The Origin of April Fools’ Day
Every year, on April 1st, you would have encountered at least one of the following pranks:
“Your shoelaces are untied”
“The boss was asking for you yesterday. Looks like he wasn’t in a good mood.”
“Can you come out for a moment? I’m waiting at your doorstep.”
So, what makes this day so special for the pranksters, and yes, for most of the population across the world?
All Fools’ Day or April Fools’ Day falls on the first day of April in most parts of the world. Even though this day has been observed as the day for pranks, its true origins are clearly not known.
What does history say?
Few historians suggest that the modern custom originated in France, officially with the Edict of Roussillon, in which Charles IX declared that the new year would no longer begin on Easter, but rather start from January 1. Because Easter was a lunar and therefore moveable date, those who clung to the old ways shall be considered to be the “April fools”, is what he suggested.
There was another set of people who suggested that this day is named so because of the vernal equinox, which falls on March 21. This is a time when people are fooled by sudden changes in the weather.
There are clearly variations between countries in the celebration of April Fools’ Day, but the urge to play a prank on someone remains common.
Interesting Facts
In different countries, the person who gets pranked is called by different names. For example, in France, the fooled person is referred to as poisson d’avril (which means April Fish). This name came about in reference to a young fish that has a high chance of getting caught easily. In Scotland, the day is known as Gowkie Day, which means “A day for gowk or cuckoo” – a symbol of the fool. The following day signs reading “kick me” are pinned to the fooled person’s backs.
Also, in many countries, newspapers and popular magazines publish false headlines or news stories to play pranks on their readers. However, they make sure that it is all light-hearted.
How do big brands get it on the April Fools’ Day action?
April 1st needs to come with a default disclaimer – “keep your eyes and ears open!”
Do any of you remember when news came out in Canada a couple of years back saying that they are coming out with a $2 coin? Or have you come across the prank played by Burger King on its customers saying they are selling a left-handed Whopper?
What made it even more special is that folks actually asked for it!
They made people look so gullible! 🙂
Want to know what is the best prank of all time?
In 1957, BBC’s Panorama announced that with the spring coming early, the Switzerland spaghetti harvest would also happen soon. They then broadcasted a video that showed women picking spaghetti from trees. Tons of viewers called the BBC to enquire if there really were any spaghetti plants available.
Although the exact origin of April fools is ultimately unknown, it is indeed fascinating to know how people across the globe, irrespective of their age, pull out pranks on their close ones and make it a fun day to remember.
Talking about fun, it is important that we all set a limit to it. In the current world that we live in, humanity is something that we all need, but seldom find in people around us. People spreading hate in the name of fun has been evident in recent times. We see a lot of memes and fun posts about the war that is happening in Ukraine. It is important that we spread love through each and every action of ours. Not just because it is a valuable human trait, it is what the world badly needs now!
As parents, let us make sure that our kids are brought up with words of positivity and love for fellow human beings. These are important qualities that will help our children to grow up as an important asset for society and the nation. So, on the upcoming Fools’ Day, let us make sure we have our fun, but always keep it in check. Have an awesome April Fools’ day! 🙂
Exam Smart Tips
Exam Smart Tip #1 – How to Encourage Our Kids to Speak Better?
Exam Smart Tip #2 – How to avoid carelessness?
Exam Smart Tip #3 – Establishing Routines!
Exam Smart Tip #4 – Let’s Read Carefully!
Exam Smart Tip #5 – Beating the Exam Fever!
Exam Smart Tip #6 – How to Eat Right for the Exams?
Exam Smart Tip #7 – How to Avoid a Meltdown?
Exam Smart Tip #8 – Taking Stress out of Tests
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