In a revelation that has historians and pranksters alike reeling, recent discoveries from ancient Roman scrolls and medieval manuscripts suggest that April Fools’ Day, the long-celebrated tradition of jest and jocularity, was originally intended to be observed on the last day of April, not the first. This historical oversight, buried for centuries among misinterpreted texts and lost translations, sheds new light on the origins of a day marked by trickery and laughter.
When April Fools’ Day Was Meant to Be Celebrated?
The findings, published in the prestigious “Journal of Historical Anomalies,” detail how early celebrations of spring, renewal, and lightheartedness culminated in a day of mirth and mischief. According to Dr. Aloysius Chronologer, the lead researcher on the project, “The tradition of ending the month of April with a day of frolic and jest is deeply rooted in pre-modern European festivals. However, due to a series of transcription errors, calendar reforms, and linguistic misinterpretations, the observance of this day shifted to the beginning of April.”
The mix-up appears to have occurred during the transition from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar, compounded by the varying adoption dates of the new calendar across Europe. This period of time was marked by confusion and the misalignment of dates, which, as Dr. Chronologer suggests, could easily have led to the displacement of traditional festivities by several weeks.
The article goes on to describe how the jests and pranks now associated with April 1st were originally part of “Vernalis Festum,” a celebration of spring’s end. Activities included elaborate hoaxes, the exchange of fanciful gifts, and public festivities where townspeople would don disguises and mock various societal roles, much like the modern practice of April Fools’ Day.
Despite this groundbreaking research, the suggestion to realign April Fools’ Day with its “original” date has been met with mixed reactions. Some traditionalists argue for the preservation of the status quo, citing centuries of cultural practice and the impracticality of changing a widely recognized holiday. Meanwhile, others see an opportunity to extend the period of springtime revelry and advocate for a return to historical accuracy.
“It’s fascinating to think how a simple calendrical error could shape centuries of tradition,” said Dr. Chronologer. “While it’s unlikely that we’ll see a global shift in the observance of April Fools’ Day, this discovery invites us to reflect on the origins and meanings of our cultural practices.”
In light of these findings, some communities have expressed interest in adopting the last day of April as a secondary day of jest, proposing a “bookend” approach to a month already famed for its capricious weather and spirit of renewal.
Whether or not the world will embrace a second day of trickery remains to be seen, but this intriguing slice of history adds depth and complexity to one of the most lighthearted days on the calendar. As April wanes, perhaps more than a few extra pranks and jests will find their way into the springtime air, honoring a long-lost tradition that was nearly forgotten.
Why just have wine or beer for your Thanksgiving gatherings? Why not have a fun, festive cocktail around Turkey Day.
Whether a family affair, a Friendsgiving, or just having fun on the long holiday weekend, why not spice it up with something delicious to drink? Here are the best cocktails for an easy, festive Thanksgiving.
Most people indulge in pumpkin pie during the holidays. Why not mix it and wow the taste buds with the classic flavor mixed with a a favorite drink? While making the pie, set aside a little of the pumpkin and use it to make defiantly a crowd pleaser.
Ingredients
Start by adding brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and water to a saucepan on low-medium heat
Whisk to combine and bring to a very low simmer
Once the sugar has dissolved, take the pan off of the heat
Pour the syrup into a container and place in the fridge to cool for 10-15 minutes
Add a handful of ice cubes to a cocktail shaker
Pour in the tequila, cointreau, pumpkin syrup, lime juice, pumpkin puree, and 3 dashes of angostura bitters
Close the lid tightly and shake for 15-30 seconds
Remove the lid from the cocktail shaker and gently strain the drink into ice filled glasses
Garnish with any herbs and spices like cinnamon sticks, freshly grated nutmeg, or rosemary
Amaretto Sour
The Amaretto Sour was likely created in 1974 by the importer of Amaretto di Saronno as a promotional push. The original recipe was two parts amaretto liqueur to one part lemon juice.
The Amaretto Sour became popular in the 1970s and 1980s. It was a favorite among bartenders and patrons because of its distinct almond flavor and refreshing sourness. It is a cozy drink perfect for a small gathering to celebrate Thanksgiving.
1 1/2ouncesamaretto liqueur
3/4ouncecask-proof bourbon
1ouncelemon juice, freshly squeezed
1teaspoonsimple syrup
1/2ounceegg white
Garnish:lemon twist
Garnish:2brandied cherries
Create
Add amaretto, bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white to a shaker and dry-shake (no ice) for 15 seconds
Add ice and shake again until well-chilled
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice
Garnish with a lemon twist and 2 skewered brandied cherries
Apple Pie Bourbons
What is more Thanksgiving than apple pie and bourbon? While not settle into a nice drink contain both of them. A rich, luscious, flavor to enjoy watch football or as a pre drink before the big meal.
Ingredients
2 apples (green and red), chopped
1 1” piece fresh ginger
1 whole nutmeg, slightly shaved
4 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish
1 1/2 cup bourbon
3 sugar cubes
Create
Fill a mason jar with bourbon, apples, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger.
Let mixture sit 2 to 4 days. (Taste after 2 days and let sit longer as desired.)
Pour mixture into shot glasses and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Rose Kennedy
This cocktails also known as a “VSS” (vodka soda splash) is about refreshing as possible, and a low calorie alternative to other options. Developed in DC in the late 80s, the original Rose Kennedy was garnished with lemon only and contained only enough cranberry to make the drink barely pink making the squeezed lemon and cranberry flavors faint but equal. At the time, the use of a lime made it an Ethel Kennedy.
Ingredients
2 ounces vodka
1 1/2 ounces soda
1/2 ounce of cranberry
Create
In a glass filled with ice, add vodka and soda
Splash cranberry juice and garnish with a lemon wedge
While apple pie is the third favorite holiday (behind pumpkin and pecan), it is a delicious flavor to mix into the classic margarita…it give it an autumn feel and pairs perfectly with the tequila.
Ingredients
1 medium lemon
2 ounces Reposado or silver tequila
1 1/2 ounces apple cider or unfiltered apple juice
1/2 ounce maple syrup
1 pinch ground cinnamon
1 cinnamon stick or thin apple slices for garnish
Create
Juice medium lemon until you have 3/4 ounce
Place the lemon juice, 2 ounces tequila, 1 1/2 ounces apple cider, 1/2 ounce maple syrup, and 1 pinch ground cinnamon in a cocktail shaker
Fill the shaker halfway with ice Seal the and shake vigorously, about 20 seconds.
Pour through a strainer into the glass
Garnish with a cinnamon stick and thin apple slices if desired
The holidays can be festive, fun and heartwarming – but for some, there is too much family drama….microdosing could make it better.
Carols, gifts, parties, festive meals with favorite foods are all part of hte holiday season. But even in the best circumstances, there could be stress. Some 89% say concerns around money, missing loved ones and anticipating family conflict cause them stress at this time of year. But roughly have say it is moderate and may not be any more than the rest of the year. While family tend to provide a positive effect, if you look at Reddit, there are are plenty of causes of drama during hte holiday at gatherings. For those who are experiencing some level of stress, can mircodosing help manage holiday family anxiety? It could be a better solution than a half of a bottle of booze.
Microdosing marijuana can be an effective way to manage holiday anxiety, offering a subtle yet impactful approach to stress relief during the festive season. By consuming small amounts of cannabis, typically between 1 to 2.5 milligrams of THC, individuals can experience the therapeutic benefits without feeling overly intoxicated.
Microdosing cannabis can provide several advantages for those dealing with holiday-related stress. Low doses of THC can activate the endocannabinoid system, potentially leading to decreased stress levels without causing an overwhelming high. This can be particularly helpful during family gatherings or social events that may trigger anxiety. It may alleviate the effects of social anxiety, allowing individuals to feel more relaxed and confident in social situations. This can be especially beneficial during holiday parties or family reunions.
Small amounts of cannabis can boost mood and social confidence, contributing to a more relaxed and enjoyable holiday experience. Another benefit is may induce deep, natural sleep patterns without excessive grogginess, helping to combat short term holiday-related insomnia.
To microdose marijuana effectively for holiday anxiety, consider the following tips:
Start Low: Begin with a dose of 1 to 2.5 milligrams of THC and maintain this dosage for at least three days. If you’re new to cannabis, begin with an even lower dose and gradually work your way up.
Gradual Increase: If needed, slowly increase the dosage in 1 mg increments until you begin to feel the desired effects.
Consistency: Once you find an effective dose, stick with it for at least four days to assess its impact.
Choose the Right Product: CBD-dominant strains or products with balanced THC:CBD ratios may be more suitable for anxiety relief.
Consider Terpenes: Look for cannabis products containing terpenes like limonene, pinene, and beta-caryophyllene, which have stress-relieving properties
Timing is Key: Plan your microdose schedule around holiday events or stressful situations to maximize its effectiveness.
While microdosing can be beneficial, there are some general precautions. Consider potential interactions with alcohol or other medications you may be taking during the holidays. If you are some medications, it is important to talk to a health professional. And remember everyone reacts differently to cannabis, so what works for others may not work for you.
By incorporating microdosing into your holiday stress management strategy, you may find yourself better equipped to handle the pressures and anxieties that often accompany the festive season. This approach allows you to potentially benefit from the calming effects of cannabis while maintaining clarity and function during holiday activities and gatherings.
Don’t dismiss all weed-themed content as goofy stoner comedies — among Netflix’s catalog are a variety of quality TV shows, films, and documentaries that put marijuana in the spotlight. Whether you’re just after some giggles or looking to learn something new about weed, there’s something out there for everyone. But sometimes, picking your entertainment can feel as difficult as choosing your next cannabis strain, so we’ve narrowed the field to 11 must-see pieces of reefer-related entertainment.