April 1st is Pranksters' Paradise

Have you ever wondered why we traditionally run around on April 1 playing practical jokes on unsuspecting victims? Wonder no more.

The Noah Theory

One explanation, which can be found in Webster's World Encyclopedia, claims the jovial festivities began long ago with the Prophet Noah. The legend says that after having months of waiting for the catastrophic flood to recede, Noah sent out a dove. The idea being the dove would find firm ground and not return. Noah's well thought plan was successful, however, not in the way he had hoped. The dove having found nowhere to rest returned to the Ark. According to the legend, the date of the dove's unsuccessful mission, which was said to have taken place on April 1, was referred to as All Fool's Day.

The Old Habits Are Hard to Break Theory

Another explanation offered by Webster's World Encyclopedia suggests mankind's forgetfulness to be the likely culprit. Up until the 16^th century, New Year's Day was celebrated on March 25^th. When the modern calendar came into existence New Year's Day sometimes coincided with Good Friday. To avoid this from happening, authorities postponed the jovial celebrations of New Year's Day to April 1.

Having been accustomed with the April holiday, which was once more moved to January 1 when the calendar was reformed in 1564, it is believed that some forgot the change in dates. Those who remembered, seeing an opportunity for fun, called upon unsuspecting neighbors who were handing out New Year's gifts, which by all accounts was a foolish thing to do since New Year's Day had occurred four months earlier!

The Friendly Protest Theory

Larousse's Gastronomique, in stark contrast to the suggestion that the birth of April Fool's, which is known as Poisson D'Avril in France, is a direct result of mankind's forgetfulness, tells a different story. According to it, the annual heyday for avid pranksters like myself, dates back to 1564 when Charles IX ruled that the official beginning of the year be moved from April 1 to January. This decision was quite unpopular, and on April 1, 1965, as both a joke and expression of displeasure, people purposely began exchanging worthless presents as mock New Year's gifts. The book goes on to explain that these "worthless" gifts were replaced by sweetmeats in the shape of poisson, the French word for fish, when it was realized that the sun was in the constellation of Pisces on that date. Chocolate and marzipan were also passed around on the holiday throughout the country. In Alsace, which is located in eastern France, cakes molded in the shape of fish were given out.

Whichever explanation you believe to be true is a matter of personal opinion, however, each allows man or woman to briefly give in to his or her mischievous side's playful nature. A word of caution, according to tradition practical jokes should be completed before the noon hour. Those who choose to break with tradition beware: jokers pulling pranks beyond the appointed hour make fools of themselves!

5 Harmless Pranks You Can Pull Before Noon

1. During the night, remove all underwear from your spouse's drawer and replace with a piece of paper on which is written April Fool.

2. In the days preceding April 1^st purchase a wiggly, jiggly imitation toy insect. Using double face tape, stick it to the wall and give an award-winning performance complete with a hearty shriek worthy of Hollywood's damsel in distress.

3. During the night, empty cereal boxes into a covered airtight container. Replace cereal with a piece of paper on which is written April Fool.

4. During breakfast, assuming your elementary child(ren) have gotten dressed for school already, announce that you are giving them the day off. After the applause has died down to mild laughter, let them down easy with two words - April Fool.

5. If you're fortunate enough to have a pregnant pet in the house, a well-rehearsed birth announcement, which should bring little, and big, foot steps from all corners of the house, is an ideal and unique opportunity just begging to be used for your April Fool prank.