Hi, all.

When I hear the word “fool” many things (and people) come to mind.

I won’t go there.

However, you can’t help thinking about the word right now … what with the First of April bearing down on us.

That is, of course, the day reserved for fools and foolishness. But why? In reality, people play pranks and hoaxes all the time. Yet, we seem to celebrate April Fool’s Day as the ultimate in absurdity.

Really, who even knows how it all got started? Turns out no one. But this is what The Encyclopedia Britannica has to say about it:

“First day of April, named for the custom of playing practical jokes on that date.

Though it has been observed for centuries in several countries, including France and Britain, its origin is unknown. It resembles the Hilaria festival of ancient Rome (March 25) and the Holi festival of India (ending March 31). The custom of playing April Fools' jokes was brought to America by the British.”

OK, well that doesn’t really clear too much up (except the part about the British). I did however see another explanation that relates quite closely to the weather and makes sense to me, of course.

As you know April 1st comes as the seasons are changing from winter to spring. The flowers are blooming and the weather is getting warmer. Some think it is this change that lends itself to the day’s lighthearted celebrations. In a sense, we become “nature’s fools."

Actually, that doesn’t sound too bad. If you’re going to be a fool, it might as well be for nature!