| baluster prevents the devil from climbing the stairs and taking anyone on their deathbed | |
| Apprentice’s mark | Some theories suggest it was a hidden signature of the craftsman |
Whatever the exact origin, the upside-down baluster is almost always linked to a higher power or superstition. It was a quiet acknowledgment that no human creation is flawless, and it served as a subtle nod to forces beyond the builder’s control.
Where to Find It
You are unlikely to find an upside-down baluster in a new home—unless a homeowner has intentionally installed one
