Newsletter March 21, 2013 Connect with Us

April Fools' Day1st April

France - where it all started April 1 is the "Poisson d'Avril" or "April Fish" in France. Apart from a number of personal and commercial pranks, children stick paper fishes to the backs of their friends. When the prank is discovered shouts of "Poisson d'Avril" and sheepish grins are exchanged. People gift each other presents in the shape of a fish this day. England - beyond the stiff upper lip The victim of a prank on April Fools' Day in England is called a "noodle", "gowk", or "guckaw!". If one successfully pulls off the prank, the person can taunt the victim "Fool, fool, the guckaw!" However, if the prankster fails, the intended victim retorts back "The gowk and the titlene sit on a tree...you're a gowk as well as me!" Titlene is a hedge sparrow. Scotland - with a twist in the tale April Fools' Day is celebrated all across Scotland. It is also known as "Gowkie Day", "Hunt the Gowk", or "April Gowk". Gowk is the Scottish term for cuckoo. The second day is known as "Taily Day", which is devoted exclusively to pranks involving the "butt". "Kick Me" signs are stuck to the intended victims. Iran - add on the New Year April Fools' Day is celebrated on the 13th day of the Persian New Year, known as "Sizdah Bedar". This usually falls on April 1 or 2. People play pranks on each other and indulge themselves in good food and laughter. At the end of the day people throw away green vegetables, which represent potential illness and bad luck for the rest of year. This tradition has been around from 536 BC. Denmark - royally tricked April Fools' Day is celebrated across the country. The government, media, and even the police often agree to play a part. Fictitious stories are broadcasted over newspapers, television, radio, and internet sites. It is fun for the people to unravel the truth and the pranks behind the stories that are broadcasted through the day. Belgium - the other side of the coin April Fools' Day celebration in Belgium is unique. In many parts of the country, children lock out their parents or teachers and allow them to enter only if they bring treats as bribes. Iraq - not to be left out Iraq's April Fools' Day tradition is called the Kithbet Neesan, or "April Lie". Initiated in an imitation of the West many years ago, it is now a popular holiday, celebrated with pranks, tricks, and practical jokes.

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