For Many Years in Detroit, the Tradition of Devil's Night Meant Fires and Fear
In Detroit Michigan, the night before Halloween has long been known as Devil's Night, during which many abandoned homes and buildings were set ablaze. Learn how the Night has evolved through the years
In the United States, October 30th, the night before Halloween is known by different names depending on the region. For instance, in New Jersey and some other areas of the East Coast, it is referred to as “Mischief Night,” and is often accompanied by annoying but relatively harmless pranks and vandalism such as pumpkin smashing, egging of houses and cars, putting toilet paper on trees and bushes, soaping windows, etc.
In parts of New England, the date is known as “Cabbage Night,” where pranksters throw rotten cabbage and other vegetables at houses and front doors. In some parts of the Midwest, it is called “Gate Night,” as participants leave open farmer’s gates and allow livestock to escape.
Many of these practices borrow from similar Irish and Scottish traditions, as does the custom of trick-or-treating. Similar nights of mischief occurred in England during the 19th century. However, they did not occur on the night before Halloween, rather their mischief nights occurred the night before May Day as well as November 4th, which is the night before Guy Fawkes Day, a significant day in British history.