One of the most light hearted days of the year is approaching! April Fools' Day is a day celebrated in many countries on the 1st of April. The day is marked by the commission of hoaxes and other practical jokes of varying sophistication on friends, family members, enemies, neighbors or randomly met people. It is also one of the great silly times of the year when you can't trust anything for fear will be a joke on you. Be prepared to fool and not be fooled.
The origins of Fool's day are uncertain. One theory is related to Gregorian calendar. It says the modern holiday was first celebrated soon after the adoption of the Gregorian calendar; the term referred to someone still adhering to the Julian Calendar, which it replaced. Another possible origin lies in the fact that when King Charles IX of France officially changed the first day of the year from April 1 to January 1, some of his subjects continued using the old system. Therefore, some people began to make fun of these traditionalists.
Some traditions of the fool day are also found in other ancient festivals. Likewise April Fool, there was a Disguise Day celebrated in Rome in 18th Century. During this day Roman men used to disguise and change their looks by becoming more good looking. The disguised men then used to approach the girl for marriage. It is believed that this Roman festival could have the influence on the development of the tradition to "fool" the people that are around.
Regardless of its origin, April Fools’ Day has become a popular celebration around the world. April Fools' Day is mainly observed throughout the Western countries, North America and Ociania. In modern times, April Fool's jokes have widespread in media, internet and newspapers as well. So while you're surfing the web or watching TV on the 1st of April, be wary of what you see and read, or you could end up an April Fool!
© New York Hostels 
