Why Old Maine Homes Have “Witch Windows”

Halloween is creeping up fast, and if you're anything like me and you love driving past old Maine houses and feeling that eerie, fall vibe, then this one’s for you.

Old Maine farmhouses are filled with history. Some of them have been sitting their for hundreds of years. Recently I drove by one and noticed a tilted window sitting at a strange angle on a rooftop and I was like, what the heck?  Turns out these windows have a name and supernatural history.

You had me at witch window.

They are almost only found in New England, especially right here in Maine.  

Witch Windows: Maine’s Crooked Charm With a Supernatural Twist

They are literally crooked, but why? Well at first it was for practicality, because most old farmhouses had long sloping roofs where it was tough to fit a common shaped window. So there solution was to tilt it.  

But of course, that’s not all. We Mainers love a good ghost story.

Take a look at this witch window in Vermont, below from Vermontforreal on Instagram. 

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A post shared by Vermont For Real • Rebecca (@vermontforreal)

The lore of this really struck me. According to legend, a witch could not fly her broomstick through a crooked window, so the angle was created to keep evil spirits from coming into the house.

Locals even say that the windows were put near bedrooms for a little extra protection when you were sleeping.  

Read More: Maine Woman Captures Photo of Terrifying Apparent Apparition 

And today, these witch windows are a local treasure when you find them and you know the story behind it. It gives you the charm and history of Maine with a sprinkle of supernatural and superstitious New England folklore.

Who doesn't love that sprinkle of Maine history? Let us know if you've ever seen a witch window in person, because it's pretty rare to spot now a days!

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