April Fool's Day or All Fool's Day, holiday of uncertain origin, known for practical joking and celebrated on the first of April. Prior to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1564, the date was observed as New Year's Day by cultures as varied as the Roman and the Hindu. The holiday is considered to be related to the festival of the vernal equinox, which occurs on Mar. 21. The English gave April Fool's Day its first widespread celebration during the 18th century.
Its timing seems related to the vernal equinox (March 21), when nature ‘fools’ mankind with sudden changes in the weather. Regardless of its origin, people use April Fools’ Day as an excuse to “play the fool".
One theory is that April Fools began when Charles IX, following the Gregorian Calendar, decreed January 1, 1562 as the official New Year instead of the end of March/April 1 Solstices. Individuals who continued to honor…April 1st were teased, ridiculed and played pranks upon.
Time has certainly flown by. Exactly three years ago, I started work with EHOB and it is hard to believe we are already in the fourth month of 2007!
Have a great day everyone!
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