This year we have April Fool’s Day on Palm Sunday, then Easter Sunday is on April 8th.I was wondering how April Fool’s Day got here, so I googled it and landed on Holidays.net.
It seems:
“The history of April Fool's Day or All Fool's Day is uncertain, but the current thinking is that it began around 1582 in France with the reform of the calendar under Charles IX. The Gregorian Calendar was introduced, and New Year's Day was moved from March 25 - April 1 (new year's week) to January 1.
Communication traveled slowly in those days and some people were only informed of the change several years later. Still others, who were more rebellious refused to acknowledge the change and continued to celebrate on the last day of the former celebration, April 1.
These people were called"fools" by the general populace, were subject to ridicule and sent on "fool errands," sent invitations to nonexistent parties and had other practical jokes played upon them.
This harassment evolved over time and a custom of prank-playing continue on the first day of April. This tradition eventually spread elsewhere like to Britain and Scotland in the 18th century and was introduced to the American colonies by the English and the French. Because of this spread to other countries, April Fool's Day has taken on an international flavor with each country celebrating the holiday in its own way.
The origins of the "Kick Me" sign can be traced back to the Scottish observance.
In England, jokes are played only in the morning. Fools are called 'gobs' or 'gobby' and the victim of a joke is called a 'noodle.' It was considered back luck to play a practical joke on someone after noon.
In Portugal, April Fool's Day falls on the Sunday and Monday before lent. In this celebration, many people throw flour at their friends.
So, no matter where you happen to be in the world on April 1, don't be surprised if April fools fall playfully upon you.”
April Fool’s Day this year marks the beginning of Holy Week in the church with Palm Sunday services. Then the Confirmation class will be traveling to Seward for the annual “Living Last Supper” presentation on Wednesday night, April 4th. Folks are invited to travel along to this inspiring event. Then Maundy Thursday worship is at 7 p.m. at the Rosedale Church on Thursday, April 5th with communion. Good Friday Worship is at 7 p.m. at the Doniphan Church on Friday, April 6th. The Confirmation Class hosts Easter Sonrise worship at the Nebraska Nature Center just south of the Alda exit of I-80 at 6:30 a.m. on Easter Sunday, April 8th.
It seems appropriate that Holy Week should begin with April Fools Day, because it ends with Easter and the celebration of a resurrection that has shocked the world ever since.
Grace & Peace,
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