The Origin of April Fools'
by Haley Gallardo
April first, the start of a new month, and also a day full of tricks: April Fools’ Day! April Fools’ Day is known for its pranks and (hopefully) its shared laughter. On this day, hoaxes and jokes are pulled before saying the infamous phrase: “April fools!”. What is the reasoning behind all of the pranks? When and how did this tradition start? This article will investigate the history of this comical holiday!
The Beginnings`
Historians believe April Fools’ Day originated in the year 1582 – when France converted to the Gregorian calendar after adhering to the Julian calendar for quite some time. The Julian calendar declared that the new year would begin on Easter while the Gregorian calendar set the start of the new year on January 1st. Those who did not get the news of this calendar change in time or those who decided to stick to the Julian calendar were called “April fools.” April Fools’ Day is also said to be influenced by the timing of the vernal equinox. During this time, people were always fooled by the confusing changes in weather.
Similar Holidays
April Fools’ Day is said to be linked to the ancient Romanian festival Hilaria (a Latin word for joyful). Hilaria is a day of celebrating the Cybele-Attis cult (a group that worshipped the fertility goddess Cybele) and the Isis-Osiris cult (a group that worshiped the deities Isis and Osiris). Hilaria is held on March 25th.
The Indian celebration of Holi can also be linked to April Fool’s Day. Holi is a Hindu festival celebrated on the full moon day of Phalguna – also on March 25th. During this festival, colored powder is thrown around in a joyful frenzy.
El Dia de los Inocentes
In Latin America, April Fools’ is called El Dia de los Inocentes or Day of the Innocents; and the differences don’t stop there! In Latin America, El Dia de los Inocentes is celebrated on December 28th! It is also customary to purchase gag items at Christmas markets. This event is believed to have its origins in the Bible, though no one knows for sure.
This April Fools’ Day, make sure to have fun and prank others, or else you’ll be the victim of said pranks! This is the day to let your creative side take charge. Happy April Fools’ Day!
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