History of April Fool's Day

The history of April Fool's Day or All Fool's Day is uncertain, but the current thinking is that it began around 1582 in France with the reform of the calendar under Charles IX. The Gregorian Calendar was introduced, and New Year's Day was moved from March 25 - April 1 (new year's week) to January 1.

Communication traveled slowly in those days and some people were only informed of the change several years later. Still others, who were more rebellious refused to acknowledge the change and continued to celebrate on the last day of the former celebration, April 1. These people were labeled "fools" by the general populace, were subject to ridicule and sent on "fool errands," sent invitations to nonexistent parties and had other practical jokes played upon them. The butts of these pranks became known as a "poisson d'avril" or "April fish" because a young naive fish is easily caught. In addition, one common practice was to hook a paper fish on the back of someone as a joke.

This harassment evolved over time and a custom of prank-playing continue on the first day of April. This tradition eventually spread elsewhere like to Britain and Scotland in the 18th century and was introduced to the American colonies by the English and the French. Because of this spread to other countries, April Fool's Day has taken on an international flavor with each country celebrating the holiday in its own way.

In Scotland, for instance, April Fool's Day is devoted to spoofs involving the buttocks and as such is called Taily Day. The butts of these jokes are known as April 'Gowk', another name for cuckoo bird. The origins of the "Kick Me" sign can be traced back to the Scottish observance.

In England, jokes are played only in the morning. Fools are called 'gobs' or 'gobby' and the victim of a joke is called a 'noodle.' It was considered back luck to play a practical joke on someone after noon.

In Rome, the holiday is known as Festival of Hilaria, celebrating the resurrection of the god Attis, is on March 25 and is also referred to as "Roman Laughing Day."

In Portugal, April Fool's Day falls on the Sunday and Monday before lent. In this celebration, many people throw flour at their friends.

The Huli Festival is celebrated on March 31 in India. People play jokes on one another and smear colors on one another celebrating the arrival of Spring.

Mexico's counterpart of April Fool's Day is actually observed on December 28. It is a lighter commemoration involving pranks and trickery.

So, no matter where you happen to be in the world on April 1, don't be surprised if April fools fall playfully upon you.

词汇：

rebellious：adj. 造反的, 反叛的, 难于对付的
populace：n. 平民
subject (to): 易受…的
ridicule：n. & v. 嘲笑, 奚落
prank: n. 胡闹, 开玩笑, 恶作剧
harassment: n. 折磨
colony: n. 殖民地
spoof: n. 胡说；戏弄
resurrection: n. 复苏
smear: v. 涂上,
commemoration: n. 纪念

愚人节的由来

愚人节又称万愚节，已经有几百年的历史了。关于他的起源，众说纷云。其中最为流行的说法认为愚人节起源于法国。

十六世纪的法国，人们在4月1日这天过新年，互赠礼物，举办晚会，庆祝新年。当时的庆祝方法与现在相差无几。1582年年，法国国王查理九世决定采用一种新的历法——格高利历法，新年改在1月1日。在新历法的推行过程中，各地仍有一些人或是不原意接受新历法，或是不知道这一日期的更改，仍然在4月1日这天过新年。其他的人便捉弄他们，赠送他们假礼物，邀请他们参加假庆祝晚会，骗他们去跑腿，或使他们对某种根本不存在的事情信以为真。这些受骗的人被称为“四月愚人”。

从此，人们在4月1日这一天便互相愚弄，日久天长，便成为法国流行的风俗。十八世纪初，“愚人节”的习俗传到英国。后来，随着英国移民又传到了美国。随着时间的流逝，这一习俗已经成为国际性节日，在欧洲、北美许多国家都流行。这一天，人们可以不拘一格地“轻松”一下。当然愚弄人的手法也是花样百出。

关于受愚弄的人，在不同的国家给予不同的称呼。大部分人都称他们为“四月愚人”。但有时，有的国家也有其他的称呼。在法国人们把上当者称为“四月鱼”，可能是因为四月里，鱼最容易上钩的缘故吧；而在英国的苏格兰，则称为“布谷鸟”，可能是指一只呆鸟吧。
同时，有的国家虽然不过“愚人节”，但也有类似的节日。在罗马，曾有“嬉乐节”，在3月25日。而印度有“欢悦节”，在3月31日。这些节日和愚人节类似。有趣的是，这些节日都在春天，所以，有人说这些节日与“春分”有关，因为这时的天气变化无常，让人琢磨不透，有些捉弄人的感觉。墨西哥也有“愚人节”，不过是在12月18日。

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