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Holidays and Observances - How Old Is April Fools' Day?

How old is April Fools' Day?

No one really knows when the first April Fools' Day took place. Some historians speculate that the custom of sending people on a fool's errand (foolish and useless trip) began in France in 1564. It was a way to mock people who did not change from the old lunar calendar (which had the new year starting on March 25) to the Gregorian calendar that began the year on January 1. Early settlers brought the custom of playing jokes to the United States. In India on April 1, followers of the Hindu religion celebrate a holiday called Holi. The festivities include lighting a bonfire and playing practical jokes on people. In Mexico on April 1, if someone borrows an item from someone else, he does not have to give back the item.

Further Information: Santino, Jack. All Around the Year: Holidays and Celebrations in American Life. Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 1994, pp. 97–101;...

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