April Fool’s Day
By Sean Park
April Fool’s Day is celebrated on April 1st every year in the western world and we play tricks and pranks to our friends, family, and other people. For example, there is an old joke that still works. Superglue some coins to the sidewalk or spot that a lot of people walk around. Then, watch people break fingernails.
In 1564, Europe derived its April Fooling from the French, and then April Fool’s Day became a holiday. In France, the person fooled is known as ‘Poisson D’Avril’ has been explained by the ideas coming from the fact that in April the sun quits the zodiacal sign of the fish.
The Dutch also have reasons why they celebrate. Spain and the Netherlands were in battle, and then they had a war. Spain’s ruler Alba couldn’t prevent the war because on April 1st in 1572, “Alba lost his glasses.” The Dutch found this joke so hilarious they still celebrate the first of April now, too.
In Scotland, April Fool’s Day is celebrated for two days. The second day is devoted to pranks and it is popular to see 'kick me' signs stuck on people’s backs. One pereson sticks the sign on the person's back without knowing and then when that person is walking in thetown, people will kick that person.
In Mexico, April Fool’s Day is actually celebrated on December 28th, this day was a sad remembrance of the slaughter of the poor children by King Herod. It was changed into a lighter holiday invoving tricks and pranks.
April 1st is not a legal holiday, but is widely recognized and celebrated as a day which allows practical jokes and general foolishness. Traditionally, in some countries, such as New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa, the jokes only last for noon, and someone who plays a trick until noon is called an "April Fool."
April Fool's Day is a "for-fun-only" celebration. Nobody is expected to buy gifts or to take their "significant other" out to eat in a fancy restaurant. Nobody gets off of work or school. It's simply a fun little holiday, but a holiday on which one must remain forever watchful.
Next time, when you see a coin on the sidewalk, be careful to not touch the coin. the person mignt playing a trick on you! I hope that you are more intersted in April Fool's Day. Play many jokes and pranks to your family or family next year on Aril Fool's Day!