April Fools Day and Fish - Postcard Friendship Friday #109

I’ve always wondered about the association of April Fool’s Day and fish. One can find many vintage postcards with ladies in lovely clothing, cradling a dead fish! 

No one really knows exactly when April Fools Day, or how All Fool’s Day actually began.  Most historians believe it started in 1582 in France with the reform of the calendar under Charles IX.  When the Gregorian Calendar was introduced, New Year's Day was moved from April First, to January First.

But in those days, news didn't travel quickly, so some people learned of the calendar change several years later.  Until then, they continued to celebrate the New Year in April.  Yet there were others who were rebellious about the change, who refused to acknowledge the new calendar date and who continued to celebrate the New Year in April.

These rebels were labeled "fools.”   People made fun of them and sent the dissenters on "fool errands."  People would often send these defiant folks invitations to nonexistent parties and played other mean-spirited practical jokes upon them. 

Apparently people called those celebrating the new year on April Fool’s Day "poisson d'avril," or "April fish."  It has the idea of a young naive fish, which is easily caught. A favorite joke at that time, was to hook a paper fish on people’s backs without their knowledge.  It is thought that sticking a paper on someone's back with the words "kick me," evolved from that ancient tradition.

As time passed, the world adopted the new calendar celebrating the New Year on January First.  However, the custom of prank-playing on April First continued. April Fool's Day eventually spread to Britain and Scotland in the 18th century and was introduced to the American colonies by the English and the French.

So now you know why April Fools Day cards often have fish on them!

On a more personal note, our Grandfather was born on April 1st, so this date has a special meaning for me and my family.

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