Buzz
The 'light as a feather, stiff as a board' trick may seem mystical, but its success can be explained by real science.
gavran333/ThinkstockIt's a classic slumber party ritual. A group of girls in their pajamas surround one friend lying on the floor, arms crossed and eyes closed. They start chanting, placing their fingers under her body from head to toe. 'Light as a feather, stiff as a board... light as a feather, stiff as a board... light as a feather, stiff as a board... one, two, THREE!' If the stars align, they manage to lift her from the floor as if she weighs nothing at all. Then comes the laughter, the dropped friend, and the claim that they’ve somehow summoned a supernatural force.
So, what really happened here? Have you ever tried it? Did it actually work? Is it a true paranormal phenomenon? Many kids—and even adults—will swear it works, attributing it to witchcraft. Others think it could be related to magnetic fields. But the truth is, it’s not quite that simple.
The 'Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board' trick really can work, though perhaps not how you imagine. Whether your subject is lying on the floor, a chair, or even a table, simply using two fingers from each person won't get the job done. Next, you perform 'the spell.' Depending on the version you know, you can chant, count, whisper, or sing. Sometimes, you'll place your hands on the subject’s head as if 'healing' her. What matters most is that everyone is focused, acting as a unified group. When you reach the right moment or beat, you all try lifting together, and, somehow, the subject seems to levitate with ease.
Here's what's really happening: it's all about timing, how weight is shared, and how memory can be unreliable.
- Timing: On your first try, everyone's lifting at different moments, meaning each person ends up carrying the whole weight on their own for a second. But with the second attempt, because you all chant in sync and follow the ritual, everyone lifts at exactly the same time, making it much easier.
- Weight distribution: When you and your friends lift together, each of you is only supporting 20 to 40 pounds. It's like carrying multiple heavy grocery bags at once to avoid a second trip. You'd be surprised how strong your fingers are! With four or five people doing this simultaneously, lifting someone by their fingers isn't nearly as tough—especially if the person is stiff as a board.
- Fallible memory: Many of us have done this as kids, and over time, our memories exaggerate the experience. The levitation feels higher, the person seems lighter, and the whole thing starts to seem more mysterious than it really is.
So yes, "light as a feather, stiff as a board" can indeed work. But it has nothing to do with supernatural forces, witchcraft, or the occult. It's just a fun trick and a classic slumber party game. Don't spoil the "magic" for your kids!
