There are not many holidays in the world that are celebrated in many countries. However, how long has this holiday appeared, and what is its feature?
History of the holiday
The exact date of the holiday is unknown, but its roots go back to the Middle Ages. In 1539, one Flemish wealthy boyar decided on April 1 to play his courtiers. He gave non-existent instructions, after which he made fun of the confusion of his subjects, who did not understand what to do. Since then, stories have regularly appeared in history that people were trying to play a joke on April 1.
In Russia, April Fool's Day was first celebrated in 1703. Then in Moscow heralds invited people to a grand show. And when the crowd gathered, a man stepped on the stage with the sign “The first of April - trust no one!” It was so unexpected that the Muscovites remembered the event for a long time and a year later they were waiting for a new rally.
Why is April 1st a day of laughter?
The first of April is considered the day of laughter, because during it it is customary to play people. Since the Middle Ages, the boyars sent servants on nonexistent matters, after which they laughed at the result. Gradually, fake assignments grew into other jokes, the purpose of which is to cause laughter.
There are several theories why April Fool's Day falls on the very first of April. Some historians argue that the fun of playing around appeared on Easter, which often came at the beginning of the month.Others argue that the holiday is based on a change of spring weather, which somehow gave rise to the tradition of celebrating it in this way.
In the Middle Ages, April Fools' Day was widespread in France, Germany and Russia. But over the past 200 years it has become in demand in other states.
The first of April is called the Day of Laughter, because people play each other for fun. That is why the holiday received such a "nickname", because everyone wants to laugh, having turned a successful joke.
