April Fool's Day

April Fool’s Day is an event which has gained international recognition. It is characterized by the commission of jokes, hoaxes and a wide range of foolishness. Following is a brief history of how April Fool’s Day came about:

The closest point of reference related to the origin of this event is France. Prior to 1582, New Year celebration culminates on April 1. However, with the reform of the calendar under Charles IX, the Gregorian Calendar was introduced and New Year's Day was moved to January 1.

However, communications being what they were in the days when news traveled by foot, many people did not receive the news for several years. Others, the more obstinate crowd, refused to accept the new calendar and continued to celebrate the New Year on April 1. These backward folk were labeled as "fools" by the general populace. They were subject to some ridicule, and were often sent on "fools errands" or were made the butt of other practical jokes.

This harassment evolved, over time, into a tradition of prank-playing on the first day of April. The tradition eventually spread to England and Scotland in the eighteenth century. It was later introduced to the American colonies of both the English and French. April Fool's Day thus developed into an international fun fest, so to speak, with different nationalities specializing in their own brand of humor at the expense of their friends and families. (source: http://wilstar.com/holidays/aprilfool.htm)

As a personal observation, Filipinos do not celebrate April Fool’s Day with much anticipation. It is just an ordinary day, some even do not know what April Fool’s Day is. In fact I have known it only 4 years ago…heheh

I think the underlying reason for this is the innate virtue of Filipinos to care and show concern for others. We are born in a culture of community, hospitality, group orientation and sensitivity to the feelings of another. We are not exposed to the Western mode of pranks and jokes which conjures physical hurt and pain. Our type of comedy is through words and antics directed to the comedian’s self, not through pain directed to others. Nevertheless, let us join the fun, April Fool’s Day is a day for mirth, celebration and realization that we all have a fool side of ourselves.