April Fool's Day is Here Again

Have you ever wondered about the origin of April Fools Day? I have, so after all these years I looked it up. Apparently there are many theories going way back in history up to fairly recent times. We won't settle the issue here but let's take a look at that word  f o o l. But don't let it fool you.

Actually, a fool can be a complimentary expression when you are right, and know you are right but are called a fool. Or it could be a backhanded compliment by someone who doesn't know how to handle the truth.

A fool can be someone who is totally impervious to its existence. It could be someone who is foolhardy but has no idea how reckless he or she is although considered by others a fool even though the word is not used.

Synonyms also say something about fools. Check it out in a thesaurus for terms like buffoon, saphead, simpleton, jester, clown . . . Not too many of us appreciate being called a buffoon or a saphead but we might not object to being called a clown, especially if we have a delightful sense of harmless humor.

To honor a particular day as a Fools' Day and to give it creditability for its endurance probably should be given credit it has earned. Historically, this could well be true even though it may seem a bit farfetched for some historians. It is interesting, isn't it, how seemingly normal events can take on additional features: like Trick or Treat when Halloween's inspiration was All Saints Day, a time to pay homage to those who have gone on ahead. Or Santa and flying reindeer linked to the birth of the Christchild.

Do you suppose April Fools' Day is a hidden warning not to count on winter being over only to be caught in a blizzard totally unprepared? April showers in fact could be a blizzard but then, maybe this is stretching its meaning. On the other hand, if we honor birthdays, celebrations, anniversaries and memorials, why not remember lesser characters by giving them a special day? Can't you imagine searching for a greeting card for your favorite fool?

Now that I have finished my research and stretched my imagination a bit, and since this may not be read in time to serve as a warning or a reminder, let me conclude by saying Have a Delightful April by one who has been fooled more often than he dare admit.