“Untitled”byskeleton handsis licensed underCC BY 2.0
Michigan is the only place where you can live in a pinky or a thumb. The Lower Peninsula of Michigan is shaped like a hand wearing a mitten and called “America’s High Five” by more than just Michiganders. Ask anyone from Michigan where they are from and they will proudly point to a spot on the back of their left hand and show you where home is. Some time ago, Wisconsin tried to market themselves as a mitten too, causing quite an uproar. The mitten was not smitten with the idea of having to hold a hand with another state.
“Fallow Deers (4)”byFHgitarreis licensed underCC BY 2.0
It’s a general rule of thumb in Michigan that if you haven’t hit a deer you know at least two people that have. The combination of vast wooded areas, highways and an ever-growing deer population total out to, well, a totalled car.
“Michigan Grunge Flag”byNicolas Raymondis licensed underCC BY 2.0
In 1897 when the two universities met on the field for the first time, a strong rivalry already existed, fueled by the border war. And though it’s been quite a while since then, the friction’s still there. In an almost a pageant display, “The Game” between these two teams has fans rowdy and borderline insane. How insane you ask? In 2013 Ohio’s governor banned the use of the letter “M” for a week. Ridiculous traditions have Ohio State fans jumping into freezing waters (full of duck poop) and Michigan fans laying flowers on deceased former coaches gravesites.
If you’re a Michigander, chances are you work for, have worked for or know someone who has or is working for Ford, General Motors or Chrysler. The big three have deep roots in Michigan, so it’s only fitting that Michiganders are so heavily tied into the auto industry. You won’t find many foreign cars in lower east side of the Lower Peninsula.
Practically everyone in Michigan knows how to play Euchre and if they don’t it’s either because no one will teach them or they prefer cribbage. A complicated game with complicated rules, Euchre is a favorite among young and old alike. Don’t know how to play? Let’s just hope you have a patient friend or family member that will show you the ropes. Getting taught this game is almost as elusive as the thirty point buck.
Michiganders love potato chips. This point is proven by the fact that they eat more per capita than any other state. But with brands like Better Made, how could they not?
Michiganders north and south alike are through and through hunters. Though those in the Lower Peninsula may not have the luxury of opening day being a school holiday, but the love for hunting is just the same. Hunters either head “Up North” to go to their cabins or stay in the area and head to their blind, but the end result is the same–bagging a big buck, turkey or whathaveyou.
Passing on the left is the recommended norm when driving, but Michiganders pay no mind to that. Whether it’s on the highway or freeway, slow drivers tend to love the fast lane. Rather than be infuriated by it, (which is very easy, because it is a bit ridiculous) people simply adapt and pass in the open lane–which is almost always the slow lane on the right.
“How far away from Detroit are you?” “Oh, about 20 minutes.” While it may be true to the larger area of the Midwest as well, Michiganders are notorious for measuring distance in minutes. Oftentimes having large stretches of farmland or forest in between towns comes into play, as miles aren’t quite as visually measurable as the minute counter on their radio’s clock.
Michiganders are a tough breed. With lake effect snow and harsh winter temperatures, it’s easy to see why. And while complaining about it does help them get through the winters, it’s not the only method of their survival. In the wintertime, a wise Michigander will never leave the house without wearing a minimal extra layer, typically consisting of longjohns and at least one set of wool socks. But the extra layers are very much worth it for the opportunity to explore the beautiful scenery the cold weather creates in Michigan. Feature Image Source: Flickr user Michigan Municipal League (MML)
