What are the origins of April Fools Day?
April Fools’ Day is celebrated on the 1st of April every year. It is also known as All Fools’ Day. There are many origin stories depicted by different cultures that all have a Christian connection.
One theory suggests that the holiday has its roots in ancient Rome, where a festival called Hilaria was celebrated at the end of March. During this festival, people would play pranks on one another and engage in other forms of lighthearted merrymaking.
Another theory suggests that the holiday may have originated in France during the Middle Ages. In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII introduced a new calendar, which moved New Year’s Day from April 1st to January 1st. Those who continued to celebrate New Year’s Day on April 1st were ridiculed and played pranks on by those who had adopted the new calendar. Ever wonder why Sept, Oct, Dec, are used for the 9th, 10th, and 12th months when they signify sept, seven, oct, eight, deca, ten?
Regardless of its origins, April Fools’ Day has become a popular holiday around the world, with people engaging in all manner of pranks and practical jokes. From fake news stories to elaborate hoaxes, the day provides an opportunity for people to let loose and have some fun.
Do you know what took place on April 1st 33 AD? The Last Supper.
Who were the Romans playing jokes on and why? Why would the Pope change the starting of the New Year from April 1st?
So that we could all be made fools.
Sometimes March Madness plays a role in all of this foolishness….. curiouser and curiouser.
