Subject: April Fools
From: Unicorn (unicorn@indenial.com)
Date: Mon Apr 01 2002 - 20:35:47 EST
"April Fools"
In sixteenth-century France, the start of the
new year was observed on April first. It was
celebrated in much the same way as it is
today with parties and dancing into the late
hours of the night.
Then in 1562, Pope Gregory introduced a
new calendar for the Christian world, and the
new year fell on January first. There were
some people, however, who hadn't heard or
didn't believe the change in the date, so they
continued to celebrate New Year's Day on
April first.
Others played tricks on them and called them
"April fools." They sent them on a "fool's errand"
or tried to make them believe that something
false was true.
In France today, April first is called "Poisson d'Avril."
French children fool their friends by taping a paper
fish to their friends' backs. When the "young fool"
discovers this trick, the prankster yells "Poisson
d'Avril!" (April Fish!)
*******************************
"New Outfit"
Many years ago, my sister was discussing
her daughter's upcoming 12th-birthday party.
My niece was trying to figure out what kind of
outfit to buy for the party and her mum took
her shopping to get something special.
Having gone through several shops and dozens
of outfits, my sister remarked (jokingly), "Well,
you can always wear your birthday suit, Laura."
To which Laura replied, "What birthday suit,
mum?"
Her mum replied, "The one you were born in,
Honey."
Without much thought, my niece replied instantly,
"Don't be silly mum, that's far too small for me
now!!"
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