History Of April Fool's Day

The history of April Fools Day one steeped in ambiguity. Many believe the observance came about as the result of the blending of different culture's celebrations of spring. The origin of the holiday can be traced back to France and the year 1582. Up until that time the New Year had been celebrated for the duration of the time between March twenty-fifth and April first, encompassing eight days of observance and festivities. During the reign of Charles IX, New Year's was moved to the first of January based on the newly instated Gregorian Calendar. Back in those times the ability for instant communications was non-existent, therefore not everyone was informed about official changing of dates. A large number of people remained who continued to hold celebrations for the eight days following March twenty-fifth, as opposed to January first. There was also a contingent of stubborn people who simply refused to acknowledge the change over to the Gregorian Calendar.

Obstinate people came to be considered fools by the majority of the population, and were subsequently made fun of for sticking to the old ways. Such people subsequently played integral roles in the history of April Fools day. These 'fools' were made fun of and were the subjects of many jokes and pranks. Thus, over the years the playing of pranks became the norm on the first of April, and April Fool's, or All Fool's day, was born. The prank playing spread from Europe to other parts of the world during the eighteenth century, and now almost every culture acknowledges the holiday in some fashion. For example, in Scotland the celebrations are spread over a two day period. The Scottish view the holiday as the time for jokes concerning the rear portions of the body, and refer to the day as Taily Day. The infamous 'kick me' sign is believed to have originated from the celebrations.

Practical jokes and pranks are common and expected on the first of April. Anyone can become a prankster as jokes can be made about anything, and can be even be done simply by sending free April Fool's day e-cards. The holiday is one when practical jokes abound. Everyone can participate, from the very old to the very young and all those in between. There is no limit to the imagination, therefore there is no end to the schemes of prankster's. People should be on their guard more so at the time than any other time of the year. For those who desire to become prank players yet have no ideas can find the internet to be helpful. There are hundreds of websites that offer ideas and examples of gags, and in some cases testimonials and personal accounts of pranks that have been played. Many websites offer free April Fool's day e-cards which are humorous, and allow for a few laughs at no one's expense.

The history of April Fools Day includes many countries and peoples from around the world. The Roman's celebrated the holiday in their own way. They held a Festival of Hilaria on March twenty-fifth to celebrate the resurrection of one of their gods, Attis, the god of vegetation. The twenty-fifth of March is also known as the Roman Laughing day. The French call the gullible 'poisson d'avril' , meaning 'April Fish' as fish are easily caught, especially the young naive ones, much like an unsuspecting individual can be caught in a gag. The jokesters in England generally cease after the hour of noon, acting out pranks is considered bad luck later in the afternoon. Americans nationwide acknowledge the time as one of fun and frivolity.

April Fool's is an official holiday, however, not a federal holiday, but acknowledged nonetheless. No businesses closed down or schools close. Plenty of people see the time as an excuse to have fun at the expense of others, whether by playing pranks or simply by sending free April Fool's day e-cards. Jokes abound more on this holiday than any other a popular time and even common for pranksters to try and get others to believe ridiculous things. Those who happen to be gullible in nature can really be taken advantage of and have been throughout the history of April Fools day. The victims of such pranks originally were sent on fool's errands and generally made fun of for their gullibility. Currently, similar gags are put into action, with lesser jokes being more common. In recent years gag gifts have become popular, and most commonly used jokes include convincing someone of a shoe being untied or of food or some other foreign mark on one's face. Whoopee cushions have transcended the years, as have such pranks as sewing closed the leg of one's pants.

Jokes can be quite elaborate, oftentimes including one or more people to pull a single prank on an unsuspecting individual. Pranks have also been pulled on the public by the mass media. Well known fast food chains have, in the past, fooled hundreds into believing some form of false advertising. News organizations have also run very minor false news stories on April first just for fun. Some might wonder who the fools really are on this day, as occasionally the pranksters appear more foolish than the victims, "It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom" (Proverbs 10:23). No matter how one chooses to celebrate the holiday, ideas abound with myriad pranks, jokes, gag gifts and free April Fool's day e-cards available. This light hearted time of year allows for many, the opportunity to take a break from the serious side of life. As Mark Twain said, "The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other three hundred and sixty-four days of the year".

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