TRENTON, NJ – The crackle of dry leaves underfoot, the ominous glow of jack-o’-lanterns, and the nip of autumn air herald the arrival of Halloween in New Jersey. Yet, for many in the Garden State, the celebration kicks off a day earlier with a tradition known as Mischief Night. In certain pockets in Bergen County, it’s hailed as Cabbage Night. This eve of All Hallows’ Eve, steeped in youthful revelry and neighborhood lore, has its roots tangled deep in history.
Most of the country does not have any tradition for the night before Halloween. Mischief night is strictly a New Jersey thing.
In Michigan, it’s called Devil’s Night, but ask who’s house is on the list for Mischief Night in Alabama and you might get some strange looks.
The tradition of Mischief Night traces back across the Atlantic to old England. The night, originally tethered to May Day celebrations, saw the youth engaging in pranks and mild vandalism, embracing the spirit of misrule before the onset of summer.
As settlers crossed the ocean, they brought along their penchant for pre-Halloween pranks. Over centuries, the tradition transitioned to the night before Halloween, morphing into a local custom with a flavor unique to each region.
In New Jersey, Mischief Night became an annual playground where youngsters could dabble in harmless pranks, testing the patience of adults, while forging bonds of camaraderie with peers. The aim was more about community than chaos, a friendly nudge to the neighborhood before the sweet solicitations of Halloween.
Yet, not all of New Jersey resonates with the moniker of Mischief Night. Venture towards certain locales, and you’ll stumble upon Cabbage Night. Rooted in a more agrarian tradition, Cabbage Night saw youngsters pilfering rotten cabbages from fields to hurl at various targets. Though the name differs, the essence of youthful exuberance and community engagement remains intact.
The tapestry of Mischief Night and Cabbage Night is woven with threads of history, local culture, and the timeless endeavor of youth to push boundaries. As the sun sets on October 30, the streets of New Jersey buzz with the spirit of camaraderie and harmless mischief, kicking off the Halloween festivities with a nod to traditions that have endured the test of time.