How April Fools' Day began

April 1! It's time to fool around, pull one's leg, play pranks on family, friends and even strangers. How did it all begin? Does it have any history? Fact is, no one really knows.

As far as one can tell, there is no direct origin of April Fools' Day. No one knows when it was first celebrated, and who was the genius behind the creation of such a fabulous day. There are, however, several celebrations in the past that could be the source of this festivity. The closest point in time that can be identified as the beginning of this tradition was in 1582, in France. Prior to that year, the New Year was celebrated for eight days, beginning on March 25. The celebration culminated on April 1. With the reform of the calendar under Charles IX, the Gregorian calendar was introduced, and New Year's Day was moved to January 1.

However, 'communications' being what they were in the days when news traveled by foot, many people did not receive the news for several years. Others, the more obstinate crowd, refused to accept the new calendar and continued to celebrate the New Year on April 1. These backward folks were referred to as 'fools' by the general populace. They were subject to some ridicule, and were often sent on 'fool's errands' or were made the butt of other practical jokes.

Happy April Fool's Day!