Today is April 1st, generally known as April Fool's Day. No one quite knows why we celebrate the first of April as a day of pranks and practical jokes, and most of the explanations I've read don't really account for why so many of us around the world celebrate the date in this way. Many different cultures have had days celebrating foolishness within a few weeks either side of April 1st. The Romans had a festival named Hilaria on March 25, rejoicing in the resurrection of Attis. The Hindu calendar has Holi, and Jews celebrate the festival of Purim. It may be that this time of year, when winter turns to spring and the world appears to come to new life, lends itself to fun and to lighthearted celebrations. After all, it's said that in the spring a young man's thoughts turn to sex love.
Or to hoaxes and practical jokes, of which you can find many classics here.
The Borowitz Report, published by comedian and political satirist Andy Borowitz, offers lots of wonderful social and political satire, including today's hysterical offering: Republicans Reveal That Entire Presidential Race Was a Prank. Here's an excerpt ...
"Moments after revealing that the GOP primary had been one long practical joke, [GOP candidate] Mr. [Rick] Santorum explained the rationale behind staging such a complicated and expensive prank.
“'A lot of Americans are suffering right now and need a good laugh,' he said. 'I think my colleagues and I can be justifiably proud of the entertainment we provided – even if it meant me wearing these ridiculous sweater vests.'
"Former Godfather’s Pizza CEO Herman Cain agreed that the prank had gone well, but added, 'I’m just amazed that the American people never figured out we were kidding. I mean, I kept saying ‘9-9-9’ every four seconds, which was total and utter bullshit,' he said. 'And everything out of Michele’s mouth made her sound like a mental patient.'
"'True that,' Rep. Bachmann agreed."
“'A lot of Americans are suffering right now and need a good laugh,' he said. 'I think my colleagues and I can be justifiably proud of the entertainment we provided – even if it meant me wearing these ridiculous sweater vests.'
"Former Godfather’s Pizza CEO Herman Cain agreed that the prank had gone well, but added, 'I’m just amazed that the American people never figured out we were kidding. I mean, I kept saying ‘9-9-9’ every four seconds, which was total and utter bullshit,' he said. 'And everything out of Michele’s mouth made her sound like a mental patient.'
"'True that,' Rep. Bachmann agreed."
If only it were true ...
So, play a good practical joke today. I think I'll go over to Mike's blog and leave a comment telling him he's won a Pulitzer Prize. Don't tell him, okay? I know he'll believe it ...
Have a good day, whether you won the MegaMillions jackpot or not.
More thoughts tomorrow.
Bilbo
If all of that was a joke, somehow it would be reassuring.
ReplyDeleteHappy April Fish day, Bilbo, as some people celebrate. Having a paper fish taped to your back isn't too bad.
Today is the day that we have to be skeptical of any news item that sounds unusual. At one time university newspapers had April Fool editions, which sometimes gulled unsuspecting freshmen into believing strange facts,
ReplyDeleteI've had a much too serious day - everyone forgot it was April Fools Day.
ReplyDeleteI just found out I won the pullet prize. I know what's for supper tonight.
ReplyDeletePullet surprise -- A little served poultry dish. (Like veal...with chicken!)
ReplyDelete