Superstition

Have you ever crossed your fingers for something you really, really wanted?

Most of us probably have. The gesture is said to have originated with early Christianity, as a secret signal between believers. You don’t have to see it as religious, though, to do it when you’re hoping for good luck. You don’t even — and here’s the interesting part — have to believe it that it works.

I mean, really. What good does it do to have your middle finger hooked over your index finger? That won’t affect the out...