Living in St. Louis, Missouri, where our beloved Nelly reigns and the Cardinals are like royalty, we take great pride in our local delicacies—think toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, and the infamous Imo’s pizza topped with provel cheese. And when it comes to Halloween, we celebrate it like no other. Here, trick-or-treating isn’t just about collecting candy; it’s about earning it!
In STL, Halloween blends entertainment with treats. To score a sweet reward, kids must deliver a joke! They invest as much thought into their punchlines as they do into their costumes, ensuring that no two kids in a group share the same joke, and each one is more creative than the last. Forget recycling old pop culture references or going with a basic chicken-crossing-the-road setup. The adults expect to chuckle, and trust me, we do. There’s nothing quite like a little one showing up at your door, confidently improvising a joke, or nervously echoing their sibling’s punchline. The experience is truly delightful.
Of course, not every joke lands. Adults may still chuckle and toss in a few treats, but kids can be a tougher crowd. I remember one Halloween when my four-year-old nephew witnessed a lackluster joke. Instead of handing over a quick candy bar, he dove deep into the kid’s bucket and grabbed a handful! It remains a cherished Halloween memory—don’t worry, the child received his candy back, plus a few extras for his trouble.
Occasionally, a child’s humor might veer into “inappropriate” territory, often due to a friend’s suggestion. I still recall when my son, at age seven, became a local legend after being convinced by his older brothers to share an off-color joke.
What Kinds of Jokes Can You Expect?
The range is broad. Some kids stick to classic knock-knock jokes, while others prefer spooky themes. Here are a few favorites from over the years:
- What do you call a bear with no teeth? Gummy!
- A ham sandwich walks into a bar. The bartender says, “Sorry, we don’t serve food here.”
- How do you make a Kleenex dance? Put a little boogie in it!
- Knock knock. Who’s there? Interrupting cow. Interrupt—Mooooooo!
- What’s a ghost’s favorite dessert? Booberry pie!
- Did you hear about the haunted KFC? It was terr-i-fry-ing!
- Why couldn’t the spicy pepper dress like Robin Hood for Halloween? He didn’t hab-an-ero!
- What do you call a magic dog? A lab-ra-ca-dab-ra-dor!
- Have you heard about the elephant with diarrhea? It’s all over town!
Corny? You bet! But witnessing a tiny witch or a spooky monster giving their best stand-up routine is heartwarming. I wish more people could experience this tradition. Interestingly, my husband, who grew up just half an hour away, had never encountered this custom until moving here. For me, Halloween without it is unimaginable.
How Did This Tradition Start?
Legend has it that it stems from the strong Irish community in St. Louis. Historian Dr. John Oldani notes that over a century ago, people in Ireland would dress up for a festival, going from house to house, and had to share a joke or perform a trick to receive a gift meant to ward off evil spirits. Irish immigrants brought this delightful tradition to St. Louis, making it an integral part of our Halloween festivities.
Regardless of its origins, this tradition remains a cherished part of growing up in St. Louis. It would be wonderful if more communities adopted this custom, adding a special touch to Halloween for both kids and adults.
If you’re looking to elevate your Halloween this year, nothing beats the joy of a clever one-liner from a child. Every city boasts its unique culinary delights and traditions, but nothing compares to our October 31st celebration. And if you’re thinking of starting a new tradition this Halloween, here’s one that’s always a crowd-pleaser:
How does Batman’s mom call him for dinner? Dinner dinner dinner dinner dinner dinner dinner dinner… Batmaaaan!
For more insights into family traditions and parenting, check out this post. And for expert advice on home insemination, visit Make a Mom, an authoritative resource on the topic. You can also explore Medical News Today for valuable information on fertility.
Summary:
In St. Louis, Halloween is a unique celebration where trick-or-treaters must tell jokes to earn their candy. This entertaining tradition emphasizes creativity and humor, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved. Originating from Irish customs, it has become a cherished part of local culture, and many hope to see it spread to other communities. Whether you’re a local or visiting, experiencing this lively twist on Halloween is a delight.
Leave a Reply