“Goosey Night?” Apparently, NJ Has A Few Other Names For Mischief Night

If you grew up in South Jersey, October 30 is probably known as Mischief Night. It’s the night before Halloween, when kids traditionally get up to a little mischief before the costumes and candy take over.

So imagine my surprise when I learned that not everyone in New Jersey calls it Mischief Night! Apparently, even the Garden State can’t agree on what to call the night before Halloween.

What The Heck Is Goosey Night?

In parts of North Jersey, including areas around Paterson and Clifton, October 30 has also been known as Goosey Night. Yes, Goosey Night.

It refers to the same pre-Halloween tradition of playing pranks, but the name’s origin is a mystery. Some have suggested it relates to the word “goosey,” meaning foolish or silly, but there’s no clear answer.

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Why Do Some NJ Towns Say Cabbage Night?

Cabbage Night has also been used in New Jersey, including in Jersey City. The name has a much more literal connection to old-fashioned pranks: Historical accounts describe young troublemakers throwing cabbages and other produce at homes. Think of it as a very messy, very smelly version of toilet-papering a tree.

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New Jersey Has More Than One Mischief Night Name

Mischief Night is familiar across much of New Jersey, especially in South Jersey and the Philadelphia area. But local traditions differ, and some North Jersey communities have used Goosey Night or Cabbage Night instead.

I honestly thought the whole state called it Mischief Night. Now I need to know: What did you call October 30 growing up… Mischief Night, Goosey Night, Cabbage Night, or something else?