Results: Weird And Spooky, Or Just Practical?

Commonly found in Vermont, "Witch Windows" are slanted windows, with a spooky backstory. The name "witch window" appears to come from a folk belief that witches cannot fly their broomsticks through the tilted windows. The windows are also known as "coffin windows", but it is unclear if they really were used for removing a coffin from the second floor (avoiding a narrow staircase), or if the odd placement on the wall were reminiscent of a coffin. Have you ever heard of "witch windows" before?

Although they can be found in other areas of New England, the majority of these curious features are found in Vermont—in fact, they're also referred to as Vermont windows. Dormer windows are unusual in Vermont, particularly in older construction; windows are mostly placed in walls. When a house is expanded, for example with a kitchen wing or an attached shed, there may be very little wall space available in the gable. The solution is to rotate the window until its long edge is parallel to the nearby roof line, to better maximize the space available for a window. Thus, not only is the window area (and thus incoming light and ventilation) maximized, but building or buying a custom window is avoided. Do you feel this logical explanation makes more sense or do you prefer the "spooky" explanation -- whether it be for witches or coffins?

Of course, if you are actively seeking witchcraft and not trying to avoid it, Salem, Massachusetts is the place to be for Halloween. Salem was recently named among the best Halloween events in the U.S. by TripsToDiscover.com and among the best places to travel worldwide in October. Salem's connection to Halloween begins with the tragic events that unfolded during the Salem Witch Trials. In modern times, Salem celebrates all things Halloween in grand style, with parades, haunted houses, photo opportunities, costumes everywhere and of course, lots of witches. Would you enjoy visiting Salem during Halloween season?

The infamous Salem witch trials began during the spring of 1692, after a group of young girls in Salem Village, Massachusetts, claimed to be possessed by the devil and accused several local women of witchcraft. More than 200 people were accused of practicing witchcraft—the devil's magic—and 20 were executed. In 1711, colonial authorities pardoned some of the accused and compensated their families. Do you believe in witchcraft?