Witches’ stairs are a strange but interesting design feature that became popular on TikTok a couple of years ago. Even though they have an unusual history, their name doesn’t really have to do with superstition. Instead, these stairs are a clever design choice. When made and installed correctly, they can be both useful and nice to look at!
Witches’ Stairs aren’t what they Appear.
While the stories about witches’ stairs might sound more interesting, they actually have a very practical purpose. They are really useful in homes with little space, like attics, lofts, and tiny houses. Witches’ stairs are designed to save space while still allowing you to go from one floor to another. Architects often call them “alternate tread stairs.”
How Witches’ Stairs Function
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Witches’ stairs are designed to save space in two ways. First, each step is only half as wide as regular steps, and the steps are staggered. This makes the staircase narrower than a traditional one. These smaller stairs can also be used for extra storage, like for books or displaying items. According to Scott Schuttner, who wrote “Basic Stairbuilding,” the distance between the steps on one side of an alternating-tread stair is twice the height of the rise, which gives you more space on the steps and makes them safer.
Besides being practical, witches’ stairs meet building codes and safety standards in the U.S. A standard staircase is usually 3 feet wide, while a residential witches’ staircase is typically between 27 and 30 inches wide.
Real Origins
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In 1985, a businessman named J.M. Lapeyre created a metal version of witches’ stairs. He thought these stairs could be a safe alternative to ladders in commercial and warehouse settings, especially in tight spaces where ladders might not be safe. This design is also used on commercial ships and oil rigs, and it can be called ship stairs or ship ladders, in addition to witches’ stairs and alternate tread stairs.
Misconception
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When videos of witches’ stairs first appeared on TikTok in 2021, they were linked to an urban legend. According to this legend, these staircases were built in 17th-century Massachusetts to keep witches away during the Salem witch trials because “witches can’t climb up them.” This idea has been proven false, but another rumor suggests that Thomas Jefferson came up with the design. Because of this, witches’ stairs are sometimes called Jeffersonian or Jefferson stairs. However, an original version of the design was also mentioned in a book called “Monckton’s One Plane Method Of Hand Railing and Stair Building,” published in 1888.
Debunking the Myth
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The exact origins of witches’ stairs are a bit unclear, but one thing is clear: there’s no historical evidence that they were designed to keep witches away. Historian Robin Briggs has studied many historical sources and found no mention of stairs that could disable witches. Interestingly, some people with these unique staircases also buried “witch bottles” or included dead cats in their homes for protection against witchcraft, but Briggs calls this idea “pure disinformation.” He notes that the closest belief was that putting a broom over the door would trap a witch inside.
While it’s fun to think about myths and legends, it’s also interesting to know the real history of witches’ stairs. Regardless, they offer a unique and decorative alternative to regular staircases, adding a fun and quirky touch to home design.
Toddler Declares She Is No Longer Speaking To Mimi…then the unexpected happened
One day, in a sweet suburban neighborhood, tiny Emma, a lively toddler who loves bright outfits and untidy ponytails, solemnly announces that she is cutting off communication with her cherished grandma Mimi. The cause? Mimi inadvertently spilled juice on Mr. Fluffykins, Emma’s cherished teddy animal.
Emma is steadfast in her decision, crossing her arms and pouting whenever Mimi tries to interact with her, even in the face of Mimi’s numerous apologies and attempts to make things right with cookies and goofy games.
As the days go by, the home turns into a battlefield of obstinate wills, with Mimi wanting to regain her granddaughter’s love and Emma adamantly rejecting Mimi’s presence. Trapped in the middle, Emma’s parents do everything from ice cream bribery to mediation sessions, but to no success.
Alex, Emma’s older brother, observes the spectacle with pleasure while imparting his own knowledge, speculating that the stalemate might be resolved by forgiveness.
At last, one night as the family sits down to eat, Emma longingly watches as Mimi dishes up her favorite spaghetti—with extra cheese. Emma’s willpower wanes as she gingerly reaches out for a mouthful, unable to resist the mouthwatering perfume.
Mimi takes advantage of the situation, snatching Emma up in her arms and giving her lots of kisses and hugs. Mimi apologizes again, her eyes welling with tears, and she swears she will be more watchful going forward.
Emma puts her arms around Mimi’s neck and says she forgives her, overcome by her own yearning for their unique link and moved by her grandmother’s genuineness.
The family, recognizing that even the smallest rifts can be healed with love, forgiveness, and a hearty helping of spaghetti, celebrates the end of the quiet standoff with joy and laughter.
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