Don’t be fooled on Sunday
Easter Sunday and April Fool’s Day fall on same day
Ah, April. It’s spring at last. April is a vibrant month of renewal. This year it ushers in Easter Sunday, which is itself a celebration of fertility and rebirth. But, what about April Fool’s Day, which this year shares the same day as Easter?
The origins of this day of jokes, pranks and hoaxes is not known, but certain occurrences can be traced back as far as the 16th century. Some historians believe that the day’s name may have been derived from variations of the Gaelic term “gowk”, meaning “cuckoo” or “foolish person”.
One of the first pranks on record was in 1698 when people were tricked into going to the Tower of London to witness the washing of the lions which, of course, never occurred. Who would be so foolish as to take on that particular task?
For whatever reasons (and despite some minor variations) April Fool’s Day has taken firm hold of western society.
Unlike other years, many more people will be gathering together on April Fool’s Day for the primary purpose of celebrating Easter Sunday.
As the provocateur, take heed of the rules – no damage may be done (throwing eggs at vehicles or creating graffiti is out); nothing malicious may occur (lies differ from jokes and should not hurt anyone) and, according to UK tradition, all April Fool’s Day activities must end by noon.
For the potential recipients, the best advice is to stay calm and check it out before reacting.
With the current penchant for fake news and alternative facts, social media will likely be rampant with breaking news and have-you-heard. Hmmm. I’m thinking of a few choice items myself.
In other South Shore news:
Are you eligible for the P.E.I. home renovation program? The deadline is April 6. For information, call 902-368-4889.
The South Shore Arts Council is sponsoring two more workshops: April 7, lino printing greeting cards, and April 14, Tunnel Books.
For more information, send an email to rlacey688@gmail. com.
The first AGM of the South Shore Health & Wellness Inc. is at 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 11 at the Victoria Playhouse. Status reports will be presented by the interim executive and a vote will be held for the first board of directors.
All members may vote, and membership is free. For information, call 902-393-3464 or 902-658-2620.
The Crapaud Curling Club Meltdown event is April 13-15. Three games are guaranteed, plus entertainment, mussels, dinner and door prize. For information, call 902-213-4884.
Walk-In Clinics are ongoing at the South Shore Pharmacy. For information, call 902-6582212.
Whether you are an artist, crafter, food provider, cottage renter or otherwise benefit from tourism, this free event may be of interest.
It’s being presented by Central Coastal Tourism Partnership on Wednesday, April 18. For information/registration, go to www.eventbrite.ca/e/ cctp-agm-shoulder-seasonspeed-networking-sessiontickets-44112086438?utm_ term= event name_ text.
New programs have begun at the Crapaud Public Library for children, teens and adults. Remember. April 2 is International Children’s Book Day. For information, go to www. facebook.com/crapaudlibrary or call 902-658-2297.
Enjoy dinner theatre, “Confusion at SSUC Radio Station” and a talent auction on April 21, 6 p.m. at South Shore United Church, Route 10, Tryon. Tickets are $15 each and must be purchased in advance. For information, call 902-658-2040 or 902-439-2352.
The next meeting of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce is at 7:30 p.m., April 24, at the Crapaud Community Hall. Everyone is welcome.
For information, call 902-437-2510.
In Tryon and Area Historical Society news, Pieter and Daria are on an amazing journey of recognizing local war heroes. For information, check out bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com and follow their blog by email.
The Victoria Theatre has issued its summer schedule. Watch for flyers and go to http://victoriaplayhouse.com/ category/plays.
Think ahead to the 65th annual Crapaud Exhibition, July 28-30. Plan now to enter and win in baking, flowers, crafts and more. For information, go to www.crapaudexhibition. com.
Happy Easter everyone. Diana Lariviere of Argyle Shore is a freelance writer and P.E.I. marriage commissioner. Her column for The Guardian appears in the newspaper on the last Saturday of each month. She welcomes comments, suggested topics for future columns and public service announcement submissions to ruraltidings@gmail. com or 902-675-3221. The deadline for submission is the 15th of each month.