In fact, the ancient Roman calendar’s New Year’s Day was April 1. The Romans, Persians, Babylonians and Hindus celebrated New Year’s with festivals that began on the equinox and ended on April 2. Nearly every culture in the world has had a festival around the spring equinox that celebrated the end of winter, the return of spring and the start of the year. If you look at what our ancestors were up to at this time of year, a picture begins to emerge. The outside is all colorful frosting and decorations, but when you dig in with your fork, you discover different layers with their own textures and flavors. I think it’s very curious that our April tradition of foolery became a part of the cultural fabric of so many European cultures without leaving a written record. Part of the problem is that it was only during the 18th century that detailed written references to April Fools appeared, but the custom was already well established throughout Europe and regarded as being of great antiquity. Even today, historians and folklorists still debate how it started. Unlike many holidays we observe, the origins of the First of April’s tomfoolery are clouded in obscurity. No matter what you call April 1st, it is one of the most light-hearted days of the year. ![]() ![]() ![]() I know, April Fish, but you know the French always have to have their own spin to things. This week started frivolously with April Fools’ Day, also called All Fools’ Day or, as the French call it, April Fish.
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