South Middlesex Times

Today is April Fools' Day, a day filled with pranks and practical jokes. According to Angus Kress Gillespie, a folklorist and professor of American studies, the origins of this lighthearted day can be traced back to the 1500s in France.

In those days, the Julian calendar was replaced by the Gregorian calendar, shifting the start of the new year from April 1 to January 1. However, not everyone received the memo about the change, leading to confusion and ridicule for those who continued to celebrate the new year on April 1. They were mockingly called April Fools.

The tradition of playing pranks on April Fools' Day has persisted over the centuries. Gillespie notes that the best jokes are those that come from authoritative sources, are believable yet false, and most importantly, harmless.

Reflecting on some memorable April Fools' Day pranks, Gillespie mentions a few favorites. One involved the BBC announcing in 1980 that Big Ben's clock face was being changed to digital, with the clock hands up for grabs. Another prank in 1992 by National Public Radio featured an actor impersonating former President Richard Nixon announcing a comeback bid. More recently, the Boston Public Garden warned against using cell phones near sculptures to prevent damage, a joke that struck a balance between strange and believable.

As April Fools' Day approaches, Gillespie offers a word of caution for aspiring jokesters, advising against offensive or controversial topics when sharing pranks on social media. It's essential to consider the sensibilities of others before spreading humor on this playful day.