Mischief night facts for kids
Mischief Night is a tradition in some parts of the world. It's a night when people play pranks on their neighbors. This usually happens on October 30, the day before Halloween.
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What is Mischief Night?
Mischief Night is a special evening, usually on October 30, when people play harmless pranks on their friends and neighbors. It's a way to have some fun before Halloween.
Traditional Pranks
In the past, people often played simple pranks like:
- Knocking and tapping on doors and windows.
- Putting sticky things like treacle (a type of syrup) on door handles.
- Tying door handles together so they couldn't be opened easily.
- Moving garden gates.
- Throwing eggs at houses.
- Wrapping houses with toilet paper.
Mischief Night Around the World
Mischief Night is known by different names in various places. It also includes different types of pranks.
In North America
In places like Detroit and other parts of Michigan, October 30 is sometimes called "Devil's Night." In these areas, some people cause damage to property.
In northern New Jersey and the Philadelphia area, October 30 is known as "Mischief Night." Teens might put soap on car windows, throw eggs at houses, or decorate trees with toilet paper. They also play "Ding-Dong Ditch," where they ring doorbells and then run and hide. In other parts of New Jersey, this night is also called "Cabbage Night" or "Goosey Night."
In Canada, especially in Trail, British Columbia, and Winnipeg, it's called "Gate Night." In Quebec, Canada, it's known as "Mat Night." Many places across Canada also call it "Devil's Night."
In the United Kingdom and Ireland
In Yorkshire, England, Mischief Night is known by many names, such as "Miggy Night," "Tick-Tack Night," or "Micky Night." In Liverpool, it's called "Mizzy Night."
Mischief Night is also becoming popular in Ireland. Teenagers often have a week off school around Halloween. This means many nights before October 31 are used for playing pranks.
Modern Pranks
Today, some common pranks include:
- Wrapping gardens and buildings with toilet paper.
- Throwing flour and eggs at cars, people, and homes.
- Sticking forks into lawns, known as "forking" gardens.
- Setting off fireworks.
- Smashing pumpkins and jack-o'-lanterns.
- Sometimes, people even use spray paint on buildings and homes.
Media
A 2006 film called Mischief Night tells a story based on a night in Leeds, UK.
