The fact that people in many countries respect this holiday and celebrate it in a similar way, it is good to remember what its beginnings are.
In the holidays that precede 1st of April is the Roman Hilarya Festival on March 25th and the Medieval Lunatics Holiday on December 28th, which is still celebrated in some countries with a Spanish speaking area.
There is no accurate data on the origin of April 1st.
History
The legend says, and legends should sometimes be believed, that, in some areas the French in the Middle Ages, celebrated the New Year for 1 week: the celebration began on March 25 and ended on April 1. However, in 1582 the Gregorian calendar was adopted, according to which the New Year is celebrated on January 1. For a time without communications as we know it today, this news did not arrive in time to all parts of France, so there were those who continued to welcome the New Year on April 1st. The feast occurred in such a way that well-informed people made fun to the others.
Of course, this theory has some very serious drawbacks, but since today we celebrate the Laughing Day, and laughing is a cure for everything, we don't mind if this theory is true or not.
Also, the tradition of Fool's Day exists in the East. Namely, the Iranians joked with each other on the 13th day of the Persian New Year, which falls on April 1st or 2nd. This holiday was established ever since 536 BC. It is called Sizdah Bedar and it's the oldest joke tradition from those we know today. It is therefore believed that April 1st has its roots in this tradition.
How we celebrate in Macedonia
In Macedonia, on this day, everyone is joking, whether the joke goes on their own or at the expense of someone else, the day should be cheerful.
"Aprililli" is the most common phrase that you will hear today when someone deliberately deceives someone, and the other one will believe him.
All kinds of lies are allowed today, only if they bring fun and laughter.
Today kids wear masks and you can see the whole country masked and cheerful on the streets. In the evening, many grown ups, mostly youngsters, wear masks and enjoy the rest of the day.
Happy April Fool's day and don't forget to laugh and try to make someone laugh :)
