April Fool's trick (an italian tradition)

April first...in Italy we call this day pesce d'Aprile (April Fool's trick) Frankly i don't know exatectly why... but in this day people do jokes and pranks. The reason is ancient and probably ambiguous.

The traditional pesce d'Aprile in Italy consists of attaching a piece of paper with a drawning of a small fish to the rear shoulders of a school companion. Then everyone jokingly questions: L'hai visto?—Chi?—Il pesce d'Aprile! (Have you seen?—Who?—the April Fool!) and makes derisive remarks about the victim.

There are also more sophisticated adult pranks like a false communique about Martians attacking or rumors that money is being given out in the main square of the city. Every year there are new pranks. The day after, the media reports the bests jokes!

I've always tought this day was stupid and infantil but from here (far away from home) I understand that traditions are so important to remember, also the stupid traditions!

.....so that the generation yet to come will be able to say: "oh...such a stupid tradition!"

(I'm very proud when i'm able to be sarcastic using my new language!)

ciao
Fabrizio