by Shelly Purucker

Created on: April 15, 2009   Last Updated: April 16, 2009

Hoaxes, Pranks, Jokers and trickery all wrap themselves into the day best known as April Fool's Day. It is my birthday of all days! Can a new Father convince anyone he has just received a new baby girl born on this day? Can he try to tell his buddies about a new job he was offered on the very same day? It is sometimes impossible for other people to believe such tales on the "Day of Jokes"

For many cultures around the world, this silly time period is openly known as "Spring Fever" a time generally accepted after the long passing winter as a fresh new breath of air. New life begins from animals and their young, to crocus plants smothering a hillside, to youthful parents holding a babe in arms. People want to be together, and in areas of Portugal, it is quite a sight to see flour thrown upon friends. Children have locked out parents and teachers from buildings, with the only chance of re-entry is the promise of treats. I think I could give this custom a sincere try on April 2nd following my birthday to welcome another orange flavored birthday cake. In Iran they Day of Fools is celebrated on April 3rd, and since I do not wish to venture to this land any time soon, I'll just eat my cake and have it on the most recognized day.

Such places as Canada, New Zealand, and even Austria believe in all tricks of this date to be played before midday. It is the conclusion that all tricks played after the midday presents the "Original Fool". Believe it or not, there are newspaper's that actually print "Fake Articles" this is a very common feature, with such headlines that are hilarious enough to see the prank immediately. I have known of articles that cite celebrities replacing legally held positions of employment, Athletes performing in the half-time shows, and Famous animals working closely with corporate officials. The laughter can spill over into hysterics at times , while mischief can be carried away with many. Anchor people, Game-Show hosts, and Nasa employees have even joined the lists of practical joking scams. Panic has arouse from some jokes, as the case is with a SARS outbreak in Hong-Kong, people left supermarkets and ceased all errands, because a student had started the joke as part of an on-line site. The press released a statement of the false rumor, and the profound scholar was charged with the incident.

Play jokes amongst your friends and family, giggle with the best of them and remember to do so before noon or the true fool is you.

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