornucopia, symbolizing the possibility of plenty, and sometimes with a rudder or a wheel, where the touch of her hand steers man's fate. And she's often shown blindfolded or standing on or juggling a ball to show the fickle nature and unpredictability of her beneficence.

How To Use Her

Like any lady, treat her with respect. Don't assume she'll always be there when you need her, be grateful when she makes an appearance, and always remember to give her credit when credit is due. And don't forget the Latin proverb, which is about as old as she is: Fortis fortuna adiuvat. "Fortune favors the bold."

*All of the above was taken from the book Luck: The Essential Guide. Should be safe from potential lawsuit now.*

I just realized that I've been here for over a year. Hard to believe. Didn't think I'd stick around that long. Kinda thought this would just be a passing phase. But it has been an interesting year. And I had had a much more active blog than I ever thought I would. One with 500+ comments. That was fun. And in this year I have found something far greater than anything I had expected. Friends. So here's to you. Arigato! Gracias! Xiexie! Merci! Danke! Takk! Grazie!