April Fool's Day History

The history of April Fool's Day or the Day of the Fool's is uncertain, but current thinking is that it began around 1582 in France with the reform of the calendar under Charles IX. The Gregorian calendar was introduced, and the New Year was moved from March 25 to 1 April (week of new year) to January 1.
Communication traveled slowly in those days and some have been informed of the change several years later. Still others, who were more rebellious refused to acknowledge the change and continued to celebrate the last day of the celebration former, on April 1.
These people were labeled "fools" by the general population, were subject to ridicule and sent on "fool races," sent invitations to nonexistent and had other practical jokes on them. The butts of these pranks became known as an "April fool" or "April Fools" because a young naive fish is easily caught. In addition, a common practice was to hook a paper fish on the back of someone as a joke.

This harassment evolved over time and used to joke game to continue on the first day of April. This tradition eventually spread elsewhere like to Britain and Scotland in the 18th century and was introduced to the American colonies by the English and French. Because of this difference to other countries, April Fool's Day has taken an international dimension with each country celebrating the festival in its own way.

In Scotland, for example, April Fool is devoted to spoofs involving the buttocks and as such is called Taily day. The butts of these jokes are known as "Gowk April, another name for cuckoo. The origins of the "Kick Me" sign can be traced to the Scottish observance.

In England, jokes are played only in the morning. Fools are called 'gobs' or' gobby and the victim of a joke is called a "fry". It was considered back luck to play a joke on someone after noon.

In Rome, the feast is known as the Festival of Hilaria, celebrating the resurrection of the god Attis, is March 25 and is also known as "Roman Laughing day."

In Portugal, April Fool's Day falls on Sunday and Monday before Lent. In this celebration, many people throw flour at their friends.

The Huli Festival is celebrated on March 31 India. People play jokes on each other and smear colors on one another to celebrate the arrival of spring.

So no matter where you are in the world on April 1, do not be surprised if April fools fall fun on you.