The Origins of April Fool's
Day
The history behind April
Fool's Day is muddled with various folklore and hearsay. The exact root is
unknown and subject to much debate. The prevailing theory traces the origins of
April Fool's back to sixteenth century France. During this period, the new year
was celebrated on April 1st. Much like today, New Year's was celebrated with
parties, music, and dancing. However, in 1582 Pope Gregory instituted a new
calendar for the Christian people. This calendar moved New Year's to January
1st.
As is often the case with
changing tradition, some Christians continued to observe the new year on April
1st. Some refused to observe New Year's on a new day and some simply had not
heard of the change. Those whose continued to celebrate on April 1st soon became
known as “April Fools.” These so-called fools were mocked and pranked
mercilessly. They were sent on “fool's errands” or made to believe certain
falsehoods. These sixteenth century pranks were comparable to those of modern
day April Fool's.
Although this theory of the
calendar change is most widely accepted by historians, there are still other
associations made to April Fool's. Another theory links the holiday to the
Ancient Roman festival of Hilaria. This festival marked the coming of spring and
honored the god Attis, the Roman God of Vegetation. A major part of this
festival was the playing of practical jokes. As well, an ancient English legend
traces the origins of April Fool's back to Noah's Ark. This theory relates the
failed mission of the rook (or European crow) that was sent to look for land
from Noah's flooded ark.
Today in France, April
Fool's is know as Poisson d'Avril or April Fish. French children prank their
friends by taping a paper fish to each other's backs. In America, common
trickery includes telling someone their shoelaces are untied when they clearly
are not or telling students that school is canceled. Even huge companies and
corporations get in on the fun. On April 1, 1996 the Taco Bell restaurant chain
announced that it had bought the notorious Liberty Bell renaming it the “Taco
Liberty Bell” in order to reduce the nation's debt. This was all most certainly
an April Fool's hoax, however most Americans got a huge kick out of it.
Other common tricks include
the Falling Bucket trick. This prank is carried out by balancing a bucket of
water, powder, or paint on top of a door that is slightly open. When someone
pushes the door the bucket will fall, completely soaking the victim. While this
prank is endlessly entertaining, it can cause physical harm if the bucket lands
on the victim's head. Be sure to take all precautions. Another prank is the
Walnut Trick. Get a walnut and split it right at the center and fill the the
shells with corn starch. When the impending victim cracks open the walnut, it
will explode in a dusty white cloud. And finally for a really believable
prank, fake diplomas can be used to
trick a friend who work for a recruitment office or college. Whatever the
trickery, April Fool's is sure to entertain!
- All Fool's
Day: A complete guide to the traditions and culture of April Fool's
Day.
- Foolish Folklore: A University of Colorado article about the
folklore behind the origins of April Fool's Day.
- Tricked by
The Calendar: An article written by the Franklin Institute which details
the historical calendar changes that have lead up to modern day April Fool's.
- April Fool's Pranks: A lengthy list of ideas for April Fool's
jokes.
- Office
Pranks: A guide to tricks to play around the office on April Fool's
Day.
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