Learn

It’s April Fools’ Day, and in the spirit of this day, the Chevron Cars Tribune is coming to you a day early. It’s not much of a trick, but at least we tried.

Believe it or not, April Fools’ Day has a long history dating back to the sixteenth-century.

In sixteenth-century France, the start of the new year was observed on April first. It was celebrated in much the same way as it is today with parties and dancing into the late hours of the night. Then in 1562, Pope Gregory introduced a new calendar for the Christian world, and the new year fell on January first. There were some people, however, who hadn’t heard or didn’t believe the change in the date, so they continued to celebrate New Year’s Day on April first. Others played tricks on them and called them “April fools.” They sent them on a “fool’s errand” or tried to make them believe that something false was true.

Widespread observance in England began in the 18th century. The English, Scots and French introduced the custom to their colonies in America. One of our forefathers’ favorite jokes was to send someone on a “fool’s errand.” For example, one might have been asked to go out and bring back some “sweet vinegar.” This person would be searching for hours trying to find “sweet vinegar” which is probably very hard to find.

In France today, April first is called “Poisson d’Avril.” French children fool their friends by taping a paper fish to their friends’ backs. When the “young fool” discovers this trick, the prankster yells “Poisson dPoisson d’Avril!” (April Fish!)