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April Fool’s Day and history of it

Several years ago I read an article about the history of April Fool’s Day. Of course, now that I’d like to cite the article, I cannot find it.

But, History.com has interesting information about the origins of the ‘holiday’ to share.

The day has been celebrated for centuries, and some historians think it may date back to the late 1500s. It was then that France changed from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian.

Some folks were late to get the news, or didn’t recognize the new year now started on January 1, and continued to celebrate it during the last week of March ending on April 1. They became the butt of jokes and hoaxes, which included having paper fish placed on their backs and being referred to as ‘April fish’ or a young, easily caught fish or gullible person.

Other sources link the day to ‘Hilaria’, a Roman festival held at the end of March when people dressed up in disguises.

There are also thoughts that April Fool’s Day was connected to the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere when Mother Nature tricked people with the ever-changing, unpredictable weather.

During the 18th century, April Fool’s Day spread throughout Britain. In Scotland, the tradition became a two-day affair, starting with ‘hunting the gowk’, where people were sent on phony errands. ‘Gowk’ is actually a word for ‘cuckoo bird’, which is a symbol for a fool. This day was followed by Taille Day which involved playing pranks on people’s behinds, such as pinning fake tails or ‘kick me’ signs. (And here you thought those signs were a ‘new’ idea!)

The site also listed some more recent tricks played on gullible people. My favorites were a burger restaurant offering their famous big burger in a ‘left-handed’ version in honor of the day. Apparently more than one person tried to order that burger! Another fast-food establishment, that sports a bell in their logo, announced they had purchased Philadelphia’s renowned Liberty Bell and renamed the bell with that restaurant’s name as part of its title. People will believe anything!

Keep your eyes and ears open tomorrow and be careful to not fall prey to a ‘scam’ yourself!

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LENTEN SERVICE

This Wednesday’s Community Lenten service will be hosted by Watertown Presbyterian Church with speaker Russ White. Services begin at 7 p.m. and are sponsored by the Beverly-Waterford Ministerial Association. A free-will offering will be taken to support the ministry of the Association.

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AT THE LIBRARY

Time is running out for free tax help from AARP. Contact the Beverly Library at 740-984-4060 to make an appointment on Monday, April 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or Wednesday, April 3 from 5-8 p.m.

Children ages 0-2 are invited to Baby Bookworm time Tuesday evening from 6:30-7:30 p.m. or Wednesday from 11 a.m.-noon. Story time can include great stories, snacks, games and music.

Afterschool programs are also planned. Book Buddies will meet Wednesday at 3:30 and the Lego Party is from 3:30-5 p.m.

As always, please contact the library for more information.

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Sue Sampson is a longtime columnist for the Parkersburg News and Sentinel.

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