The western tradition of crossing the first and second fingers as a way of "attracting" good luck is a holdover from the early history of Christianity, when there was great tension between Christians and non- Christians (called Pagans by early Christians). Early Christians believed that it was important to honor their faith by making the sign of the cross, which is done by touching the body four times. But in the presence of Pagans this act might have given offense or even incited violence. So instead they made a "cross" by unobtrusively crossing their fingers, and many people still do it today. More about all kinds of superstitions: http://home.flash.net/~tinyt/superstitions.html Why is a rabbit's foot thought to be lucky? http://features.LearningKingdom.com/fact/archive/1999/11/01.html Why do people prefer not to walk under ladders? http://features.LearningKingdom.com/fact/archive/1999/12/02.html