April Fools' Day

or All Fools' Day

First day of April, named for the custom of playing practical jokes on that date. Though it has been observed for centuries in several countries, including France and Britain, its origin is unknown. It resembles the Hilaria festival of ancient Rome (March 25) and the Holi festival of India (ending March 31). The custom of playing April Fools' jokes was brought to America by the British.

April Fools' Day

April 1

There are many names for this day—including All Fools' Day, April Noddy Day, Gowkie Day, Huntigowk Day, and St. All-Fools' Morn —just as there are many practical jokes to play on the unsuspecting. One theory about its origin points to Noah as the first "April Fool." It is said that on that day he mistakenly sent the dove out to find dry land after the flood. Another points to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1582, when New Year's Day was officially moved from March 25 to January 1. People who forgot about the change were often mocked by their friends, as they continued to make New Year visits just after the old March date.
The simplest pranks usually involve children who, for example, tell each other that their shoelaces are undone and then cry "April Fool!" when the victims glance at their feet. Sometimes the media get into the act, broadcasting fictitious news items designed to amuse or alarm the public. British television, for example, once showed Italian farmers "harvesting" spaghetti from trees. The French call it Fooling the April Fish Day (the fool being the poisson d'avril ) and try to pin a paper fish on someone's back without getting caught.
In Mexico children play April Fools'-type pranks on December 28, Holy Innocents' Day.

SOURCES:
AmerBkDays-2000, p. 247
BkDays-1864, vol. I, p. 460
BkFest-1937, p. 17
DaysCustFaith-1957, p. 92
EncyEaster-2002, p. 9
EncyRel-1987, v. 1, p. 213
FestSaintDays-1915, p. 58
FestWestEur-1958, p. 34
FolkAmerHol-1999, p. 191
FolkWrldHol-1999, p. 268
OxYear-1999, p. 142

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April Fools' Day (redirected from All Fools' day)

April Fools' Day

April Fools' Day
(redirected from All Fools' day)