Debbie Roney Smith

Do you know the origin of April Fools Day?

If not, don't worry! No one really does. The origin is uncertain, and all anthropolgists can do is theorize. One theory is that April Fools’ Day was simply the result of its timing at the end of winter and the coming of spring. This is a time of renewal and rebirth that, across cultures around the world, was celebrated with fun and joy.

Some links have been made to the Roman festival of Hilaria in late March. This festival was celebrated with disguises, rejoicing, and merrymaking. Other links have been made to the city of Gotham in Nottinghamshire, England. In the 13th century, King John tried to buy some land there to hunt on. The townsfolk, rightly angry that the King wanted to essentially steal their limited resources, put on an act of 'madness' to convince the king the area was too dangerous to spend time in.

Regardless of the origin, the idea of April Fools’ Day spread rapidly throughout Britain during the 18th century. Now it's a widely celebrated event during which folks do everything from play silly pranks like freezing bras or saran wrapping the toilet bowl, to horribly scarring their friends and family with ill-advised 'pranks' like pretending to be pregnant or faking a death.

Always think about the potential damage of your jokes, folks!

Here's to a wonderful April! Are you going to play any pranks or make any jokes today?