Here are 10 Things People from Utah Do That Seem Insane To Everyone Else

Welcome to the Beehive State, where Utahns embrace their unique traditions with fervor! From Jell-O obsession to pioneer celebrations, residents of Utah engage in behaviors that might leave outsiders scratching their heads. Join us as we uncover 10 quirks and customs that showcase the distinctive and sometimes perplexing nature of Utah’s culture.

“Polygamy history”

While not as prevalent today, Utah’s historical association with polygamy, stemming from its early Mormon settlers, may seem incomprehensible to those from regions where monogamy is the norm.

“Jell-O obsession”

Utah has a strong affinity for Jell-O, with residents consuming it in various forms, including salads and desserts, to the extent that it became the official state snack in 2001, a culinary preference that may seem peculiar or even amusing to outsiders.

“Mormon missionary work”

Many young adults from Utah participate in Mormon missionary work, dedicating two years of their lives to spreading the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), a commitment to religious evangelism that may seem intense or unusual to those from non-religious or less missionary-focused communities.

“Skiing in the desert”

Utah’s unique geography allows for skiing and snowboarding in the desert, with world-class ski resorts like Park City and Snowbird offering snowy slopes just a short drive from arid landscapes, a juxtaposition that may seem surreal or extraordinary to those unfamiliar with Utah’s terrain.

“Fry sauce fervor”

Utahns have a deep love for fry sauce, a condiment made from a combination of ketchup and mayonnaise, often enjoying it with french fries and other fried foods, showcasing a culinary preference that may seem unconventional or indulgent to those from regions with different dipping sauces.

“Pioneer Day celebrations”

Utah celebrates Pioneer Day on July 24th to commemorate the arrival of Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847, with festivities including parades, fireworks, and reenactments, a holiday that may seem specific or obscure to those from outside the state.

“Tea-totaling tendencies”

Utah has strict alcohol laws due to its predominantly Mormon population, with regulations such as lower alcohol content in beer sold in grocery stores and limited availability of alcoholic beverages, a level of alcohol regulation that may seem restrictive or puritanical to those from regions with more liberal alcohol policies.

“Family-centric focus”

Utah places a strong emphasis on family values and the importance of family relationships, with large families and close-knit communities being common, a prioritization of family life that may seem traditional or conservative to those from more individualistic societies.

“Green Jell-O salads”

Utah is famous for its green Jell-O salads, often made with lime Jell-O mixed with fruit, marshmallows, or cottage cheese, a culinary tradition that may seem odd or unappetizing to those unfamiliar with Utah’s food culture.

“Temple rituals”

Members of the LDS Church in Utah participate in temple rituals, including ceremonies such as baptisms for the dead and sealings for eternal marriages, reflecting a commitment to religious practices that may seem mysterious or esoteric to those outside the faith.