Every year, April 1 is considered April Fools’ Day across the world, a day dedicated to unlimited laughter, jokes, and harmless pranks.
Despite being unofficial, this day is embraced by many as a day of jests, and funny tricks and pranks. Let’s find out why it’s celebrated on April 1, its history and origin:
Origin
The origin of April Fools’ Day is believed to be started after Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar, and confirmed that the new calendar would start on January 1.
However, in the older version of the calendar, the year started around April 1. So, when the calendars were switched, some people continued to celebrate the new year from the last week of March through April 1.
People then started mocking those who stuck to the old calendar and this is how the practice of April Fools’ Day began.
History
Many historians are known to link April Fools’ Day to “festivals such as Hilaria”, which in Latin means joyful. On this day, people in ancient Rome would dress up in disguises, make fun of each other, and play games.
Why is it celebrated?
The day performs as a reminder to not take ourselves too seriously and to embrace the lighter side of life. It also provides a much-needed break from the monotony of routine life and an opportunity to indulge in some fun.
