APRIL FOOL
Posted by Anonymous on 2007/3/31 16:55:03
No matter where you happen to be on 1 April, don’t be surprised if jokes fall playfully on you on this ALL FOOLS’ DAY.
In the beginning, All Fools' Day, was said to have begun in the 16th century in France. In 1582. King Charles Maximilien IX of the Valois Dynasty introduced the Gregorian Calendar and the New Year’s Week was moved from 25th March ~ 1st April to 1 January.
Because communication travelled very slowly those days, people were only informed of the change years later. Of course there were those who were more rebellious that refused to acknowledge the change and continued to celebrate on the last day of the former celebration, which falls on 1 April. These people were labelled "FOOLS" by the general populace. Subject to ridicule, they were sent on ‘fool errands’; being sent invitations to nonexistent parties, and had other cynical jokes played on them. These pranks became known as "April fish" because it seemed then that a young and naive fish was easily caught. It was also a common practice to hook a paper fish on the butt of someone as a joke.
Over time, the custom of prank-playing continued on the first day of April. This tradition eventually spread 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, April Fool's Day has taken on an international flavour with each country celebrating the holiday in its own style.
The Scots call it Taily Day where a “Kick Me” sign called April 'Gowk' a.k.a. cuckoo bird is hooked to the butt of a person. The origin of the "Kick Me" sign can be traced back to the Scottish observance.
The Brits play jokes only in the morning on Gobs. A victim of a joke is called a 'noodle.' It is considered back luck to play a practical joke on someone after noon.
The Italians call the ‘holiday’ Festival of Hilaria. It is also referred to as "Roman Laughing Day."
The Portuguese decide that April Fool's Day falls on the Sunday and Monday before lent. In this celebration, many people throw flour at their friends.
In the beginning, All Fools' Day, was said to have begun in the 16th century in France. In 1582. King Charles Maximilien IX of the Valois Dynasty introduced the Gregorian Calendar and the New Year’s Week was moved from 25th March ~ 1st April to 1 January.
Because communication travelled very slowly those days, people were only informed of the change years later. Of course there were those who were more rebellious that refused to acknowledge the change and continued to celebrate on the last day of the former celebration, which falls on 1 April. These people were labelled "FOOLS" by the general populace. Subject to ridicule, they were sent on ‘fool errands’; being sent invitations to nonexistent parties, and had other cynical jokes played on them. These pranks became known as "April fish" because it seemed then that a young and naive fish was easily caught. It was also a common practice to hook a paper fish on the butt of someone as a joke.
Over time, the custom of prank-playing continued on the first day of April. This tradition eventually spread 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, April Fool's Day has taken on an international flavour with each country celebrating the holiday in its own style.
The Scots call it Taily Day where a “Kick Me” sign called April 'Gowk' a.k.a. cuckoo bird is hooked to the butt of a person. The origin of the "Kick Me" sign can be traced back to the Scottish observance.
The Brits play jokes only in the morning on Gobs. A victim of a joke is called a 'noodle.' It is considered back luck to play a practical joke on someone after noon.
The Italians call the ‘holiday’ Festival of Hilaria. It is also referred to as "Roman Laughing Day."
The Portuguese decide that April Fool's Day falls on the Sunday and Monday before lent. In this celebration, many people throw flour at their friends.
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