Day of all fools

April 1 is considered as the "Fools Day". People play practical jokes on friends and invite them to fake parties.

The practice of playing practical jokes on friends is believed to have started in France sometime around 1564.

Before this date, there was common calendar in use in all the countries in Europe. According to this calendar, the New Year began on April 1 and people celebrated that day as "New Year's Day" by exchanging gifts and visiting each other.

In 1564, Charles IX, the king of France ordered people to adopt a new calendar which began on January 1. Most people followed the king's order.

But, there were some who did not like the idea of a change and refused to accept the New Year's Day.

They soon became the butt of jokes and had practical jokes and tricks played on them because they continued to observe April 1 as "New Year's Day". Their friends sent mock gifts, invited them to fake parties and played tricks on them because they were considered fools, as they followed a discarded New Year's Day.

Thus began the tradition of All Fool's Day which continues till today.

P. SWETHA, VI B

HOLY ANGELS' ANGLO-INDIAN H.S. SCHOOL, Chennai

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Features
Previous : Health and hospitals
Next     : Wonderful world of animals