The history of April Fool's Day or All Fool's Day is
uncertain, but the current thinking is that it began around 1582 in France with
the reform of the calendar under Charles IX. The Gregorian Calendar was
introduced, and New Year's Day was moved from March 25 - April 1 (new year's
week) to January 1.
Communication traveled slowly in those days and some
people were only informed of the change several years later. Still others, who
were more rebellious refused to acknowledge the change and continued to celebrate
on the last day of the former celebration, April 1.
These people were labeled "fools" by the
general populace, were subject to ridicule and sent on "fool
errands," sent invitations to nonexistent parties and had other practical
jokes played upon them. The butts of these pranks became known as a
"poisson d'avril" or "April fish" because a young naive
fish is easily caught. In addition, one common practice was to hook a paper
fish on the back of someone as a joke.
This harassment evolved over time and a custom of
prank-playing continue on the first day of April. This tradition eventually
spread elsewhere like to Britain and Scotland in the 18th century and was
introduced to the American colonies by the English and the French. Because of
this spread to other countries, April Fool's Day has taken on an international
flavor with each country celebrating the holiday in its own way.
In 1996 the Taco Bell Corporation announced it had bought
the Liberty Bell and was renaming it the Taco Liberty Bell. Hundreds of
outraged citizens called the National Historic Park in Philadelphia where the
bell was housed to express their anger. Their nerves were only calmed when Taco
Bell revealed, a few hours later, that it was all a practical joke. The best
line of the day came when White House press secretary Mike McCurry was asked
about the sale. Thinking on his feet, he responded that the Lincoln Memorial
had also been sold. It would now be known, he said, as the Ford Lincoln Mercury
Memorial.
Here's some inspiration for tomorrow.....
Here's some inspiration for tomorrow.....
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