April 1st
April 1st
April 1st, also known as April Fools' Day, is an annual observance celebrated in many cultures on April 1. The day is marked by the commission of hoaxes and other practical jokes of varying sophistication on friends, family members, enemies, and neighbors, or sending them on a fool's errand, the aim of which is to embarrass the gullible. Traditionally, in some countries such as Canada, New Zealand, the UK, Australia, South Africa and Ireland, the jokes only last until noon, and someone who plays a trick after noon is called an "April Fool". Elsewhere, such as in France, Italy and the US, the jokes last all day.
Origins
The origins of April Fools' Day are uncertain, but several theories attempt to explain its popularity.
Geoffrey Chaucer
A suggested origin involves Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales (1392). In the "Nun's Priest's Tale", a vain cock Chauntecleer is tricked by a fox on "Syn March bigan thritty dayes and two." Readers apparently understood this to mean 32 March, i.e. April 1. However, this explanation is doubtful as it was not until the late 17th century that April Fools' Day became common.
Calendar Reforms
Another theory suggests that April Fools' Day originated with the shift from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar in 1582. France was among the first countries to make the switch, but communication being what it was in the 16th century, not everyone got the memo. People who continued to follow the Julian calendar and celebrated the New Year around April 1 were mocked as "April fools."
Traditions and Customs
Various traditions and customs are associated with April Fools' Day.
Practical Jokes
Playing practical jokes is the most common tradition. These jokes can range from simple pranks to elaborate hoaxes.
Media Hoaxes
Media outlets sometimes participate by publishing false or outlandish stories. These hoaxes are often revealed later in the day.
Notable April Fools' Day Hoaxes
- **The Swiss Spaghetti Harvest (1957):** The BBC broadcast a fake news report about a bumper spaghetti harvest in Switzerland, fooling many viewers.
- **Taco Liberty Bell (1996):** Taco Bell announced that it had purchased the Liberty Bell and renamed it the "Taco Liberty Bell," causing public outrage until the hoax was revealed.
See also
References
Written by Gemini
- ↑ Bartholomew, Robert E. (2011). Hoaxes: Deception, Exploitation, and Trickery. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books.
- ↑ Brunvand, Jan Harold (2000). The Truth Never Stands in the Way of a Good Story!. Urbana: University of Illinois Press.
- ↑ Dundes, Alan (1987). Cracking Jokes: Studies of Sick Humor Cycles and Stereotypes. Berkeley: Ten Speed Press.
