April...
April fool!
One theory to explain this age-old tradition links the first of April to the calendar reform of the 16th century.
In the Middle Ages, in several European towns and regions, the year began on various dates along with the tradition of exchanging New Year’s gifts.
In France, the calendar year began on different dates depending on the province, but in those where it began on 25 March, it was common to extend the festivities until the first of April.
King Charles IX decided, through the Edict of Roussillon in 1564, that the year would henceforth begin on 1st January, marking the lengthening of the days,
instead of at the end of March, the arrival of spring.
According to legend, many people found it difficult to adapt to the new calendar,
whilst others were unaware of the change and continued to celebrate 1st April according to the old tradition.
To mock them, people invented unlikely stories and handed out ‘fishy’ presents, corresponding to the symbolism of the end of Lent.
So – say some – was born the famous April Fool’s Day, the day of fools, the day of those who do not accept reality or see it differently.
Whether you want to believe this version or not, this is a great time to appreciate another “fresh start” to the year, and to be ready for the changes and challenges that it brings.
May you have a great month ahead!
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