Whether You Call It Mischief, Cabbage, or Goosey Night, Here’s The Story Of A New Jersey Tradition

I spent every October 30th in New Jersey for decades until one year when I decided to visit family out of state for Halloween. I asked my hospitable hosts if my car would be safe. From what? Silly string, toilet paper, or worse...eggs. Following a few strange looks, I learned that Mischief Night is a Jersey thing.

It turns out that our little local tradition has a long history, dating back to 1790 in Great Britain.

It was a springtime celebration, meant to blow off steam. In the dark of night, locals would wander the streets causing mischief.

These acts of mischief were mostly harmless (littering the streets with rotting cabbage) and were perpetrated by children.

Those kids became adults who eventually made their way to the United States, specifically the Garden State.

Somewhere in the early 1900s, the date moved from spring to autumn, falling on October 30th.

Today, many teens still celebrate Mischief Night by toilet papering trees, silly stringing sidewalks, and throwing eggs and shaving cream everywhere.

A recent poll showed that while most New Jerseyans use the term Mischief Night, Cabbage Night and Goosey Night are also popular - particularly in Northeast New Jersey.

The tradition does (to a lesser degree) extend into surrounding states and similar events take place in Michigan (Devil's Night) and Quebec (Mat Night).

In recent years, cops have cracked down on the tradition and kids are more interested in online mischief. I remember growing up and seeing toilet paper all over town. Now, it's just a few trees. Do you think this is a good thing or a bad thing? Did you celebrate Mischief Night growing up? What did you call it? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments.