April Fool's Day

April 1^st is a celebrated day all around the world every year, known as April fool’s Day.  It is sometimes referred to as All Fools’ Day.  Although this is not a national holiday, it is widely recognized and celebrated as a day when many people play jokes and pranks on each other.  This day is marked by the good humor of jokes and practical pranks. 

Unlike most of the other holidays that are not foolish, the history of April fool’s Day is not very clear to a lot of people.  There never really was an “April Fool’s Day” that can be pinpointed on the calendar.  Some believe that it kind of evolved simultaneously in several cultures at the same time, from celebrations involving the first day of spring.  

The closest point in time that can be identified as the beginning of this tradition was in 1582, in France.  Prior to that year, the New Year was celebrated for eight days, beginning on March 25.  The celebration ended on April 1.  With the reform of the calendar under Charles IX, the Gregorian calendar was introduced, and New Year’s Day was moved to January 1.  However, many people did not receive the news for several years being that they were in the days when news traveled by foot.  The more stubborn crowd refused to accept the new calendar and continued to celebrate the New Year on April 1.  These people were labeled as “fools” by the general public.  They were subject to some ridicule and were often sent on “fool’s errands” or were the brunt of other practical jokes.

Over time this harassment evolved into a tradition of prank—playing on the first day of April.  The tradition spread to England and Scotland in the eighteenth century and was later introduced to the American colonies of both the English and French.  April fool’s Day therefore developed into an international fun fest with different nationalities specializing in their own brand of humor at the expense of their friends and families. 

April fool’s Day is actually celebrated for two days in Scotland.  The second day is devoted to pranks involving the posterior region of the body, called Taily Day.  The origin of the “kick me” sign can be traced to this observance.   Mexico observes their “April fool’s Day” on December   28^th. 

The pranks performed on April fool’s day range from simple to elaborate.  Practical jokes are a common practice on this day.  It is known as a for-fun only day!