The cursed steps of Edwin Janss
In UCLA’s century of history, many myths and superstitions have circulated among the campus community. It is said that the late Powell Cat used to bring luck to students who encountered it, but touching the water of the Inverted Fountain after Bruintization (an initiation ceremony where new students touch the Inverted Fountain) curses students to delay their graduations by one quarter. Even the Janss (or Tongva) Steps have deep lore, passed on to generations of Bruins by the new student advisors.
Read more for the full story of the cursed steps of Edwin Janss.
While Janss Steps is an iconic structure and campus landmark in today, some say that its construction was steeped in disagreement, betrayal and tragedy.
According to UCLA legend, there were once two brothers, Edwin and Harold Janss, who were six years apart. The brothers were tasked with designing the UCLA campus and they had a major disagreement about how the campus should look — especially the west entrance of Dickson Court, the plaza where Royce Hall and Powell Library are located. Harold wanted to preserve the rolling hills and natural beauty of Westwood, but Edwin had a vision of a grand entryway with steps to resemble the prestigious Ivy League universities on the East Coast.
Edwin was determined to realize his vision. While Harold was out of the country, Edwin had his dream steps built without his brother’s knowledge. However, Edwin knew he was ill and that his life was nearing its end, so he feared that his brother would destroy the steps once he passed away. To prevent that from happening, Edwin wrote one final request in his will: that his remains be buried under the sixth step of Janss. Because it is illegal to desecrate a grave in California, Harold was to leave the steps alone.
The legend says that Edwin’s spirit is still chained to his creation and any unfortunate student who sets foot on the sixth step of Janss will be cursed with bad luck and graduate a quarter late.
Watch your step on Janss, Bruins… and Happy Halloween!
