Feature

The Fool

The Fool, from the Rider-Waite Tarot.

The generally accepted explanation for the origin of April Fool's Day goes something like this: Back in the 16th or 17th century, a country known as "France" decided to shake things up by adopting a new calendar. Until that time, the year had begun on April 1. The new calendar began on January 1. (Clearly, this was an attempt by the ruling party to ensure that more peasant drunks were on the streets during potentially icy weather, thus helping to cleanse the gene pool.)

Anyway, they didn't have the Internet back then, so it took a while before everyone became aware of the new calendar, which meant that lots and lots of people were partying on April 1 for absolutely no reason. These were the original "April Fools." (Actually, in France they were known as "April Fish," for reasons known only to the French.) Eventually, the charming custom of making fun of revelers evolved into the playing of tricks, pranks and practical jokes, and made its way to other countries (thanks, in large part, to the Internet).

Here's a more cherry explanation. The first card in the Major Arcana of the Tarot is The Fool. It is not numbered one, but zero. The image on the card is often represented by a carefree youth, carrying a bindle, a dog yapping at his heels, just steps from walking off the edge of a cliff. It is associated with spring, with new beginnings, with willingness to take risks, and with letting go of fear. The Fool is the object not of ridicule or pity, but of reverence.

Make April 1 your Foolish New Year's Day. Keep your baggage light and ignore the curs nipping at your ankles. Walk straight toward that cliff with your head held high. Let 'em laugh at you - they don't realize you can fly.

Just remember to watch out for Frenchmen bearing fish.