Jokes and pranks are everywhere today celebrating April Fools’ Day, traditionally celebrated on April 1. Whether you are the prankster or the gullible one who falls for a gag, you are sure to be one of millions who are part of some kind of April Fools’ Day prank on this lighthearted holiday.
Many Usenet newsgroups explain that while April Fools’ Day is connected to festivals held in ancient Rome on March 25, the Hilaria and a celebration on March 31 in India called the Holi. However, it is most closely related to All Fools’ Day in France. All Fools’ Day began in France when the Gregorian calendar moved New Year’s Day from March 25 to Jan. 1 in 1582. It is said that those who continued to celebrate the end of the year on April 1 were called fools.
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.his 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.
By example:
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.
Scotland – 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.
Portugal – April Fool’s Day falls on the Sunday and Monday before lent. In this celebration, many people throw flour at their friends.
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”.
India – The Huli Festival is celebrated on March 31 in India. People play jokes on one another and smear colors on one another celebrating the arrival of Spring.
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. April Fools’ Day, sometimes called All Fools’ Day, is one of the most light hearted days of the year.
For all things April Fools and general Humor, you can find out more about the history as well as historical pranks on newsgroups:
msn.forums.israel.jewish.humor
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