Vermont "Witch" Windows

The name "witch window" appears to come from the superstition that witches cannot fly their broomsticks through a tilted window. "Witch windows"  are almost exclusively found in Vermont, and construction of these odd placed windows is actually difficult, due to their sideways orientation.  

They are also known as "coffin windows".  There is speculation as to whether or not they were actually used to remove a coffin from a second story - to possibly avoid a narrow stair case - or if the strange placement on the wall was reminiscent of a coffin. 

Vermonters are - at heart -  forward thinkers.  It makes the most sense to consider that the construction of these windows were used for ventilation as to allow hot air, which naturally rises up, to escape during hot summer days.  Which would also explain why these windows are sometimes referred to as "lazy windows", or "sideways windows".  

TOURIST: (Pointing) Hey buddy, what do they call that funny window over there?

VERMONTER: Which window?

TOURIST: Thanks! (Drives off)