The romance between Carlos Morales and Erica started in 2006, overcoming communication difficulties and developing into a close bond. Their dedication resulted in their marriage in 2007, at which point they excitedly set out to raise a family. Following a devastating miscarriage, Erica’s fertility treatment revealed she was expecting quadruplets, giving her newfound hope.
Carlos assumed the position of caregiver, handling domestic duties and providing support to his wife while Erica dealt with the difficulties of giving birth to four children. But on January 12, 2015, tragedy struck when Erica’s high blood pressure forced her into the hospital. Surprisingly, physicians chose to deliver the infants early since Erica was having constant contractions.
Before his wife went into the delivery room, Carlos gave her a kiss on the head and remarked, “Let’s get these babies out,” completely unaware of the momentous events that were about to happen. The C-section birth of the quadruplets—three girls and one boy—was met with immediate excitement, but it was also met with tragedy as Erica had hypovolemic shock and passed quite unexpectedly.
Carlos Jr., Paisley, Tracey, and the third girl, “Erica,” were the names he gave to his four infants after his late wife. After overcoming profound sadness, Carlos acquired vital parenting skills and appreciated Sondra Bridges, Erica’s mother.
“I went from having the best day of my life to the next morning experiencing the worst day of my life,” Carlos said, reflecting on his sudden transition into single parenting. After my wife passed away, my four children were born.
What Are Witches’ Stairs? A Simple Explanation of This Strange Home Design
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.
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