Page 3 - April 2024 Newsletter

APRIL FOOLS’ DAY

The exact origins of April Fools' Day are uncertain, and there are
several theories about how the tradition began. One popular
belief is that it dates back to 16th-century France when the
country switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian
calendar, as called for by the Council of Trent in 1563. In the Julian
calendar, New Year's Day fell
around the end of March or
early April. However, with the
adoption of the Gregorian
calendar, New Year's Day
was moved to January 1st.
According to the legend,
some people either refused
to accept the new date for
New Year's Day or remained
unaware of the change.
Others would mockingly
exchange gifts and play pranks on those who celebrated the New
Year in the spring. Over time, this evolved into a tradition of
playing practical jokes on friends and family.

Another theory suggests that April Fools' Day has roots in ancient
celebrations of spring, where people engaged in playful and
mischievous behaviour as a way to welcome the arrival of the new
season.

Regardless of its precise origin, April Fools' Day has become a
widely recognized and celebrated day for pranks and jokes in
many countries around the world. People play practical jokes on
each other, media outlets publish fake news stories, and
businesses sometimes participate in the fun by promoting
humorous products or services. It's a day that encourages
lightheartedness and laughter, with participants often saying

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