By Damien Knight
(Originally written on April 1st 2017)
I have never been one to really get into this holiday. I don’t like surprises or pranks. I hate people jumping at me and sneaking up on me. Today is also my son’s favourite day to do all the above. This got me thinking, why do we celebrate April Fools day.
According to Snopes, it started with a legend. Once upon a time we started the year in March 25th and the new year was celebrated on April 1st. History.com also cites this as a potential origin, stating that it started in France and those who did not know the new year changed to January were “April Fish” a term to describe being easily caught.
Even though this legend seems plausible the celebration goes back even further and might even link to the Roman Festival of Hilaria where Romans wore disguises. During this time of year even Mother Nature gets in on the act giving us tricky weather.
Snopes states those who, like myself, respond poorly to hoaxes will call bad luck on themselves. Another supposed rule is hoaxes past noon bring bad luck on the prankster. Either way I hope all you pranksters and the “fish, gowks and fools” had a great Fools Day.
The Shade of Writing 