新视野大学英语视听说教程 4 Unit 6-5

（单词翻译）

IV. Speaking Out
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 demons¹ 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 brag² without being punished. People once thought that evil spirits would become jealous if good fortune was pointed³ 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 braggart⁴ of that good fortune
Chris: I’m afraid those who don’t know this superstition⁵ 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 standing⁶ under some mistletoe right now.
Chris: Luckily I’m not. Touch wood.