The origin of April Fool’s Day is obscure at best. As it is April Fool’s Day, there are some really crazy stories as to its origin. Most of the stories – which date back hundreds of years – are only conjecture and lack historical evidence. The day, also known as All Fools’ Day, looks to have started at some point in Europe centuries ago.
Although it is observed or celebrated throughout the Western world, it is not an official holiday anywhere. You would not know that when you observe some families and friends though. Historically, typical practices included sending someone on a fool’s errand, looking for things that do not exist, playing pranks, taping a picture of a fish on the back of another (primarily in France), and seeking to get people to believe ridiculous things.
It is hard to imagine, I know, but some news outlets and media types even produce fake news on this day. In the recent century, media of all sorts have embraced the day with crazy story lines, some of which are not explained until the next day. Companies like Google, Burger King, and BMW also get in on the fun.
For the playful at heart, there are many “best of” articles available on the Internet if you have a hard time being creative this year.
Children seem to enjoy this “holiday” of sorts the best. For many, the pranks and hoaxes are not welcomed. “Rude.” “Nasty.” “I trusted you.” All of these are responses I have heard over the years when an unwelcomed prankster enjoyed a good belly laugh at the expense of another person. Most people consider it rude to prank after 12:00 pm.
Exercise caution in your pranking and practical jokes. Seek to be kind and have fun with people, not at the expense of people. Lies are lies regardless of the day on the calendar.
The greater reality is that the world is divided between those who are wise and those who are fools. Generally, anyone who refuses to worship God is a fool. “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 14:1). The person who lives every day in acknowledgement of God with respect and awe is wise. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7).
Desire to seek and enjoy wisdom with her benefits. “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:6-7). The place to start getting wisdom is through prayer in any circumstance. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).
The Bible speaks often about fools and wise people (cf. James 3:13-18). Jesus told a simple story about the man who built his house upon the sand, and the man who built his house upon a rock (cf. Matthew 7:24-27). Jesus said the true fool is one who hears what He says but chooses not to obey or do His sayings. The truly wise person is the one who hears what Jesus says and obeys or does them.On a day when everyone laughs at a fool, be reminded of the bigger issues of life, and seek to be a wise person not a fool. You do not want the last laugh to be on you.
