Shoes...

The practice of concealing shoes in the walls of a house is a ritual dating back to the 15th century. The purpose was to ward off evil spirits and it was particularly popular during the end of the 18th century. The shoes are generally children's, although they can be adult shoes as well. They are generally well worn leather, perhaps this is because they didn't want to waste new shoes. They are usually hidden around windows, doors, under roof rafters and behind old chimneys.

I read about concealment shoes just as we were about to begin installing dry wall. The idea seemed somewhat magical to me and so I decided to put a pair of Declan's leather infant shoes behind our walls. I called Zach, who thought I was crazy.... and headed to the house to select a location for Declan's shoes. I chose a wall in our master bedroom, kissed them and placed them in!

Above is a photo of our house when it was first built (first house on the left) and below that photo are Declan's leather shoes in the wall.