April Fools’ Day – ever wonder how this fun day came about?
There are two schools of thought about its origins. Current thinking is that it
began around 1582 in France with the reform of the calendar under Charles IX.
In the Middle Ages, up until the late 18th century, New
Year's Day was celebrated on March 25 (Feast of the Annunciation) in most
European towns. In some areas of France, New Year's was a week-long holiday
ending on April 1.
When the Gregorian calendar was introduced, New Year's Day
was moved from March 25 - April 1 to January 1.
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."
Another possibility arises with the practice begun during
the reign of Constantine, when a group of court jesters and fools told the
Roman emperor that they could do a better job of running the empire.
Constantine, amused, allowed a jester named Kugel to be king for one day. Kugel
passed an edict calling for absurdity on that day, and the custom became an
annual event.
Precursors of April Fools' Day include the Roman festival of
Hilaria, held March 25, and the Medieval Feast of Fools, held December 28,
still a day on which pranks are played in Spanish-speaking countries.
April Fools' Day is observed throughout the Western world.
Practices include sending someone on a "fool's errand," looking for
things that don't exist; playing pranks; and trying to get people to believe
ridiculous things.
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