In the sixteenth century France, the start of the new year was observed on April first. It was celebrated with parties and dancing...good times had by all. Then in 1562, Pope Gregory introduced a new calendar from the Christian world, and the new year fell on January first.
When not all of the people heard about the change of party dates, they continued to celebrate April first. Others (more hip and 'in the know') using the new calendar adjustment, played tricks on them and called them, "April Fools." They sent them on "fool's errands" trying to make them believe things that were actually pranks.
In France today, April first is called, "Poisson d' Avril." French children play tricks on friends, taping paper fish to their backs and yelling, "Poisson d' Avril!" or "April Fish!" when their joke is discovered.
"The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year." Mark Twain
If this is true, it is very interesting...if you're foolin'...curse on ye
Posted by: High Desert Diva | April 01, 2008 at 04:02 PM
Happy April Fool's Day....
Kimberlee
Posted by: Edgar and Edgar | April 01, 2008 at 04:27 PM
K ~ FUN post & happy April Fool's Day!!!
PS: Thanks for the get well wishes, and I am feeling better!
XOXO
CK :-D)
Posted by: Chris Klingler | April 01, 2008 at 05:55 PM
Poisson d' Avril? Wow! Those zany French! Wish I'd heard about this earlier. Oh well, next year I'll be prepared for some crazy random fishy back slappin' on April 1st. What fun!
& hey there's a cute little cat lookin' at me. I've not noticed him before. He must have come out at the mention of fish...
Posted by: Tracy | April 02, 2008 at 01:57 AM
"...crazy random fishy back slappin'...." WoWwww! Now I know the French dreamed this up, but sounds like the Aussie Girl is pretty interested. Perhaps a quick trip to Paris, in April 2009, will help.... You know, "April in Paris" and all that....
Au revoir!
Posted by: Karen | April 02, 2008 at 07:09 AM
Hey are you encouraging me to head on over for some Parisan slappin' ;)
Seriously, I'd LOVE to visit Paris! One day maybe...
Posted by: Tracy | April 03, 2008 at 01:13 AM
April Fish?!?! Ooookay. The French are different from you and me aren't they?
Posted by: Randi | April 04, 2008 at 06:13 AM