Origins of April Fools Day?

[bleeb]

With the torrent of April Fools Threads, I'd thought I ask the fundamental questions:

1. Where did April fools orginate from? Why?
2. What is the historical significance of April Fools day?

Hopefully there isn't another thread like this (I searched) and hopefully this doesn't get locked. I'd honestly like to know where this whole notion that we have to pull pranks on April 1 came from.

 

[waggy]

it was when man first started getting married!

 

[bleeb]

Originally posted by: waggy
it was when man first started getting married!

I don't understand. Please explain.

 

[hdeck]

Originally posted by: bleeb

Originally posted by: waggy
it was when man first started getting married!

I don't understand. Please explain.

wow that went way over your head. it was a joke, inferring that only fools get married.

 

[NickE]

I think that it started in France in the 16th Century, after the Gregorian Calendar was introduced - this moved New Year's Day from April 1st to January 1st. Many people continued to celebrate New Year on April 1st - they became the April Fools and people started to play tricks on them.

 

[Confused]

Originally posted by: NickE
I think that it started in France in the 16th Century, after the Gregorian Calendar was introduced - this moved New Year's Day from April 1st to January 1st. Many people continued to celebrate New Year on April 1st - they became the April Fools and people started to play tricks on them.

Linky

 

[xSauronx]

i thought someone just decided we needed a day for dumbasses to get jokes played on them and most everyone went alone, dumbasses included

ah but look! information! ill have to read it sometime

 

[Ness]

Who gives a rat's ass... it's a good excuse to have some good clean fun and enjoy the day..