新視野大學英語視聽說教程第四冊 Unit 6 MODEL 1

This is a custom that dates back to the ancient Celts.

Chris: Sue, do you know why people say, “knock on wood” when they want to avoid bad luck?

Susan: It sounds a bit funny. As far as I know, it has a lot to do with ancient Celtic people. They worshipped trees.

Chris: Sounds interesting.

Susan: They thoughts trees would suck demons back into the ground.

Chris: Well, when you think about the deep roots, their belief seems to make some senses.

Susan: What’s more, knocking on wood was a way to brag without being punished. People once thought that evil spirits would become jealous if good fortune was pointed out to them

Chris: Uh, yes, go on.

Susan: well, by knocking on wood three times, the noise could frightened away the evil spirits, and they couldn’t have to rob the braggart of that good fortune

Chris: I’m afraid those who don’t know this superstition might be frightened away as well.

Susan: Now here’s a test. Do you know how the custom of kissing under the mistletoe originated?

Chris: I haven’t the slightest idea, but I’m all ears.

Susan: Again this is a custom that dates back to the ancient Celts. Since they worshipped trees, they conducted many of their ceremonies in the woods in the shade of trees.

Chris: Now I see. Probably it’s under these mistletoe trees that weddings took place.

Susan: I wish you were standing under some mistletoe right now.

Chris: Luckily I’m not. Touch wood.