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Show Origin of April Fools Is Centuries Old For centuries April 1 has been a time when it is permissible, for a vast number of people, especially the younger sort, to play harmless tricks upon friends and neighbors. This custom, which is almost universal, is of uncertain origin, but probably had its beginning in France, about 1564, when New Year's day was carried back to January 1, instead of being celebrated cele-brated March 25, as it had been. Before the change was made, merry-making would take place after af-ter the octave of the feasts, April 1. This day was then reserved for mock ceremonial visits and pretended pre-tended gifts, with a view of making mak-ing fools of those whom had forgotten for-gotten the change of date. The custom cus-tom was then established and continued con-tinued and now its origin has been completely forgotten. Sleeveless errands (foolish errands) er-rands) have always been a favorite among the tricks practiced on this day. An errand for the day is to send someone to the library foi the "Life History of Adam's Grandfather." An old typical American Am-erican custom was to nail a pock-etbook pock-etbook to the board walk, or attach it to a string, so that it may be jerked away when a person stopped stop-ped to pick it up. In English speaking countries one who is imposed on is called an april fool; in France, an april fish; in Scotland, a gowk. "Gowk," meaning fool, simpleton, or cuckoo. |