April Fool's

Teachers must hate April 1st. Students revel in the mischief they can create and the aftermath of raucous laughter that follows a well executed practical joke.

Seldom are jokes really 'practical' in nature. They are more pratfal and frat house than practicality and common sense.

Of course, not all jokes are reserved for April 1st. A few I've heard of were right up there in the annals of best ever.

There was a rather obnoxious football player who was always abusing and tormenting the other players on the team. Finally, the equipment manager, who was a too frequent target for this other young man's dubious attempts at humor, had enough.

It was well known that the football player never washed his sox or his jock. Superstition led him to believe it gave him extra power over the other team. Yeah, that power is B.O., buddy!

But in the waning days of the season, the equipment manager saw his opportunity. Carefully applying a thin layer of unscented therapy balm to the inside of the jock, he kept to himself, did his job and waited until the fun began.

During the heat of the game, the temperature both in the air and inside the jock rose to uncomfortable levels. Anyone who has used one of those balms knows that heat intensifies the chemical reaction, sometimes to uncomfortable levels.

Well, the desired result was achieved and the football player was compelled to depart in haste from the field to try and shower off the offending substance that was creating a new and unpleasant sensation for him.

No lasting harm was done and although he couldn't prove it was the equipment manager who had done the deed since others had been victims of his cruel humor, he certainly stepped more lightly around the manager afterwards.

Pretty evil in its intent, huh?

Well, tamer stuff has also created havoc personally for intended targets. Here are some cheesy and well used favorites:

Rig the Sprayer
Put a rubber band around the push button of the spray nozzle (the kind with a hose) so the button stays down. Point it forward. When the victim uses the sink they will get a wet surprise!

Drippy
Use a pin to make a few small holes in a plastic disposable cup. Offer a drink to the victim and watch while the liquid dribbles out onto their shirt.

Do the Splits
Find a scrap of cloth. Place a dollar on the floor and stay nearby. When the victim comes by and bends down to pick up the dollar, rip the cloth loudly. Most people will reach back to see if they ripped their pants. One of the original classic April Fool's pranks of all time!

Forgetful
Tape magnets to the bottom of an empty coffee cup, and attach it to the top of your car. Laugh at all the people who frantically try to get your attention as you drive by.

Tidal Wave
Take about 20 (or more) paper or plastic cups, place them on the victim’s desk and fill them with water. Then take a stapler and staple them all together. You can also put the cups on the floor blocking their door, or just about anywhere.

While You Were Out
Leave a phone message for the victim that says that a “Mr. Lyon” called (or Mr. Behr also works), and wants to be called back. Then list the phone number of the local zoo.

Mouse Trap
Take a Post-It note and place it over the eye of the victim’s optical mouse. When the victim tries to use his or her computer, the cursor won’t move. Be sure to write “April Fools!” on the note!

Of course, I wouldn't suggest doing any of these pranks as that would be beneath us both.

But in the interest of history, here is information about how April Fool's Day is alleged to have begun:

The history of April Fool's Day or All Fool's Day is uncertain, but the current thinking is that it began around 1582 in France with the reform of the calendar under Charles IX. The Gregorian Calendar was introduced, and New Year's Day was moved from March 25 - April 1 (new year's week) to January 1.

Communication traveled slowly in those days and some people were only informed of the change several years later. Still others, who were more rebellious refused to acknowledge the change and continued to celebrate on the last day of the former celebration, April 1. These people were labeled "fools" by the general populace, were subject to ridicule and sent on "fool errands," sent invitations to nonexistent parties and had other practical jokes played upon them.

The butts of these pranks became known as a "poisson d'avril" or "April fish" because a young naive fish is easily caught. In addition, one common practice was to hook a paper fish on the back of someone as a joke.

This harassment evolved over time and a custom of prank-playing continue on the first day of April. This tradition eventually spread elsewhere like to Britain and Scotland in the 18th century and was introduced to the American colonies by the English and the French. Because of this spread to other countries, April Fool's Day has taken on an international flavor with each country celebrating the holiday in its own way.

In Scotland, for instance, April Fool's Day is devoted to spoofs involving the buttocks and as such is called Taily Day. The butts of these jokes are known as April 'Gowk', another name for cuckoo bird. The origins of the "Kick Me" sign can be traced back to the Scottish observance.

In England, jokes are played only in the morning. Fools are called 'gobs' or 'gobby' and the victim of a joke is called a 'noodle.' It was considered back luck to play a practical joke on someone after noon.

In Rome, the holiday is known as Festival of Hilaria, celebrating the resurrection of the god Attis, is on March 25 and is also referred to as "Roman Laughing Day."

In Portugal, April Fool's Day falls on the Sunday and Monday before lent. In this celebration, many people throw flour at their friends.

The Holi Festival is celebrated on March 31 in India. People play jokes on one another and smear colors on one another celebrating the arrival of Spring.

1632: Escape of the Duke of Lorraine
According to legend, the Duke of Lorraine and his wife were imprisoned at Nantes. They escaped on April 1, 1632 by disguising themselves as peasants and walking through the front gate. Someone noticed them escaping and told the guards. But the guards believed the warning to be a “poisson d’Avril” (or April Fool’s Day joke) and laughed at it, thus allowing the Duke and his wife to escape. It is not known if any part of this legend is true.

So, no matter where you happen to be in the world on April 1, don't be surprised if April fools fall playfully upon you.

Happy April Fool's Day!