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.
Fans Notice Wynonna Judd, 60, ‘Lost Too Much Weight’ as She Flaunts ‘Skinny’ Look in Black Plunging Outfit
The main topic of conversation among the general public is Wynonna Judd’s physique. After seeing an online snapshot and video of the singer, many noticed a considerable change in her weight. Years have passed since she disclosed something regarding her weight.
The 60-year-old country music queen Wynonna Judd ignited Instagram on August 7th when she uploaded a picture of herself with a rockstar guitar and her fiery characteristic hair, looking stunning and lively. Even while many people acknowledged Wynonna’s attractiveness, they couldn’t help but notice something quite strange about her physique.
She was wearing an all-black outfit with a plunging neckline in the photo, offering fans a cheeky peek at her cleavage and neck. Wynonna accessorized her ensemble with an eye-catching rosary as she made a kissing face for the camera.
The singer of “I Saw The Light” wrote in her post, “THE BACK TO WY TOUR STARTS IN ONE MONTHHHH!!!!!!!!!!,” hinting at an exciting new project she’s working on for her followers.
On August 10, three days after the picture was shared, a fan uploaded a video of Wynonna performing at the Back Road Music Festival in Galva, Illinois, on TikTok. She was spotted wearing the same attire as in her Instagram picture.
The country music icon was captured on camera performing a stirring cover of one of her best-loved songs, “No One Else On Earth,” to the sound of her gifted band.
Wynonna’s long, glittering black jacket swayed as she went around the stage and swung her hands in the air, giving an intense performance for the enthusiastic audience. Occasionally, it would show off what was underneath—a black, tight-fitting top that emphasized her thin figure.
Many people used social media to comment on how much weight they thought the musician had dropped recently after viewing the photo and TikTok fan video, with some saying it was too much.”You’ve shed too much weight,” an Instagram user said.
“Someone say ozempic,” said someone else who thinks Wynonna may have taken anything to aid in her weight loss. One netizen wrote, “Love you Wy, you need some biscuits and gravy cause you a bone now baby!!!”
However, some individuals believe Wynonna looks fantastic now that she has shed some weight.”Whoa, Wy, you look amazing. Very lovely. I want to have your current slim figure. Please share the secret, gushed an admirer.
Another admirer echoed the remark and mentioned Wynonna’s late, renowned mother, saying, “Wynonna, you look just like your beautiful mama now that you’ve lost all the weight! ♥️.”
Even though Wynonna hasn’t officially acknowledged her recent weight reduction, a review of some of her older images and videos reveals a noticeable change in the star’s physical appearance. Wynonna appears somewhat fuller than she does now in a portrait of the “Give A Little Love” singer at the 2022 CMT and Sandbox Live event held in her honor.
A close-up of Wynonna’s face was seen in a video that CMT’s official account posted on Instagram during her performance at the same event. Wynonna’s face appears rounder and plumper from the perspective of the video than it does now.
Wynonna and her late mother Naomi Judd, who performed the song “Love Can Build A Bridge” as their duo group The Judds, are seen in the video.
Wynonna revealed a personal information about her weight on an earlier edition of “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” years before that performance and before her most recent Instagram photo and appearance at the Back Road Music Festival.
Ashley Judd, Wynonna’s sister, and mother joined her on the program. A 2010 excerpt from the conversation disclosed Wynonna’s history with weight issues.
She acknowledged that when she was a little child, she first struggled with her weight. The musician of “Flies On The Butter” disclosed that she had never discussed her issues with her mother or sister, which just serves to exacerbate the wound.
The country legend is still a stunning, creative force in the music business, whether or not she lost weight, despite the fact that the aforementioned facts are undoubtedly depressing.
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