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It is commonly believed that in medieval France, New Year was celebrated on 1 April. Then in 1562, PopeGregory introduced a new calendar for the Christian world, changing New Year to 1 January. With no modern communications, news travelled slowly and new ideas were often questioned. Many people did not hear of the change, some merely forgot, and others chose to ignore it. These people were called fools. Invitations to non-existent “New Year” parties were sent and other practical jokes were played. Over time playing tricks on 1 April became a tradition. The custom eventually spread to England and Scotland, and it was later transported across the Atlantic to the American colonies (殖民地) of the English and the French. April Fools’ Day has now developed into an international festival of fun, with different nationalities celebrating the day in special ways.
France and Italy
In France and Italy, if someone plays a trick on you, you are the “fish of April”. By the month of April fish have only just hatched and are therefore easy to catch. Children stick paper fish to their Friends’ backs and chocolate fish are found in the shops.
America and Britain
Today, Americans and the British play small tricks on friends and strangers alike on 1 April. A common trick is to point to a friend’s shoe and say “Your shoelace(鞋带) is untied.” When they look down, they are laughed at. Schoolchildren might tell a friend that school has been cancelled. Sometimes the media get involved. Once, a British short film was shown on April Fools’ Day about spaghetti farmers and how they harvest their crop from spaghetti trees!
Scotland
In Scotland, April Fools’ Day lasts for two days! The second day is called “Taily Day” and tricks on this day involve the bottom (or the “tail”, in informal speech). Often a sign saying ‘kick me’ is stuck onto someone’s back without them knowing.
21. In what condition would someone be called “fish of April” in France?
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A. When one is fooled.
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B. If one is fond of fish.
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C. When one fools others.
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D. If one prefers chocolate.
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22. What was the purpose of the British short film?
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A. To help the audience.
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B. To trick the audience.
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C. To warn the audience.
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D. To inform the audience.
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23. Where does April Fools’ Day last for more than one day?
A. Italy. B. France. C. America. D. Scotland.
