Wednesday,Apr 1 2009, 02:38:46 AM☺ ☻ April Fools Day ☻ ☺

Observances Humor April Fools' Day or All Fools' Day, although not a holiday in its own right, is a notable day celebrated in many countries on April 1. The day is marked by the commission of hoaxes and other practical jokes of varying sophistication on friends, family members, enemies, and neighbors, or sending them on fool's errand, the aim of which is to embarrass the gullible. Traditionally, in some countries, the jokes only last until noon: like UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, someone who plays a trick after noon is called an "April Fool".[1] Elsewhere, such as in Ireland, France, and the USA, the jokes last all day. Another origin is that April 1 was counted the first day of the year in France. When King Charles IX changed that to January 1, some people stayed with April 1. Those who did were called "April Fools" and were taunted by their neighbors. April Fool's Day April Fool's Day or All Fool's Day,holiday of uncertain origin, known for practical joking and celebrated on the first of April. Prior to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1564, the date was observed as New Year's Day by cultures as varied as the Roman and the Hindu. The holiday is considered to be related to the festival of the vernal equinox, which occurs on Mar. 21. The English gave April Fool's Day its first widespread celebration during the 18th cent. Traditionally, April Fool's Day is an opportunity for playing jokes or tricks on one another. The stranger and the more absurd the better. The challenge is to carry out a trick that is believable, if only for a little while. Tricks are most successful if played earlier in the day before a person is wise to what is going on. Younger children are also more gullible. Any tricks or jokes must be harmless and in good taste for the unsuspecting "victim". And, we suggest you think twice before pulling one on the boss, even if he or she is know to be of good humor. Important: Jokes and gags must be harmless  and fun. They must not be dangerous or hurt anyones feelings. Give your jokes and gags some thought before carrying them out. Ten, have fun! Happy April Fool's Day Origins of April Fool's Day April the 1st The first of April, some do say, April The 1st Is set apart for All Fools' Day. But why the people call it so, Nor I, nor they themselves do know. But on this day are people sent On purpose for pure merriment. -- Poor Robin's Almanac (1790) The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool. Shakespeare - As You Like It (Act V, Scene I) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Origins Of April Fool's Day - April 1 What is April Fools Day and how did it begin? Well, that is a very good question. The origin of this holiday is rather uncertain. However, the common belief holds that during the reformation of the calendar the date for the New Year was moved from April 1st to January 1st. During that time in history there was no television or radio so word spread slowly. There were also those who chose to simply ignore the change and those who merely forgot. These people were considered "fools" and invitations to non-existent parties and other practical jokes were played on them.  "All Fools' Day" is practiced in many parts of the world with practical jokes and sending people on a fool's errand. Others believe that the origin began with celebrations at the Spring Equinox. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ April Fools Days History ANCIENT ROME The custom of playing practical jokes on friends was part of the celebrations in ancient Rome on March 25 (Hilaria) The timing seems related to the vernal equinox and the coming of springa time when nature fools us with sudden changes between showers. and sunshine. ENGLAND In England, tricks can be played only in the morning. If a trick is played on you, you are a "noodle". Widespread observance in England began in the 18th century. SCOTLAND In Scotland, April Fools Day is 48 hours long and you are called an "April Gowk", which is another name for a cuckoo bird. In Scotland, April Fools Day is 48 hours long. The second day is called Taily Day and is dedicated to pranks involving the buttocks. Taily Day's gift to posterior posterity is the still-hilarious  "Kick Me" sign. FRANCE In France, the April Fool's is called "April Fish" (Poisson d'Avril). The French fool their friends by taping a paper fish to their friends' backs and when someone discovers this trick, they yell "Poisson d'Avril!" SPAIN Dia de los Santos Inocentes is held in Spain on December 28th. This is The Feast of the Holy Innocents. It is celebrated similarily to April Fool's Day, with practical jokes. AMERICA The English, Scotch and French introduced the custom to their colonies in America. One of our forefathers' favorite jokes was to send someone on a "fool's errand." For example, one might have been asked to go out and obtain a copy of "The History of Adam's Grandfather," or bring back some "sweet vinegar." MEXICO The "foolish" tradition is celebrated in Mexico, too, but on a different day and for different reasons. "El Dia de los Inocentes," which is December 28, was set aside as a day for Christians to mourn Herod's slaughter of innocent children. Over time, the tone of that "unluckiest of days" has evolved from sadness to good-natured trickery. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ April Fools Day Pranks Typical April Fools' pranks include putting salt in sugar bowls and sugar in salt shakers, balancing a pan of water atop a partially opened door so that whoever walks into the room next gets soaked, and putting toothpaste between the sides of an Oreo cookie. Get up in during the night on April Fool's day, set every clock in the house ahead one hour. Also the clock in the car, and wristwatch! (This takes some talent!) The family will be up and ready for work an hour early, then with no trouble with traffic or parking, they begin to wonder why others are also late to work.After other people arrive and say, no *I'm not late* they soon catch on! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Swap your parents' dresser drawers. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Here's one for next year, if you plan ahead now... Buy a stack of newspapers dated April 1 and save them for a year. When April 1 comes around again, sneak them into one of those newspaper vending machines at a location where people will sit and read themafter purchase. Watch the faces of people read their year-old papers, and when they realize the date on it! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If a Co-worker is selling a car, leave a message that you're interested, and the number for the local junkyard! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Category: Holidays | 61 Views | Post Comments | Share with Friends | Recommend

Wednesday,Apr 1 2009, 02:22:50 AMApril Fools Day

Observances
Humor
April Fools' Day or All Fools' Day, although not a holiday in its own right, is a notable day celebrated in many countries on April 1. The day is marked by the commission of hoaxes and other practical jokes of varying sophistication on friends, family members, enemies, and neighbors, or sending them on fool's errand, the aim of which is to embarrass the gullible. Traditionally, in some countries, the jokes only last until noon: like UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, someone who plays a trick after noon is called an "April ...

Read More...

Category: Holidays | 45 Views | Post Comments | Share with Friends | Recommend

Friday,Mar 13 2009, 07:18:22 AMPrayer For A Better World

Prayer For A Better World



O God, the source of creation, ever-present in the changes of this world, be present with your people who cry to you for help. Empower us with vision and strength to enable the peoples of this earth to acquire the skills and resources necessary to a growing world. Enable those from countries with plenty to share their lives, funds, and resources with those in need. Embolden those with vision to proclaim new ways of creating communities of responsibility. Engage us in learning from one another and in valuing the unique ...

Read More...

Category: Spiritual | 33 Views | Post Comments | Share with Friends | Recommend