No, we’re not going to fool you, but we thought it would be fun to trace some of the history of April Fools day.
Did you know that the day can be traced back to Pope Gregory XIII? In 1582 he decreed the adoption of the Gregorian calendar which moved New Year’s Day from the end of March to January 1. Well, those who didn’t catch on & still thought the new year began on April 1 were called April Fools, for not understanding the new calendar.
There are also “holy fools” in Christian history. The old Hebrew prophets were often ridiculed for making unwelcome or dire predictions, even when they were true. And Paul talks about becoming “fools for Christ” in 1 Corinthians 4:10:
“We are fools for the sake of Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute.”
There are actually 230 references to fools in the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible… not all of them so complimentary.
There was a Feast of Fools in the medieval church as well, but it took place in January, not April. This feast was developed in the 12th century & was not a time of mockery, but rather of thanksgiving for the incarnation of Christ & Mary’s joyous affirmation to God.
So, enjoy your fools day, knowing that it, as all things, is grounded in the love of Christ & the blessings of the Lord.
