April Fool's Day

April Fool's Day or All Fools' Day, though not a holiday in its own right, is a notable day celebrated in many countries on April 1. The day is marked by the commission of hoaxes and other practical jokes of varying sophistication, the aim of which is to embarrass the gullible.

Origin

The origin of April Fool's day is not entirely clear, but it is generally accepted to have stemmed from the changes in the calendar system http://www3.kumc.edu/diversity/other/aprlfool.html. The New Year celebrations used to begin on 25 March and last for a week, hence ending on 1 April. In 1582, King Charles IX of France brought in the new Gregorian calendar, in which the new year began on 1 January. Unfortunately, some people did not hear of the change, and others simply refused to break the tradition. These people became the object of so-called 'fool's errands' and tests of gullibility.

Related Topics:
Calendar - New Year - 25 March - 1582 - Charles IX of France - Gregorian calendar - 1 January

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~