Thursday, April 2, 2015

Greece: April Fools΄ Day




One of the most fun days of the year is April 1st or Protaprilia. On that day, we tell lies to try to trick those around us and play pranks on each other!
This old western tradition is estimated to have reached Greece during the period of the Middle Ages. In some parts of Greece people believe that anyone who manages to trick the other will have luck for the rest of the year while in other parts of Greece it is believed that the victimizer will have a good crop. According to folklorists, the lies of that Day have as a higher goal the misleading of lurking evil powers. Other superstitions include the belief that the rainwater of April 1st has therapeutic properties and this is why it is given to the sick.
Greeks have a great sense of humor so on this day people play all kinds of pranks. Even the media try to come up with outrageous scenarios that they promote as news to the public.
The biggest victims of this day are without a doubt teachers. Students come up with various ways to trick their teachers and have a little fun with them at school. But also teachers try to play practical jokes on their students.

Popi Chantzi, Greece


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