Opinion

April Fool's Day

Saturday, April 1, 2017

Hi neighbors. Happy April Fool's Day! I think Mother Nature pulled one on us since we've had a week of April showers before April even arrived. I suppose we can now look forward to May flowers -- unless they arrive a month early as well.

It seems people have been celebrating one form or another of "Fool's Day" since the 1500s. The origins of our modern April Fool's Day go back to the 1700s but even that seems a little tricky.

As a welcome to spring the first day of April encourages a lighthearted mood with fun and trickery. People are sent on "fool's errands" to go find something that does not exist.

In schools children would say something false then add, "April Fool!" to it. Like "There's a pop test today in science! -- April Fool's!" Of course, the phrase "April Fool's" had to be timed just right. The person being told must have time to express an appropriate reaction before being let off the hook.

Things don't always bode well for people born on April 1 -- teachers always think you are trying to pull a fast one if you insist it is your birthday.

Through the centuries people have learned to tone down their foolishness if it might get them into trouble. But beware announcements on social media, or anywhere else on the Internet today! Always double check the sources if it is something important because someone may just be fooling around.

Telephone gags are always popular today, so let Prince Albert out of the can early, and if your refrigerator is running, chase it down.

With photo changing program options, don't believe any of the pictures you see posted online today. Be particularly suspicious of any featuring aliens from other planets, two moons in the sky or meteors approaching Earth. Also ignore those of evolved fish walking to town complete with suits and dress shoes; cats playing cards or musical instruments or dogs running for public office. Remember what day it is!

If you want to get in on the foolishness and play some April Fool's gags yourself, take care who you play them on and keep them in good taste. Putting an obituary of someone still alive online is never a nice thing to do, whether they are a celebrity or not.

Telling a parent they have to hurry to the police department or hospital because their child was in an accident is not in good taste! Just think of the possible consequences before you play a trick on someone.

Sending a new employee on a mission to bring back pre-sealed envelopes from the supply department won't win you friends either.

Hurtful tricks are never fun for either party. But lighthearted, simple tricks can make the day pass quicker and add a little humor to everyone's day.

Until the next time friends, remember, we all enjoy a good laugh; but no one likes being the target of a joke. Have fun today but play nice.