APRIL FOOLS DAY HISTORY and some LORE
The origin of April Fools’ Day is unknown, but theories place its start hundreds of years ago. Some theorize that the idea of April Fools’ Day dates back to ancient Rome and a festival called Hilaria held at the end of March, where people would dress up in disguises and mock or imitate others.
Many folklorists believe it may go back to 16th-century France. Charles IX decreed that the new year would begin on January 1. (Back in those times, New Year’s Day was around Easter and spring festivals with a whole week of partying. Some folks were slow to catch on to the change, continuing to celebrate the new year. They quickly became the victim of jokes and pranks, including having paper fish put on their backs and labeled a “poisson d’avril,” meaning April fish.
In Scotland, people would send others on phony errands called “hunting the gowk,” as well as pin fake tails or kick me signs on the unsuspecting. Some believe that the term “All Fools,” was probably meant as a deliberate stab at All Saints (November 1) and All Souls (November 2) Day.
April Fools’ Day and the Vernal Equinox
The timing of April Fools’ Day is suspiciously close to the Vernal Equinox
It is the time of year when Mother Nature is known to play tricks on us all with unpredictable changes to the weather, including:
- In 1923, temperatures reached –34°F in Bergland, Michigan.
- In 1960, up to 10 inches of heavy snow fell in eastern South Dakota, causing some highways to close due to difficulty plowing the heavy snow.
- In 1997, a blizzard from Maryland to Maine resulted in power outages and roads impassable. East Jewett, New York recorded 37 inches and 25.4 inches fell in Boston, Massachusetts.
So come on out and enjoy some geocache talk along with some of your favorite hot beverage as we head towards spring.
The same location as usual and NO PURCHASE is neccessary.