The Origins Of April Fools Day - April 1 What is April Fools Day and how did it begin? Well, that is a very good question. The origin of this holiday is rather uncertain. However, the common belief holds that during the reformation of the calendar the date for the New Year was moved from April 1st to January 1st. During that time in history there was no television or radio so word spread slowly. There were also those who chose to simply ignore the change and those who merely forgot. These people were considered fools and invitations to non-existent parties and other practical jokes were played on them. All Fools Day is practiced in many parts of the world with practical jokes and sending people on a fools errand. Others believe that the origin began with celebrations at the Spring Equinox. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~ April Fools Days History ANCIENT ROME The custom of playing practical jokes on friends was part of the celebrations in ancient Rome on March 25 (Hilaria) The timing seems related to the vernal equinox and the coming of spring a time when nature fools us with sudden changes between showers. and sunshine. ENGLAND In England, tricks can be played only in the morning. If a trick is played on you, you are a noodle. Widespread observance in England began in the 18th century. SCOTLAND In Scotland, April Fools Day is 48 hours long and you are called an April Gowk, which is another name for a cuckoo bird. In Scotland, April Fools Day is 48 hours long. The second day is called Taily Day and is dedicated to pranks involving the buttocks. Taily Days gift to posterior posterity is the still-hilarious Kick Me sign. FRANCE In France, the April Fools is called April Fish (Poisson dAvril). The French fool their friends by taping a paper fish to their friends backs and when someone discovers this trick, they yell Poisson dAvril! SPAIN Dia de los Santos Inocentes is held in Spain onDecember 28th. This is The Feast of the Holy Innocents. It is celebrated similarily to April Fools Day, with practical jokes. AMERICA The English, Scotch and French introduced the custom to their colonies in America. One of our forefathers favorite jokes was to send someone on a fools errand. For example, one might have been asked to go out and obtain a copy of The History of Adams Grandfather, or bring back some sweet vinegar. MEXICO The foolish tradition is celebrated in Mexico, too, but on a different day and for different reasons. El Dia de los Inocentes, which is December 28, was set aside as a day for Christians to mourn Herods slaughter of innocent children. Over time, the tone of that unluckiest of days has evolved from sadness to good-natured trickery.
Posted on: Wed, 02 Apr 2014 05:59:06 +0000
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