History of April Fool's Day
Golden Bay
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History of April Fool's Day
The history of April Fool's Day or All Fool's Day is uncertain, but the
current thinking is that it began around 1582 in France with the reform
of the calendar under Charles IX. The Gregorian Calendar was
introduced, and New Year's Day was moved from March 25 - April 1 (new
year's week) to January 1. Communication traveled slowly in those days
and some people were only informed of the change several years later.
Still others, who were more rebellious refused to acknowledge the
change and continued to celebrate on the last day of the former
celebration, April 1. These people were labeled "fools" by the general
populace, were subject to ridicule and sent on "fool errands," sent
invitations to nonexistent parties and had other practical jokes played
upon them. The butts of these pranks became known as a "poisson
d'avril" or "April fish" because a young naive fish is easily caught.
In addition, one common practice was to hook a paper fish on the back
of someone as a joke.
This harassment evolved over time and a custom of prank-playing
continue on the first day of April. This tradition eventually spread
elsewhere like to Britain and Scotland in the 18th century and was
introduced to the American colonies by the English and the French.
Because of this spread to other countries, April Fool's Day has taken
on an international flavor with each country celebrating the holiday in
its own way.
In Scotland, for instance, April Fool's Day is devoted to spoofs
involving the buttocks and as such is called Taily Day. The butts of
these jokes are known as April 'Gowk', another name for cuckoo bird.
The origins of the "Kick Me" sign can be traced back to the Scottish
observance.
In England, jokes are played only in the morning. Fools are called
'gobs' or 'gobby' and the victim of a joke is called a 'noodle.' It was
considered back luck to play a practical joke on someone after noon.
In Rome, the holiday is known as Festival of Hilaria, celebrating the
resurrection of the god Attis, is on March 25 and is also referred to
as "Roman Laughing Day."
In Portugal, April Fool's Day falls on the Sunday and Monday before
lent. In this celebration, many people throw flour at their friends.
So, no matter where you happen to be in the world on April 1, don't be
surprised if April fools fall playfully upon you.