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.
An 8-year-old boy passes away in the hospital, only to revive later, stating that Jesus entrusted him with a message meant for humanity
Julie and Andy Kemp were on their way home from church with their eight-year-old son, Landon, when they were caught in a devastating car crash. Their vehicle was struck by an ambulance rushing back to its station. Sadly, Andy died at the scene, while Julie struggled to stay conscious. Emergency personnel arrived and managed to stabilize her, but they did not initially realize that Landon was still in the car. It wasn’t until they noticed one of his shoes at the scene that they discovered him, hidden in the backseat due to the severe damage to the vehicle.
After multiple efforts, medical staff were able to resuscitate Landon, who had been found unconscious and not breathing. He was then airlifted to the hospital, where he suffered two more cardiac arrests. The outlook for the young boy seemed grim, and his mother was told that his likelihood of survival was very low.
Doctors warned that even if he did pull through, he might not be able to lead a normal life. Instead, he could remain in a condition resembling that of an infant, trapped in the body of an eight-year-old.
In the two weeks after the accident, Julie faced a heartbreaking journey. As she buried her husband, she watched her son fight for his life. Landon had slipped into a coma, and hopes for his survival were fading. Then, against all odds, he opened his eyes. The medical staff hailed his recovery as a miracle, astonished to find that, despite the gravity of his condition, he had suffered no brain damage.
Now that Landon was awake, Julie felt unsure about how to tell him about his father’s death. She asked him if he knew what had happened, and Landon replied: “Yes, I saw him”. He went on to explain that he had also met a friend of his father’s who had died a month before his dad. Landon mentioned seeing that friend’s son as well. “We didn’t say anything, but we were all just standing there”, he recalled.
Julie was surprised when her son mentioned that he had seen her two other children while he was in his coma. At first, she struggled to understand his words, but then a memory came to her mind. Consider the obstacles Landon faced and the actual details of the video linked below. It is sure to reinforce your conviction.
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