To Gregorian which started on January 1

Instead of in the Spring as historically done

The Council of Trent in 1563

Dictated this change that came to be

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Some were slow to change this way

April first -- the old New Year's Day

A clever piece of influence

To promote the date of difference

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Signs were placed on backs quite devilish

With words "poisson d'avril" or April fish

Who were easily caught or gullible

This made the change more willable

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Another piece of the mystery

From ancient Rome the cult of Cybele

Hilaria -- a festival that demonstrates

With disguises mocking magistrates

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Or could the explanation bring

Credence to the first day of Spring

With Mother Nature's spectacle

Of weather that is unpredictable

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In the 18th century in the land of Scots

A two-day event of "Hunting the gowk"

Where people were sent on phony chores

A prank that only a fool explores

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I'll bet you'll find many other things

Explain what April Fool's Day brings

A little nonsense makes life more fun

A game that's played by everyone

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