The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

DEVILS NIGHT CUSTOM

EVERY OCTOBER 30, THERE IS A CUSTOM HELD BY MANY IN
THE CITY OF DETROIT AND SURROUNDING AREAS OF PLAYING TRICKS
AND OTHER PRANKS ON THE POPULACE OF THE AREA. THESE PRANKS
TAKE MANY FORMS, THEY MAY BE EGGING PEOPLE ON THE STREET, THE ART OF
DECORATING HOMES IN THE AREA WITH TOILET PAPER OR SOAPING
THE WINDOWS OF MANY CARS. OTHER VARIATIONS ARE THE USE OF SHAVING
CREAM ON THE CARS AND HOMES IN THE AREA, OR SPRAY PAINT.
THIS IS USUALLY DONE TO FRIEND AND ENEMY ALIKE, DEPENDING ON YOUR
FEELINGS OF FRIENDSHIP AT THE TIME. THE CUSTOM BEGINS AT
THE AGE OF
12 OR SO AND CAN SOMETIMES CONTINUE TO THE AGE OF 21 OR LATER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 10-00-1974