“Everything is funny, so long as it happens to somebody else.” Will Rogers
Although the first day of April was celebrated for centuries by those playing practical jokes on others, it is believed that in 1582, when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian, and Hindu calendars, celebrating April 1st as the New Year, many did not agree with the change.
Those who failed to recognize the change became the butt of jokes, and called “April Fools”. Others believed that “mother nature” initiated April Fools’ Day by fooling people with unexpected ever-changing weather.
Over the years, many have participated in April Fools’ Day and to this day tricksters come up with humorous pranks.
Some pranks not appreciated:
In 1989 a Seattle comedy show went on the air and said the city’s space needle had fallen down. Many believed it.
In 1938 Orson Welles, a radio announcer, convinced thousands of people across North America that Earth was being attacked by Mars. Panic broke out because thousands believed it.
I can appreciate humor. My father and my uncle both were humorous people. However, not everyone loves a prank, so be certain the individual you prank, is gracious enough to accept it with a laugh.
