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April Fools Day
 The
origin of April Fools Day is rather uncertain. However, the common
belief holds that during the reformation of the calendar the date for
the New Year was moved from April 1st to January 1st. During that time
in history there was no television and no radio so word spread slowly.
There were also those who chose to simply ignore the change all
together and those who merely forgot. These people were considered
"fools" and invitations to non-existent parties and other practical
jokes were played on them. "All Fools' Day" is practiced in many parts
of the world with practical jokes and sending people on a fool's
errand. Some suggest that the origin began with the celebrations
of the Spring Equinox. While some believe it has to do the a
Roman festival known as Hilaria, the end of the Celtic new year.
In Scotland, April Fools Day lasts 48 hours Day two is know as Taily Day
and pranks involving the posterior are played. The victim of the
practical joke is referred to as "hunting the gowk"; the gowk is an
extinct cuckoo bird.
 In
France, he is the "poisson d'Avril" or "fish of April." The fish in
April are newly hatched and easily caught. French children enjoy
taping a picture of a fish on their friends back and yelling out
"Poisson dAvril!" when it is found.
Da
de los Santos Inocentes is held in Spain on December 28th. This is "The
Feast of the Holy Innocents". It's celebrated similarly to April Fools'
Day with practical jokes.
In the United States, pranks are played on just about everybody.
Pranks range from the standard "Your shoe is untied", to some very
creative and elaborate ideas. The only "rule" is that no one
should be harmed. Corporations, newspapers, and television
stations will also play practical jokes on April Fools Day.
The first of April, some do
say,
Is set apart for All Fools' Day.
But why the people call it so,
Nor I, nor they themselves do know.
But on this day are people sent
On purpose for pure merriment.
-- Poor Robin's Almanac (1790)
by W.Holidays
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