NEW JERSEY - It's the land of diners, beaches, and...some surprisingly unique customs. While outsiders might scratch their heads at certain Garden State habits, these quirks are deeply ingrained in New Jersey culture, reflecting the state's history, its geography, and its fiercely independent spirit.
You Know You're From Jersey: 5 Quirky Traditions That Define the Garden State
This article explores five of the strangest (to outsiders, at least) things New Jerseyans do, offering a glimpse into what makes the state truly unique.
1. The Great Pork Roll/Taylor Ham Debate: A Culinary Civil War
New Jerseyans are passionate about their breakfast meats, and that passion often manifests as a fierce debate: Is it "pork roll" or "Taylor Ham"?
- The Divide: North Jersey generally favors "Taylor Ham," referring to the brand name of a specific type of pork roll produced by Taylor Provisions. South Jersey (and Philadelphia) typically calls it "pork roll," the generic term for the processed meat product. This seemingly trivial distinction is a source of endless arguments, online battles, and even playful animosity between residents of different parts of the state.
- The Food: Regardless of the name, it's a processed pork product, typically sliced and fried, and often served on a breakfast sandwich with egg and cheese.
2. Mischief Night: Embracing the Pre-Halloween Prankery
The night before Halloween, October 30th, is known by various names across the country, but in New Jersey, it's often called "Mischief Night" (or sometimes "Cabbage Night" or "Goosey Night").
- The Tradition: While not exclusive to New Jersey, the state embraces Mischief Night with a particular enthusiasm. Kids and teenagers (and sometimes adults) engage in relatively harmless pranks, such as toilet-papering houses, soaping windows, or ringing doorbells and running away. It's a somewhat controversial tradition, but for many New Jerseyans, it's a nostalgic part of the Halloween season.
3. Full-Service Fuel: The Refusal to Pump Gas
New Jersey is one of the last states in the U.S. where self-service gas is illegal.
- The Law: It's against the law for drivers to pump their own gas in New Jersey; gas station attendants must do it for you. This law, dating back to 1949, was originally based on safety concerns (though those concerns are largely outdated).
- The Culture: Many New Jerseyans have never pumped their own gas and take pride in this unique aspect of their state. They often express bewilderment or even mild disgust at the idea of having to do it themselves when traveling out of state.
4. Jughandles: Navigating the New Jersey Left Turn
New Jersey's road system features a unique and often perplexing traffic control device: the jughandle.
- The Maneuver: Instead of making a direct left turn from a major road, drivers in New Jersey often encounter "jughandles." These are right-hand exit ramps that loop around, allowing drivers to cross the main road at a perpendicular angle (often at a traffic light).
- The Logic (Debatable): Jughandles are intended to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents by eliminating left turns across multiple lanes of traffic. However, they can be confusing and frustrating for drivers unfamiliar with the system.
5. Diner Devotion: 24/7 Comfort and Endless Menus
New Jersey is the diner capital of the world, and for many residents, diners are more than just restaurants; they're a way of life.
- The Diner Culture: New Jersey has more diners per capita than any other state. These establishments, often open 24/7, are known for their extensive menus (offering everything from breakfast staples to full dinners), their comfortable booths, and their sense of community.
- Disco Fries and Fat Sandwiches: New Jersey diners are also known for some unique culinary creations, like "disco fries" (fries with gravy and cheese) and "fat sandwiches" (overstuffed sandwiches filled with various combinations of ingredients like mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, fries, and more).
New Jersey's quirks, from its passionate debates over breakfast meat to its unique approach to left turns, are part of what makes the Garden State so distinctive. These traditions, often rooted in history or practicality, reflect a strong sense of local identity and a willingness to do things a little differently. While outsiders might find these customs unusual, for New Jerseyans, they're simply part of what makes their state home. They're a source of pride, amusement, and endless inside jokes, contributing to the unique character of the Garden State.
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