A P r IL FOOL !

By SArAH dAvEy

wHAT ’S THE STOry BEHINd THE FUN?

April Fools’ day is known for its pranks, jokes, and hoaxes. But how come we play tricks on each other every April 1st? what is the history behind this light-hearted and humorous day?

The origins of April Fools’ day are somewhat murky and disputed, and there are several theories about how it came to be. One theory is that it started in ancient rome, with a festival known as Hilaria. This festival was held at the end of March and involved people dressing up in costumes and playing practical jokes on each other.

Probably the most popular legend about the origins of April Fools’ day involves the switch from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar in France in 1582. The Julian calendar had been in use for centuries, but it was known to be inaccurate, with the date of the equinox gradually slipping backwards over time. To correct this, Pope Gregory XIII introduced a new calendar, which made some changes to the length of the year and the way leap years were calculated. New year’s day had been celebrated on April 1st, around the time of the vernal equinox.

However, not every citizen was on board with the new-fangled date system, and there were many who resisted the change. They continued to celebrate the New year on April 1st.These people were mocked and ridiculed for their stubbornness, and others began to play tricks on them, sending them on fake errands or inviting them to non-existent parties.

Over time, the tradition of playing pranks on April 1st spread throughout Europe and beyond. In England, it was known as ‘April Gowk day,’ with “gowk” meaning ‘cuckoo’ or ‘fool.’ In Scotland, it was called ‘Huntigowk day,’ with ‘huntigowk; meaning ‘hunting cuckoo.’ In France it’s known as ‘Poisson d’Avril’ or ‘April Fish’ whatever its origins, April Fools’ day is celebrated in many parts of the world, with pranks, and media outlets publishing hoax stories or articles. It has become a fun and light-hearted way to celebrate the change of season and engage in some harmless mischief with friends and family. Enjoy.

It’s France that points to the fact that a calendar switch can’t be the reason for pranking on April 1st, because in addition to some disparities about the differences between the two calendars (it seems there is disagreement about April 1st once being the start of the New year), practical jokes and mischiefs on this date seems to be a very old custom that predates the changeover. There is mention of the day in a 1508 poem by Eloy d’Amerval, at least 150 years before!

Perhaps in the end it’s nothing more than the start of spring making everyone feel giddy, that inspires a sudden sense of frivolity.

To contact FELPHAM IN FOCUS please email: office@infocusmagazines.co.uk

Please mention FELPHAM IN FOCUS when responding to adverts