Why do we cross our fingers? I had no idea, so I looked it up. I tried to guess first, but ended up resorting to empiricism. Since I couldn't think of anything that might bring me instant luck, I simply crossed the fingers of my left hand and balled up a sheet of paper. The trash can is in the opposite corner of the room, over ten feet away, so it felt like taking a three-pointer, especially since a ball of paper weighs next to nothing.

I took a deep breath, fixed my eyes on the trash can, and performed a neat lob that sent the paper ball straight into it, like a rainbow shot.

That got me thinking.

My fingers were still crossed, so I scanned my desk for something else I could throw. I spotted a filthy eraser that seemed perfect for the experiment. I picked it up and got ready for my second shot.

I used the same technique: I took a deep breath and threw the eraser. It flew straight into the trash can, following a flatter trajectory, and didn't even bounce.

I was thrilled, already picturing a huge audience on its feet, giving me a standing ovation. Then I spotted the stapler and hesitated. Staplers are expensive in my country, but I had to choose between it and the tablelamp, so it was a no-brainer.Besides, if I failed, It would’ve been worth it. It was for the sake of science.

Third shot, same drill. I took a deep breath, fixed my eyes on the trash can and, with my fingers crossed and slightly numb, threw the stapler. It went straight to the floor.

"Third time's the charm," I complained.

Then my mind went back to the initial question: Why do we cross fingers?

No one knows for sure. One theory says it comes from an ancient Christian tradition for good luck. Originally, it took two people, each crossing their index finger with the other person's. (That reminded me of the old joke: "How many men does it take to change a light bulb?") Luckily, they later realized they could cross their fingers themselves. We also keep our fingers crossed behind our backs when we lie, which makes even less sense to me after my experiment. If you're going to lie, at least do it honestly.

Interesting bonus fact: In Vietnam, crossing your fingers has a completely different meaning. It's the equivalent of giving someone the finger. So if you ever travel there, don't even think about wishing anyone good luck, or you might find yourself in real trouble.