Do you know the origin of April Fools Day? It is believed that it was
as a result of a change in our calendar.
In many ancient cultures, New Year's Day was
on April 1. However, in 1582, Pope Gregory XIII ordered a new
calendar (the Gregorian Calendar) to replace the old Julian Calendar.
The new calendar called for New Year's Day to be celebrated on January
1.
In those days, because of a lack of good
communication systems (like TV and radio), word spread very slowly.
Therefore, many people did not know of the change of the New Year's Day
for several years. There were also those who simply ignored the
change and those who merely forgot. These people were considered "fools"
and jokes were played on them.
These days, people in many parts of the
world play tricks on each other on April 1.
In Scotland, April Fools Day actually lasts
for 2 days. The second day is known as "Taily Day" and
pranks involving the posterior part of our body are played.
In France, "April Fool" is the "fish of
April." The fish in April are newly hatched and easily caught.
French children enjoy taping a picture of a fish on their friend's back
and yelling out "Poisson d’Avril!" when it is found.
In North America, pranks of all kinds are played on just
about everybody. After they play the prank, they will say
"April Fool!"
Check your
comprehension:
1. New Year's Day used to be on April 1.
True
False
2. The new calendar is called the Gregorian
Calendar.
True
False
3. Many people were called fools because they
celebrated April Fools on April 1.
True
False
4. April Fools Day lasts for 2 days in France.
True
False
5. In France, people are called "fish of April" when they are being
tricked.
True
False
6. In America, people will say "Poisson d'Avril" after they play a
prank on their friend.
Do you know the origin of April Fools Day? It is believed that it was
as a result of a change in our calendar.