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Gifts are an expression of feeling, but not necessarily the recipient's. According to Dr. Julian Givi, an assistant professor of marketing at West Virginia University who has extensively studied the subject, we often give gifts that reflect our own desires and motivations.
Similarly, Hawaii presents visitors with a lei, aiming to create a memorable first impression and foster a sense of connection and appreciation for its culture and hospitality.
Interested in the tradition, Reddit user Wolf805 invited people to try and come up with what the rest of the US states would hand out as welcome tokens. Here are some of the most interesting answers they received.
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#1
Canada (not US but we want to play too) - A poutine and a “hey bud”.
TheGoodBoi 1 year ago
Mmmm poutine, it's a dish of french fries and cheese curds topped with a brown gravy. 🤤🤤🤤
RELATED:
#2
You are getting cheese curds. Welcome to Wisconsin.
SuperChicken 1 year ago
Been there once, and had a fantastic time. We went to a restaurant, where they played and danced to the tunes of Polka. Good times.
We got in touch with Wolf805 and they agreed to have a little chat with us. "Just before I thought of asking this question on Reddit, I was watching a prank video on YouTube by That Was Epic, where Juan was in Hawaii asking girls if they wanted to get 'laid' or if they could do it to him," the person behind the now-viral post told Bored Panda.
"It was intended to sound sexual until he pulled out a lei and clarified he meant getting 'leid' as a joke. This funny prank inspired me to think about what other states might give visitors if they had a similar tradition, leading me to post the question."
#4
Maple syrup in Vermont.
"In the answers I've received, I've noticed recurring themes that align with popular stereotypes of each state," Wolf805 said.
"For example, many people suggested Texas would give visitors a barbecue or a gun, which reflects common perceptions of Texan culture. These recurring themes highlight how people often associate specific items or experiences with certain states based on cultural stereotypes."
#7
In New Jersey you’d get a “who invited this a*****e” and a pork roll, egg, and cheese bagel.
There are many ways to slice up the United States, but author Colin Woodard argues that it can be divided into 11 sub-nations. He mapped out the regions in his renowned book American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America.
Recognizing the distinct values of each region is critical to understanding the US, Woodard said.
"The country has been arguing about a lot of fundamental things lately, including state roles and individual liberty," Woodard, a Maine native, explained.
"In order to have any productive conversation on these issues, you need to know where you come from," he said. "Once you know where you are coming from, it will help move the conversation forward."
#9
Florida: Bug spray and .38 Special.
#10
Welcome to Pennsylvania here's your flat tire.
#11
Arizona: A miniature of a coloured sediment rock, such as jasper or turquoise.
Maggie Fulton 1 year ago
You forgot the sunblock. If you come here, I strongly recommend sunblock.
His proposed map of the country consists of:
- Yankeedom;
- New Netherland;
- The Midlands;
- Tidewater;
- Greater Appalachia;
- Deep South;
- New France;
- El Norte;
- The Far West;
- The Left Coast;
- First Nation.
"I believe that US states can retain their individuality without causing too much division and hostility among themselves," Wolf805 added.
"While each state has its unique culture and traditions, these differences can be celebrated and appreciated rather than leading to conflict. Embracing diversity within the country can strengthen the sense of unity and mutual respect among states."
#16
Coming back from a deployment, we had a stopover in bangor maine. they gave us cookies and fear.
#18
A plate of brisket in Texas.
#19
In NH, a rock. Because you can't take it for granite.
WonderWoman 1 year ago
I'd say NH - where the state has to rescue people from their own stupidity at an alarming rate. From motorcyclists with no helmets roaring down mountain roads and smashing their heads to idiots ill prepared attempting to climb mountains in flip-flops and no coats and getting lost.
#20
A little container of Old Bay. Not gonna bother saying the state.
ElfVibratorGlitter 1 year ago (edited)
MD represent! Edit: old bay is a seasoning often used on crab, that originated in Maryland. And we put that stuff on everything, old bay French fries are pretty good. From Wikipedia, The seasoning is a mix of celery salt (salt, celery seed), spices (including red pepper and black pepper) and paprika. Some of the other spices that may be used are laurel leaves, mustard, cardamom, cloves and ginger as listed in the original product in the Baltimore Museum of Industry. It is regionally popular, specifically in Maryland, as well as in the Mid-Atlantic States, the Southern States, parts of New England and the Gulf Coast.
#21
Washington, specifically SeaTac, we'd huck a salmon at ya.
Daniel Atkins 1 year ago
Imagine getting off a plane i n Washington and getting a salmon like you get a lei in Hawaii.
#23
In Mississippi you’d get a plate of fried catfish.
#25
Indiana: pork tenderloin sandwich, sugar cream pie, directions to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Justapanda 1 year ago
Also crazy weather. One day it's 80, the next 40. (Fahrenheit, obviously)
#27
Philadelphia is now its own state and you get a punch in the face from Gritty.
#29
Tennessee... a ticket for a minor traffic violation. Or a bottle of Jack Daniels so they could get you on a not so minor violation.
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 1 year ago (edited)
Fun Fact, the county where they distill JD is a dry county. So no alcohol sales.
#31
Well for Illinois it would be an ear of corn and a handful of soybeans. But since you're actually flying in to Chicago it'll be a broken lawn chair for your dibs and a Chicago hot dog.
Marie Clear 1 year ago
Hey, thin and crispy crust, or stuffed, or Chicago style, the pizza is the best, and I still love Gibsons for a great steak. So did Frank Sinatra who used to have Gibsons delivered to him wherever he was in the country. (FYI: the folks in Chicago with firearms will only give you the bullet part of their guns. They keep the rest of the gun for themselves.)
#34
Arkansas would hand out Jean shorts.
#36
Lobster Bib- Maine.
#38
Realistically, a shot of bourbon, but it’s fun to imagine giving each visitor a full-size Thoroughbred….
#39
In Iowa you’d get a Busch Light and a Casey’s pizza.
#40
Bag of boiled peanuts in Georgia.
Freya the Wanderer 1 year ago
Georgia should be known as the Peanut State. It is the #1 producer of peanuts, only #4 or #5 (depending on what source you check) for peaches.
#42
Winter coat- North Dakota.
ninjaTrashPandaBoom 1 year ago
And thermal underwear...and polar snow gloves...and a wool scarf...and a fur-lined hat with those ear flaps...and thick wool socks...and snow boots...
#43
Washington you’d get coffee.
#44
Nevada you'd get a bag of casino chips.
Tara Twothumbs 1 year ago
You also get swept away in flood waters (lousy infrastructure), rudest drivers in the nation and scorpions from Arizona
#45
Virginia: Vanity license plate.
#46
Pepperoni rolls here in WV.
#49
Texas: a gun.
similarly 1 year ago
Oh, c'mon! This is such BS! I used to live in Texas, and we didn't give guns to all visitors. We usually waited until your second visit. No, I'll tell you what Texans give every visitor: a "history" lesson. They'll tell you all about The Republic of Texas (but not mention it only existed for 10 years), or how it's the "only state in the Union that can legally secede if they want (not true), or how it was home to the first European settlement in America (Also not true. The Vikings had a permanent settlement in Newfoundland 500 years earlier). etc etc etc.
#50
Do they still do this in Hawaii? The last time I landed there, about 10 years ago, I didn’t get one. Now I’m thinking I got shafted. Anyway, when arriving in Duluth or Minneapolis, you’d be given a tater-tot hot-dish.
#52
Delaware would send you off with a loaf of scrapple.
The Original Bruno 1 year ago (edited)
This one's easy because it's true: A bill for using their highway. The Eastern megalopolis is more populous than any EU nation except Germany, but right in the middle is a 12-mile passage through Delaware that even though it's a federal road ("interstate"), charges you more than a dollar per mile to use it. Delaware functions as a bridge troll.
#53
Colorado: a Nalgene bottle with craft brewery stickers.
#55
A miniature Boston Baked Bean can for **Massachusetts**.
#57
West Virginia. A lump of coal.
#58
New Mexico: steal your bag.
Heir of Durin 1 year ago
I was thinking something more along the lines of hatch chiles, but I suppose this is accurate. 😂
#59
Cowboy hat in texas.
#60
Quahogs for everyone!
#61
Land in Maryland and you get shot with a confetti cannon full of Old Bay.
Barbara Turner 1 year ago
Add lots of Old Bay to the breadcrumbs when you fry (or oven fry) some chicken. Yummy
#62
Food: A runza We dont really have a clothing or other item thats specific to nebraska I don't think.
What do you think ?
Auntriarch 1 year ago
Interesting! One of these days I'm going to start a post on Bored Panda challenging people to say something about the USA without mentioning guns, health insurance, or fast food.
Miryaa 1 year ago
What I expected. Missouri left out again. You'd get flood insurance that actually covers nothing, dead armadillos, and a Cardinals hat. Or a Royals/Chiefs hat if you go to KC instead of STL. There is nothing in between. Don't try.
Gillian 1 year ago
We already do this in the UK. However you arrive, we make you stand in a queue before you are officially let in. I suppose we ought to give everyone a cup of tea to drink while they stand in it, and tell them to talk about the weather…
Kraneia The Dancing Dryad 1 year ago (edited)
Hm, South Dakota. 🤔 Little Mount Rushmores (with Trump's face added to it 🙄). A bullet keychain... With your dog's name engraved on it 🙄🙄🙄 Chislic (which sounds yummy), Rocky mountain oysters (which don't sound too good...) Wall Drúg bumper stickers.
PunchinelloTX 1 year ago (edited)
I hate this kind of list of generalizations. I’ve lived all over the U.S. I’ve spent most of my life in Texas and I have found that ANY place ANYwhere is only as good as the company you keep. This sort of thing doesn’t do anyone any good.
unknown chicken 1 year ago
I realized Alaska wasn't on here so here ya go HUGE A$$ MOOSE and day during the night. Oh yeah and bears.
Diemond Star 1 year ago
If the Great USA is so bad and put down then why do so many people from other countries want to come here and do so much better for their families?
Karl Havoc 1 year ago
Nebraska: chubby stay at home moms, hard core Catholics, and a passive aggressive fake hospitality they call “Nebraska Nice”
ॐBoyGanesh 1 year ago
I know what defines my state. At least my little stretch of it - https://youtu.be/q9Wb6DFWPfM?si=y4KqMHftNJIWKY4H
Auntriarch 1 year ago
Interesting! One of these days I'm going to start a post on Bored Panda challenging people to say something about the USA without mentioning guns, health insurance, or fast food.
Miryaa 1 year ago
What I expected. Missouri left out again. You'd get flood insurance that actually covers nothing, dead armadillos, and a Cardinals hat. Or a Royals/Chiefs hat if you go to KC instead of STL. There is nothing in between. Don't try.
Gillian 1 year ago
We already do this in the UK. However you arrive, we make you stand in a queue before you are officially let in. I suppose we ought to give everyone a cup of tea to drink while they stand in it, and tell them to talk about the weather…
Kraneia The Dancing Dryad 1 year ago (edited)
Hm, South Dakota. 🤔 Little Mount Rushmores (with Trump's face added to it 🙄). A bullet keychain... With your dog's name engraved on it 🙄🙄🙄 Chislic (which sounds yummy), Rocky mountain oysters (which don't sound too good...) Wall Drúg bumper stickers.
PunchinelloTX 1 year ago (edited)
I hate this kind of list of generalizations. I’ve lived all over the U.S. I’ve spent most of my life in Texas and I have found that ANY place ANYwhere is only as good as the company you keep. This sort of thing doesn’t do anyone any good.
unknown chicken 1 year ago
I realized Alaska wasn't on here so here ya go HUGE A$$ MOOSE and day during the night. Oh yeah and bears.
Diemond Star 1 year ago
If the Great USA is so bad and put down then why do so many people from other countries want to come here and do so much better for their families?
Karl Havoc 1 year ago
Nebraska: chubby stay at home moms, hard core Catholics, and a passive aggressive fake hospitality they call “Nebraska Nice”
ॐBoyGanesh 1 year ago
I know what defines my state. At least my little stretch of it - https://youtu.be/q9Wb6DFWPfM?si=y4KqMHftNJIWKY4H
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