Whether you call them “coffin windows” or “witch windows,” these slanted windows add an air of intrigue and mystery to the already quirky but charming Vermont landscape. First, the folklore: According to an old superstition, it is believed that a witch riding on a broomstick would be unable to navigate through the angled opening of a “witch window,” as the irregular shape of the window frame would disrupt her path and prevent her from entering the home. Now for the term “coffin windows” - In the event of a family member passing away in an upstairs bedroom, it was considered far more convenient to maneuver the coffin out through the window and slide it down the roof, rather than attempting to navigate the narrow and steep staircases found in many old Vermont farmhouses.
Truth be told, these Vermont “witch windows” are a smart solution by 19th-century Vermonters. By tilting windows at a 45-degree angle Vermonters made the most of limited wall space under sloping roofs while allowing more sunlight in and improving air flow. These windows are more than a design; they're a part of Vermont's past. They show a community's spirit of innovation and uniqueness.
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