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
The Learning Kingdom
tags: Tradition Tradition ×