April Fool's Day Anti-Semetic?

Looking at the origins of April Fool's Day

Published on March 29, 2006 By Adventure-Dude In Religion

I was studying up on the Origins of April Fool's Day and here is what I found.

In 1582 Pope Gregory XIII declared that New Year's Day was to be observed on Jan. 1 of 1583. 1583 is when the Pope made changes to the existing Julian Calendar. On this year (1582) the New Year's Day occured on April 1st. This was also the first day of Passover which according to Exodus 12 is a Biblical New Year. In the New year (1583) anyone who observed the New Year between the end of March and Beginning of April was to be called a fool. Who else but the Jews would continue to keep the New Year during such a time. Hopefully this gives ya something to think about.

Link
Link
Link

AD

Comments

Dr Guy

on Mar 29, 2006

I think if you look for anti-semitism in everything, you will find it. But as the Jews have a calendar older than any other, I dont think April Fools day was meant to be that way. Ever write last year on a check you are writing in January? Should we celebrate january Fools boners and say they are anti-semtic?

Sometimes, a Cigar is just a good smoke.

Moderateman

on Mar 29, 2006

I think some Popes were way harsh on the Jews, but Pope John Paul straightened that all out, him being the very first Pope to ever step foot in a synagogue, much like doc said sometines a snake is just that a snake and not a phallic symbol for a penis.

Adventure-Dude

on Mar 29, 2006

Dr. Guy,

I wasn't looking for it. I was just curious about the origins of April Fool's Day. I am only presenting information upon my findings. I didn't say that it was meant to be that way but who were the ones the joke/pranks directed at? The ones who observed that time as the new year. I'm not saying that today it would be 'anti-semetic' as most are ignorant to the celebrations that they observe.

Dr Guy

on Mar 29, 2006

I wasn't looking for it. I was just curious about the origins of April Fool's Day. I am only presenting information upon my findings. I didn't say that it was meant to be that way but who were the ones the joke/pranks directed at? The ones who observed that time as the new year. I'm not saying that today it would be 'anti-semetic' as most are ignorant to the celebrations that they observe.

Forgive me if I came off accusatory. I did not mean that you were saying that, only that what was turning up in your research (which is never bad). I just meant that probably some Jews were the butt of jokes back then, but so were a whole lot of christians. Indeed, Pope Gregory may have done it (I have no earthly clue on whether it would be true or not) to spite the Jews (moving the new years day). But the jokes were strictly non-secular.

And you got 2 days to prepare for this years! Hehehehehe

Adventure-Dude

on Mar 29, 2006

Forgive me if I came off accusatory.

I didn't take it that way but was just trying to clear the air. After rereading what I presented I definitely could see how one could get that impression. Besides how could I be offended by ALF?

I also was wondering if I offended you since I know you hold regards to Catholicism.

Adventure-Dude

on Mar 29, 2006

On the other hand there are many Jews who celebrate the Feast of Trumpets as the new year. So it wasn't likely that it was all Jews but that's just my thought.

Tova7

on Mar 29, 2006

Wow. I always wondered where April fool's day came from.

I think its stoooooooopid.

KFC Kickin For Christ

on Mar 29, 2006

The Jews actually have two New Years, the first as you said that begins in Nisan when Passover occurs and the other is in the 7th month of Tishri also known as Rosh Hashanna which means "Head of the Year." So the Jews have a Religious New Year (Nisan-Passover) and a Civil New Year (Tishri-Rosh Hashanna).

I always thought that April Fool's day was an Atheistic Holiday......"The Fool Says in his heart there is no God."

Adventure-Dude

on Mar 30, 2006

Besides the point, After further study Pope Greg XIII wasn't very kind to the Jews. Killed many of them since they didn't go to his conversion school.

Yes one is mentioned in Exodus 12 and the other Numbers 28 for those wanting a Biblical reference.

Dr Guy

on Mar 30, 2006

I also was wondering if I offended you since I know you hold regards to Catholicism

No, the Church of the Middle ages was not a house of saints! I am a believer, but not a blind one.

Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:

Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums.
Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
It's simple, and FREE!