Posts Tagged With: jester

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Fool Me Once.” It’s April 1st! Pull a fast one — publish a post that gently pranks your readers.

I can’t  pull off practical jokes very well.  My sense of humor tends to be of the slapstick variety that does not lend itself to gentle April Fool’s Day pranks.  I mean these pranks are supposed to be harmless not painful, right?

Historically, various cultures had days of foolishness around the start of April. The Romans had a festival named Hilaria on March 25, the Hindu calendar has Holi, and the Jewish calendar has Purim. It must have something to do with the joyous relief of winter turning to spring that lends itself to lighthearted celebrations.

In the Western world, April Fool’s Day may include sending someone on a “fools errand”, looking for things that don’t exist or playing pranks and trying to get people to believe ridiculous things.  The image of a court jester or a motley fool popped into my mind.

A motley fool was a professional clown employed to entertain a king or nobleman in the Middle Ages.  The fool would entertain with his ridiculous behavior.  Motley is the multi-colored costume worn by the jester decorated with bells and baubles and Motley Fool is the name of my investment company. So, while thinking about motley fools, I checked my portfolio. No jest.

I’m not laughing.