Ever noticed a single upside-down baluster (spindle) on a staircase or porch railing? This odd architectural quirk isn’t always a mistake—it often carries historical, superstitious, or symbolic significance. Here’s what it really means.
Possible Reasons for an Upside-Down Baluster
1. A Carpenter’s Signature
Tradition: Some woodworkers intentionally flipped one baluster to mark their work (like an artist’s signature).
Example: Historic homes in New England and the South often have this detail.
2. Superstition & Protection
Folk Belief: An inverted spindle was thought to:
Ward off evil spirits (tricking them into entering “upside-down” and getting trapped).
Prevent witches from settling on the property (old European superstition).
3. A Secret Signal
Underground Railroad Myth: Some claim inverted balusters signaled safe houses for escaping slaves, but historians debate this. (Most verified markers were quilts or lanterns.)
4. Pure Accident (But Left as a Quirk)
Human Error: Sometimes, it’s just a mistake the homeowner found charming and kept.
How to Spot an Intentional Upside-Down Baluster
see next page 💕👇
SEAFOOD MAC AND CHEESE
Breakfast Bake with Cheese, Bacon and Sausage
How to Store Potatoes So They Last for Months (Yes, Months)
Discover the secret of mouthwash in the washing machine, I always do it: you dream of washing like this
Delicious Teriyaki Chicken
DIY PVC Pipe Garden: A Smart Way to Grow Onions and Garlic at Home
4 Types of People Who Should AVOID Eating Cabbage
Crack Eggs into an Ice Cube Tray & Freeze Them: Here’s Why
Ciasto Toffi bez pieczenia
