Also known as All Fools’ Day, April Fools’ Day is not a national holiday, but its traditions are observed in many countries on April 1. The day is celebrated by trying to prank or trick a victim (who becomes April fool). Whatever trick or prank may be, it usually ends by yelling to the victim, “April Fool!” In some countries, April fool jokes must be made before 12 noon on 1st April, otherwise it is the prankster who is the April fool.
Origin of April Fools’ Day
The origin of April Fools’ Day is a mystery. Some scholars believe April Fools’ Day is likely to be a relic of festivals held to mark the vernal equinox. These celebrations of the first days of spring started on 25th March and ended on 2nd April. There is some obvious evidence to suggest that 1st April was observed as a general festival in pagan Britain.
Usually, the customs are associated with the switch to the Gregorian calendar in France during the sixteenth century.
Historically, April 1 was celebrated as New Year’s Day in many parts of the world due to its relationship with the start of Spring.
France was one of the first countries to adopt 1st January as their official New Year’s Day, by decree of Charles IX in 1564. This was before the adoption of the Gregorian calendar.
The traditions and gifts which had been the feature of the 1st April switched to 1st January. Meanwhile many people did not hear about the news for several years, others also refused to accept the change. Those who still celebrated April 1 were seen as fools by the general populace, and fair game to be the butt of pranks and tricks were known as “poisson d’avril” or “April fish”
Gradually, the traditions spread to Scotland and England in the eighteenth century and was brought to the American colonies by both the English and French.
Be careful not to put your friends in severe danger all in the name of April fool!
