April Fool’s Day celebration

Another rainy day, dark and chilly. Yesterday it was nice, sunny and warm. We were taking in the fresh air, the sights and sounds, shopping, and lunch, with our daughter Starla.

Busy days, fun days, and more holidays lie ahead. All Fools Day fits well for all three of the times above. You, no doubt, will not be surprised to learn that I celebrate April Fools Day

much in the tradition of my Scottish ancestors. They were equipped with jokes and tricks handed down through the generations to my dad Hugh Lynch Jr. and us.

The jokester also delved deep into his saves bag for pranks served by others living in the melting pot in the north end of Brazil and far across the sea back in the day. Some of the many pranks had global flavor; however, we never tired of seeing that gaped-tooth grin and hearing him say, “Fool, fool,” the “guckcaw.” My father always thought he played the perfect jokes on his tiny family on holiday. I never liked bursting his bubble and usually played along, acting simply. I knew how to cry when a joke overwhelmed me. I could never say anything about the French connection because my grandmother had family ties to France and Belgium. Historically, sources tell us April Fool s Day began in France in 1582, with the reform of the calendar, under Charles IX. The Gregorian calendar came about, and New Year changed from March 25 to April 1 (New Year’s Week). Those people who lack knowledge about the move celebrated on the original date. All the people already in the know labeled those people “fools; the butts of jokes and pranks, the poisan’ d’ avril,” April fish easily caught. Some folks who know the talk might call that a pile of “Cawcaw.”

Dad often called the celebration --Tally Day. We did not mind being butts of jokes. He took full that those celebrations had nothing to do with witches and switches, an advantage of a two-day celebration, like his ancestors. My favorite Scot was full of it every day. Those were happy memories. After all, they had nothing to do with witches and switches.

I doubt if I will keep “All Fool’s Day” funny business in my pocket this year, either. Paul needs some surprises - early birthday gifts.

Reach me by phone at 317-286-7352.