The Origin of April Fools’ Day
As per the earlier Julian calendar, April 1st, the time of spring equinox was considered as the beginning of the new year. In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII introduced for the first time The Gregorian Calendar , which led to shift in the start date of the year from April 1st to January 1st. That year, it is also believed 10 days were eliminated from the calendar to get it aligned with the Solar year. This led to the beginning of a tradition called as ‘April Fools’ Day’.
The origins of this are shrouded in mystery, but it is widely believed to have emerged as a result of confusion and pranks surrounding the calendar change since people around the other countries who got the above news later , still kept celebrations on New year around March end.
This led to mocking and led to April Fools’ Day traditions.
Historians also connect April Fools’ Day to ancient Roman festivals like Hilaria, where people wore disguises and played games while making fun of each other. This was celebrated primarily on the vernal equinox to honor Cybele, the mother of the Gods.
