1 ST APRIL IN 1 ST APRIL IN ENGLANDENGLAND

April Fool’s DayApril Fool’s Day

Unlike most of the other nonfoolish holidays, the history of April Fool's Day, Unlike most of the other nonfoolish holidays, the history of April Fool's Day, sometimes called All Fool's Day, is not totally clear. There really wasn't a sometimes called All Fool's Day, is not totally clear. There really wasn't a "first April Fool's Day" that can be pinpointed on the calendar. Some "first April Fool's Day" that can be pinpointed on the calendar. Some believe it sort of evolved simultaneously in several cultures at the same believe it sort of evolved simultaneously in several cultures at the same time, from celebrations involving the first day of spring. The closest point in 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 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, France. Prior to that year, the new year was celebrated for eight days, beginning on March 25. The celebration culminated on April 1. With the beginning on March 25. The celebration culminated on April 1. With the reform of the calendar under Charles IX, the Gregorian Calendar was reform of the calendar under Charles IX, the Gregorian Calendar was introduced, and New Year's Day was moved to January 1. introduced, and New Year's Day was moved to January 1.

However, communications being what they were in the days when news However, communications being what they were in the days when news traveled by foot, many people did not receive the news for several years. traveled by foot, many people did not receive the news for several years. Others, the more obstinate crowd, refused to accept the new calendar and Others, the more obstinate crowd, refused to accept the new calendar and continued to celebrate the new year on April 1. These backward folk were continued to celebrate the new year on April 1. These backward folk were labeled as "fools" by the general populace. They were subject to some labeled as "fools" by the general populace. They were subject to some ridicule, and were often sent on "fools errands" or were made the butt of ridicule, and were often sent on "fools errands" or were made the butt of other practical jokes. other practical jokes.

This harassment evolved, over time, into a tradition of prank-playing on the This harassment evolved, over time, into a tradition of prank-playing on the first day of April. The tradition eventually spread to England and Scotland first day of April. The tradition eventually spread to England and Scotland in the eighteenth century. It was later introduced to the American colonies in the eighteenth century. It was later introduced to the American colonies of both the English and French. April Fool's Day thus developed into an of both the English and French. April Fool's Day thus developed into an international fun fest, so to speak, with different nationalities specializing international fun fest, so to speak, with different nationalities specializing in their own brand of humor at the expense of their friends and families. in their own brand of humor at the expense of their friends and families.

Pranks performed on April Fool's Day range from the simple, (such as Pranks performed on April Fool's Day range from the simple, (such as saying, "Your shoe's untied!), to the elaborate. Setting a roommate's alarm saying, "Your shoe's untied!), to the elaborate. Setting a roommate's alarm clock back an hour is a common gag. Whatever the prank, the trickster clock back an hour is a common gag. Whatever the prank, the trickster usually ends it by yelling to his victim, “April Fool”.usually ends it by yelling to his victim, “April Fool”.

Practical jokes are a common practice on April Fool's Day. Sometimes, Practical jokes are a common practice on April Fool's Day. Sometimes, elaborate practical jokes are played on friends or relatives that last the elaborate practical jokes are played on friends or relatives that last the entire day. The news media even gets involved. For instance, a British entire day. The news media even gets involved. For instance, a British short film once shown on April Fool's Day was a fairly detailed short film once shown on April Fool's Day was a fairly detailed documentary about "spaghetti farmers" and how they harvest their crop documentary about "spaghetti farmers" and how they harvest their crop from the spaghetti trees.from the spaghetti trees.

April Fool's Day is a "for-fun-only" observance. Nobody is expected to buy April Fool's Day is a "for-fun-only" observance. Nobody is expected to buy gifts or to take their "significant other" out to eat in a fancy restaurant. gifts or to take their "significant other" out to eat in a fancy restaurant. Nobody gets off work or school. It's simply a fun little holiday, but a holiday Nobody gets off work or school. It's simply a fun little holiday, but a holiday on which one must remain forever vigilant, for he may be the next April on which one must remain forever vigilant, for he may be the next April Fool! Fool!

April Fools' Day is about more than playing jokes, tricks and pranks. That's April Fools' Day is about more than playing jokes, tricks and pranks. That's just the most fun part of the day! In the 16th century, France celebrated just the most fun part of the day! In the 16th century, France celebrated the Newthe New Year just like we do today, except they partied on April 1st. In Year just like we do today, except they partied on April 1st. In 1562, Pope Gregory changed the calendar to the one we use today and 1562, Pope Gregory changed the calendar to the one we use today and from then on, the New Year began on January 1st. Lots of peeps didn't from then on, the New Year began on January 1st. Lots of peeps didn't know about the new calendar, or they ignored the new calendar and kept know about the new calendar, or they ignored the new calendar and kept celebrating on April 1st. Everyone else called them celebrating on April 1st. Everyone else called them April foolsApril fools and played and played tricks on them. tricks on them.

You Know What They Say About Fools...

It's better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and leave no It's better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and leave no doubt. --doubt. --Mark TwainMark Twain

However big the fool, there is always a bigger fool to admire him. -- However big the fool, there is always a bigger fool to admire him. -- Nicolas Boileau-Nicolas Boileau-DespréauxDespréaux

[Politicians] never open their mouths without subtracting from the sum of human [Politicians] never open their mouths without subtracting from the sum of human knowledge. -- knowledge. -- Thomas ReedThomas Reed

He who lives without folly isn't so wise as he thinks. -- He who lives without folly isn't so wise as he thinks. -- François, Duc de La François, Duc de La RochefoucauldRochefoucauld

The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly, is to fill the world with The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly, is to fill the world with fools. -- fools. -- Herbert SpencerHerbert Spencer

Sometimes one likes foolish people for their folly, better than wise people for their Sometimes one likes foolish people for their folly, better than wise people for their wisdom. -- wisdom. -- Elizabeth GaskellElizabeth Gaskell

Looking foolish does the spirit good. -- Looking foolish does the spirit good. -- John UpdikeJohn Updike

Let us be thankful for the fools. But for them the rest of us could not succeed. --Let us be thankful for the fools. But for them the rest of us could not succeed. --Mark Mark TwainTwain

A fool sees not the same tree that a wise man sees. -- A fool sees not the same tree that a wise man sees. -- William BlakeWilliam Blake

A fool must now and then be right by chance. -- A fool must now and then be right by chance. -- CowperCowper

It is better to be a fool than to be dead. -- It is better to be a fool than to be dead. -- StevensonStevenson

The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year. -- of the year. -- Mark TwainMark Twain

April Fool's Day HistoryApril Fool's Day History

The history of April Fool's Day or All Fool's Day is uncertain, but the current 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 thinking is that it began around 1582 in France with the reform of the calendar under Charles IX. The Gregorian Calendar was introduced, and 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 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 January 1. Communication traveled slowly in those days and some people were only informed of the change several years later. Still others, who were only informed of the change several years later. Still others, who were more rebellious refused to acknowledge the change and continued to were more rebellious refused to acknowledge the change and continued to celebrate on the last day of the former celebration, April 1. These people 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 were labeled "fools" by the general populace, were subject to ridicule and sent on "fool errands," sent invitations to nonexistent parties and had other sent on "fool errands," sent invitations to nonexistent parties and had other practical jokes played upon them. The butts of these pranks became 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 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 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 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 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 eventually spread elsewhere like to Britain and Scotland in the 18th century and was introduced to the American colonies by the English and 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 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 taken on an international flavor with each country celebrating the holiday in its own way.in its own way.

In England, jokes are played only in the morning. Fools are called 'gobs' or 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 '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. So, no matter where luck to play a practical joke on someone after noon. So, no matter where you happen to be in the world on April 1, don't be surprised if April fools fall you happen to be in the world on April 1, don't be surprised if April fools fall playfully upon you. playfully upon you.

Why is April 1 a day to Why is April 1 a day to celebrate foolishness?celebrate foolishness?

Holidays are celebrated for all sorts of reasons. Some honor heroes, others Holidays are celebrated for all sorts of reasons. Some honor heroes, others commemorate religious events, but April 1 stands out as the only holiday commemorate religious events, but April 1 stands out as the only holiday that celebrates foolishness. April Fools' Day, or that celebrates foolishness. April Fools' Day, or All Fools DayAll Fools Day, is an odd , is an odd celebration with a strange history. What other holiday asks us to play tricks celebration with a strange history. What other holiday asks us to play tricks and dupe our unsuspecting friends and acquaintances? and dupe our unsuspecting friends and acquaintances?

There's some uncertainty about when and where this bizarre tradition There's some uncertainty about when and where this bizarre tradition began, but the most accepted explanation traces April Fools' Day back to began, but the most accepted explanation traces April Fools' Day back to 16th century France. Up until 1564, the accepted calendar was the Julian 16th century France. Up until 1564, the accepted calendar was the Julian calendar, which observed the beginning of the New Year around April. calendar, which observed the beginning of the New Year around April. According to "The Oxford Companion to the Year," King Charles IX then According to "The Oxford Companion to the Year," King Charles IX then declared that France would begin using the Gregorian calendar, which declared that France would begin using the Gregorian calendar, which shifted New Year's Day to January 1. shifted New Year's Day to January 1.

Not everyone accepted this shifting of dates at the same time. Some Not everyone accepted this shifting of dates at the same time. Some believed that the dates should not be shifted, and it was these people who believed that the dates should not be shifted, and it was these people who became the butt of some April jokes and were mocked as fools. People sent became the butt of some April jokes and were mocked as fools. People sent gifts and invited them to bogus parties. Citizens in the rural parts of France gifts and invited them to bogus parties. Citizens in the rural parts of France were also victims of these jokes. In those days, news traveled slowly and were also victims of these jokes. In those days, news traveled slowly and they might not have known about the shifting of dates for months or years. they might not have known about the shifting of dates for months or years. These people also endured being made fun of for celebrating the new year These people also endured being made fun of for celebrating the new year on the wrong day. on the wrong day.

Today in France, people who are fooled on April 1 are called Today in France, people who are fooled on April 1 are called Poisson Poisson d'Avril,d'Avril, which literally means the "April Fish." One common joke is to hook which literally means the "April Fish." One common joke is to hook a cardboard fish to the back of a person. What a fish has to do with April a cardboard fish to the back of a person. What a fish has to do with April Fools' Day is not clear. Some believe that the fish is tied to Jesus Christ, Fools' Day is not clear. Some believe that the fish is tied to Jesus Christ, who was often represented as a fish in early Christian times. Others say who was often represented as a fish in early Christian times. Others say the fish is related to the zodiac sign of Pisces, which is represented by a the fish is related to the zodiac sign of Pisces, which is represented by a fish, and falls near April. It's interesting to point out that Napoleon earned fish, and falls near April. It's interesting to point out that Napoleon earned the Poisson d'Avril monicker when he married Marie-Louise of Austria on the Poisson d'Avril monicker when he married Marie-Louise of Austria on April 1, 1810.April 1, 1810.

It's probably no coincidence that April Fools' Day is celebrated at the same It's probably no coincidence that April Fools' Day is celebrated at the same time that two other similar holidays are celebrated. In ancient Rome, the time that two other similar holidays are celebrated. In ancient Rome, the festival of festival of HilariaHilaria was thrown to celebrate the resurrection of the god was thrown to celebrate the resurrection of the god Attis. Hilaria is probably the base word for hilarity and hilarious, which Attis. Hilaria is probably the base word for hilarity and hilarious, which mean great merriment. Today, Hilaria is also known as mean great merriment. Today, Hilaria is also known as Roman Laughing Roman Laughing DayDay. In India, the Holi festival celebrates the arrival of spring. As a part of . In India, the Holi festival celebrates the arrival of spring. As a part of that festival, people play jokes and smear colors on each other. that festival, people play jokes and smear colors on each other.

There's no clear connection between the modern observance of April Fools' There's no clear connection between the modern observance of April Fools' Day and these two ancient celebrations, which lends most historians to Day and these two ancient celebrations, which lends most historians to accept the French explanation for how April Fools' Day developed. accept the French explanation for how April Fools' Day developed.

IntroductionIntroduction

In 1708 a correspondent wrote in to the British In 1708 a correspondent wrote in to the British ApolloApollo magazine to ask,  magazine to ask, “Whence proceeds the custom of making April Fools?” The question is one “Whence proceeds the custom of making April Fools?” The question is one that many people are still asking today. The puzzle that April Fool’s Day that many people are still asking today. The puzzle that April Fool’s Day presents to cultural historians is that it was only during the eighteenth presents to cultural historians is that it was only during the eighteenth century that detailed references to it (and curiosity about it) began to century that detailed references to it (and curiosity about it) began to appear. But at that time, the custom was already well established appear. But at that time, the custom was already well established throughout northern Europe and was regarded as being of great antiquity. throughout northern Europe and was regarded as being of great antiquity. How had the tradition been adopted by so many different European How had the tradition been adopted by so many different European cultures without provoking more comments in the written record? cultures without provoking more comments in the written record? References to April Fool’s Day can be found as early as the 1500s. References to April Fool’s Day can be found as early as the 1500s. However, these early references were infrequent and tended to be vague However, these early references were infrequent and tended to be vague and ambiguous. Shakespeare, writing in the late sixteenth and early and ambiguous. Shakespeare, writing in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, made no mention of April Fool’s Day, despite being, seventeenth centuries, made no mention of April Fool’s Day, despite being, as Charles Dickens Jr. Put it, a writer who “delights in fools in general.” as Charles Dickens Jr. Put it, a writer who “delights in fools in general.” Many theories have been put forward about how the tradition began. Many theories have been put forward about how the tradition began. Unfortunately, none of them are very compelling. So the origin of the Unfortunately, none of them are very compelling. So the origin of the “custom of making April Fools” remains as much a mystery to us as it was “custom of making April Fools” remains as much a mystery to us as it was back in 1708. back in 1708.

Fools Around the WorldFools Around the World

In France today, April 1st is called In France today, April 1st is called Poisson d'AvrilPoisson d'Avril, which means April , which means April Fish. Children tape paper fish to their friends' backs and when the young Fish. Children tape paper fish to their friends' backs and when the young "fool" finds out, the prankster yells "Poisson d'Avril!" In England, tricks can "fool" finds out, the prankster yells "Poisson d'Avril!" In England, tricks can only be played in the morning. If a trick is played on you, you are a only be played in the morning. If a trick is played on you, you are a ""noodlenoodle." In Scotland, you are called an "April gowk," which is another ." In Scotland, you are called an "April gowk," which is another name for a cuckoo bird. In Portugal, April Fools' is celebrated on the name for a cuckoo bird. In Portugal, April Fools' is celebrated on the Sunday and Monday before Lent. Pranksters usually throw flour at their Sunday and Monday before Lent. Pranksters usually throw flour at their friends. friends.

Practical Jokes For April Fool's DayPractical Jokes For April Fool's Day

April Fools' practical jokes should be done in good fun and April Fools' practical jokes should be done in good fun and notnot meant to meant to harm anyone. The best jokes are the clever ones where everyone laughs, harm anyone. The best jokes are the clever ones where everyone laughs, especially the person who had the joke played on them.especially the person who had the joke played on them.

Why do we celebrate April Why do we celebrate April Fools Day?Fools Day?

Truth is we really don't know where the tradition of playing pranks on Truth is we really don't know where the tradition of playing pranks on people came from. people came from.

There are a few theories floating around though: There are a few theories floating around though:

    When the western world used the Julian calendar, the year began on When the western world used the Julian calendar, the year began on March 25th because they celebrated the start of a new year with the March 25th because they celebrated the start of a new year with the start of spring. However since that fell in the Holy Week, the celebrated it start of spring. However since that fell in the Holy Week, the celebrated it on the first of April. However when we switched to the Gregorian calendar on the first of April. However when we switched to the Gregorian calendar in the 1500s, we moved the New Year to the first of January. According to in the 1500s, we moved the New Year to the first of January. According to the most widely told story, those who still celebrated the New Year on April the most widely told story, those who still celebrated the New Year on April 1st were called April fools.1st were called April fools.

The Encyclopedia of Religion and the Encyclopedia Britannica thinks that The Encyclopedia of Religion and the Encyclopedia Britannica thinks that the timing of April Fool's Day is directly related to the arrival of Spring, the timing of April Fool's Day is directly related to the arrival of Spring, when nature 'fools' humans with erratic weather. when nature 'fools' humans with erratic weather.

   The Country Diary of Garden Lore has a theory that April Fools Day The Country Diary of Garden Lore has a theory that April Fools Day commemorates "the fruitless mission of the rook (the European crow) who commemorates "the fruitless mission of the rook (the European crow) who was sent out in search of land from Noah's flood-surrounded ark." was sent out in search of land from Noah's flood-surrounded ark."

So, on April 1st are you going to be the tricked or the trickster? So, on April 1st are you going to be the tricked or the trickster?

On 1 April 1957 on BBC's show Panorama opened with a line about Spring On 1 April 1957 on BBC's show Panorama opened with a line about Spring coming early this year, prompting the spaghetti harvest in Switzerland to coming early this year, prompting the spaghetti harvest in Switzerland to be early as well. In the normal news manner, spaghetti's oddly uniform be early as well. In the normal news manner, spaghetti's oddly uniform length was explained as the result of years of dedicated cultivation. The length was explained as the result of years of dedicated cultivation. The report stated that the ravenous spaghetti weevil had been conquered.report stated that the ravenous spaghetti weevil had been conquered.

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