Questions & Answers: Touch wood/knock on wood “What is the origin and true meaning of knock on wood or touch wood?” And an interesting addition - "A Jewish version says it originated during the Spanish Inquisition under Torquemada during the 1490s. During that time Jews were in flight and since temples and synagogues were built of wood, they evolved a code to use in knocking on doors to gain admission. Since this resulted in lives being saved, it became commonplace to knock on wood for good luck."