(Translation)Unlike most of the other non-foolish holidays, the history of April Fool’s Day, sometimes called All Fool's Day, is not totally dear. (l)【There really wasn l a “First April Fool s Day” lhat can be pinpointed on lhe calendar】. (2) 【Some believe ii sort of evolved simultaneously in se\yeral cultures at the same time, from celebrations involving the first day of spring】.
The closest point in time that can be identified as the beginning of this tradition was in 1582. in France. (3) 【Prior to lhat year, the new year was celebrated for eight days，beginning on March 25. The celebraiion culminaled on April 1】. With the reform of the calendar under Charles IX. the Gregorian calendar was introducedw and New Year's Day was moved to January 1.
(4) 【However, communications being whal they were in the days when news traveled by foot, many people did not receive lhe news for several years】. (5) 【Others, the more obstinate crowd, refused lo accepi thgncw calendar and continued lo celebrate lhe new year on April 1】. These backward folk were labeled as "fools" by the general populace. They were subject to some ridicule, and were often sent on "fools errands" or were made the butt (笑柄)of other practical jokes.
(From April Fool s Day) (P22)
(1)“首个四月愚人节”在历法上的确是无法确认的。
(2)有些人认为它或许同时在几个不同文化中从一些庆祝春季第一天的活动中演变而来。
(3)在那一年之前，新年庆祝活动持续八天,从三月二十五日开始到四月一日达到高潮。
(4)但是，那个年代的通讯很落后，消息传递缓慢，因此，很多人几年都没有接到这个消息。
(5)还有一些更加固执的人拒绝接受新历法，继续在四月一日庆祝新年。
