April Fool's Day is celebrated across the globe on every 1st day of the April month. It is also known as All Fools' Day. On this day, people pull pranks on their family members, friends, neighbors and even foes. If the victim falls prey to the intention of the trickster, he or she is called an “April Fool". But, in some countries including South Africa, United Kingdom and Australia, the hoaxes and jokes are allowed only before noon time. And, if someone continues with this practice even after noon hours, he or she too is addressed as an “April Fool".
Significance of April Fool's Day
There are many stories related to the celebrations of April Fool’s Day. According to one of the most popular views when the Gregorian calendar was introduced, the dates of holidays got changed, but some people didn’t stop following the Julian calendar, which was replaced.
The other story refers to the ruling period of King Charles IX of France. It is believed, when the emperor announced January 1 to be the first day of the year replacing April 1, some of the people in his kingdom still followed the old system.
Another theory suggests many pre-Christian groups used to observe 1st day of summer on May 1 or May Day marking the celebrations for the advent of spring season. Those who did this in the month of April instead of May were probably called the “April Fools".
There is one more interesting myth associated with the celebrations of Fool’s Day. Many hold that this event has a connection with 18th century, which refers to the period of Noah. It is assumed that Noah released his dove even before the water level had come down. That significant day was supposed to be the 1st day of the Hebrew month, which conformed to the month of April. This story was brought up in an article of the English newspaper in April 13, 1789.
Yet another reference to this day can be discovered in the Nun's Priest's tales. There is a story about 2 fools such as Chanticleer and the fox in the tale, which happened on March 32.
Interesting Facts about April Fool's Day
A person who falls prey to the tricks in Scotland is called the April "gowk". The cuckoo is known as gowk in Scottish. In France, this day is referred to as "Poisson d'Avril". "Poisson d'Avril" stands for April Fish. As per tradition, the kids in France stick the paper fish to their friends’ backs and when someone gets to spot this, he or she would shout "Poisson d'Avril".
Over the years, India too has started celebrating the widely known Fool’s day under western influence. This day is more popular with the youth of India including kids, college-goers and young professionals. The Indian kids usually point out to something which is not present at that point of time in that place to draw the attention of the victim. When the victim fails to realize the motive and start looking for the object, the trickster yells April Fool! The grown-ups also do these things but strictly with their close friends only.
Besides, there are many online card sites that offer interesting Fool’s Day cards under diverse categories. Many people prefer to send those to their friends and relatives. Some even like to buy gifts specially made for this day.
Last Updated on 12/21/2011
There are many stories related to the celebrations of April Fool’s Day. According to one of the most popular views when the Gregorian calendar was introduced, the dates of holidays got changed, but some people didn’t stop following the Julian calendar, which was replaced.
The other story refers to the ruling period of King Charles IX of France. It is believed, when the emperor announced January 1 to be the first day of the year replacing April 1, some of the people in his kingdom still followed the old system.
Another theory suggests many pre-Christian groups used to observe 1st day of summer on May 1 or May Day marking the celebrations for the advent of spring season. Those who did this in the month of April instead of May were probably called the “April Fools".
There is one more interesting myth associated with the celebrations of Fool’s Day. Many hold that this event has a connection with 18th century, which refers to the period of Noah. It is assumed that Noah released his dove even before the water level had come down. That significant day was supposed to be the 1st day of the Hebrew month, which conformed to the month of April. This story was brought up in an article of the English newspaper in April 13, 1789.
Yet another reference to this day can be discovered in the Nun's Priest's tales. There is a story about 2 fools such as Chanticleer and the fox in the tale, which happened on March 32.
Interesting Facts about April Fool's Day
A person who falls prey to the tricks in Scotland is called the April "gowk". The cuckoo is known as gowk in Scottish. In France, this day is referred to as "Poisson d'Avril". "Poisson d'Avril" stands for April Fish. As per tradition, the kids in France stick the paper fish to their friends’ backs and when someone gets to spot this, he or she would shout "Poisson d'Avril".
April Fool's Day Celebrations in India
Over the years, India too has started celebrating the widely known Fool’s day under western influence. This day is more popular with the youth of India including kids, college-goers and young professionals. The Indian kids usually point out to something which is not present at that point of time in that place to draw the attention of the victim. When the victim fails to realize the motive and start looking for the object, the trickster yells April Fool! The grown-ups also do these things but strictly with their close friends only.
Besides, there are many online card sites that offer interesting Fool’s Day cards under diverse categories. Many people prefer to send those to their friends and relatives. Some even like to buy gifts specially made for this day.
Last Updated on 12/21/2011
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