Why is April fool’s day celebrated?
Written by Naina Singh a grade 7 student.
Every year on first April, we celebrate April fool’s day. We often play pranks on this day, but do you know the history behind it? The exact origin of April fool’s day remains unknown, but there are some stories and events in different cultures that we think might be the reason for this day.
Written by Naina Singh a grade 7 student.
Every year on first April, we celebrate April fool’s day. We often play pranks on this day, but do you know the history behind it? The exact origin of April fool’s day remains unknown, but there are some stories and events in different cultures that we think might be the reason for this day.
What is the most common story?
The most common belief behind this day is the following. This dates all the way back to 1582. Back in the 1500s, the whole world didn’t follow the same calendar. In the Hindu and Julian calendar, April 1st was the New Year. While some countries followed April 1st as the New Year, France switched to the Gregorian calendar (the one we use today). This had 1st January as its new year.
So, what has that got to do with April fool’s Day?
Well, the whole world started to switch over, and the people who were still celebrating April 1st as the New Year, (as they may not have realized or been told) were called ‘April Fools’.
What are the other beliefs or reasons behind April fool’s Day?
Other beliefs include a festival called Hilaria (Latin for joyful) in ancient Rome and Vernal Equinox which marks the start of spring in the northern hemisphere and fall in the southern hemisphere.
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