Today is one of those days when children (and those who never graduated from that stage) play practical jokes on one another. Honestly, there is no clear evidence from where this crazy tradition of April Fool’s began. The best concept I heard was that in Roman times, this was when New Year’s was celebrated. (Akin to the concept that the month of Nisan that just started last week in the Jewish calendar was the Royal New Year.) And, New Year Folly simply got out of hand with the Roman citizens.
(Interestingly, today is the 91st day of the year. Yes, our first quarter of the year (assuming there is no leap year involved) is the only one that is comprised of the “perfect” 90 days in total.)
I can recall some of the childhood pranks that existed. The first one that comes to mind is those little mechanical “whiz-bangs” that shocked the palms of unsuspecting kids as they shook hands with one another. Or, the tying together of another’s shoe laces. (That stunt is a lot harder for little kids to play now- since they use Velcro instead to fasten their shoes.)
But, as long as the jokes are non-violent and the pranks minimal, we can all use a little levity in our lives.
And, don’t be surprised if you read an article or two in the newspaper that has you shaking your head. Because it probably is their idea of an April Fool’s prank.
Let’s not forget that Mother Nature has been getting into the act. After all, has she not been driving us nuts with 75 degree days followed by 2 inches of snow as our Spring Season began?
Tomorrow, I will talk about another kind of April Fool’s joke. One totally not funny- but just the effects of someone trying to pull one over on you- and me.
