WOAH Utah Take It Easy On The Halloween Pranks

Did you know that pranks were far more typical in Utah history as a way to celebrate Halloween? And we took those pranks to the edge of sanity. Back in the day the holiday was not ruled by law-abiding little citizens in costume asking for treats from law-abiding adults in their decorated homes.

There was a season when the treats were right out and the Halloween pranks were the way we celebrated the holiday. I don’t mean just little pranks—these were whoppers.

Putting carriages on roofs and animals on porches was the norm in the calm days. Over time there were reports of people placing a mannequin on the train tracks to scare witnesses. What?  Then pranksters started getting caught greasing or soaping train rails with intent to derail. It crescendoed when reports of buildings being burned down became more common.

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The treats weren’t a part of the holiday until after 1940, largely due to a sugar restriction during the world wars.

As things got out of control, Utah came down on the pranksters (who might be defined as villains at this point) and started to reign in the flagrant disregard for the laws. Thankfully they did, as it was actually becoming the most dangerous night of the year.

So, this year, as you celebrate Halloween by passing out or collecting candy, maybe be grateful that you don’t have to worry that someone might be burning down your house, all in the name of fun, of course.