Often this involved delivering a sealed“ important letter”, which was entirely fake. The letter’ s addressee would open and read:“ Dinna laugh, an’ dinna smile. But hunt the gowk another mile”. Now the recipient, in on the joke, would send the messenger away and onto someone else. Some of the messengers must have gone to multiple addresses before realizing the folly of their endeavor coupled with the date.
The second day, April second, was called“ Tailie Day” which involved physical fool’ s day jokes such as“ kick me” signs and donkey tails pinned to buttocks. The Scottish two days of pranks, Hunt the Gowk and Tailie Day, have been replaced by the single April Fool’ s Day held on April first.
The Scottish, Hunt the Gowk, day“ wild goose chase” and Flemish Poet Eduard De Dene’ s poem are markedly similar, however without historical confirmation of when the Scottish began its Hunt the Gowk and Tailie Day festivities it is unlikely that anyone can definitely say that one preceded the other.
Adding to the mystery is speculation as to the holiday’ s origin within one small rhyme contained within the Poor Robin’ s Almanac c. 1760. The rhyme reads:“ The First of April some do say. Is set apart for all Fool’ s Day. But why the people call it so. Nor I nor they themselves know.”
On a serious note, don’ t forget to sign up for“ Dueling Pianos” brought to you again by Capstan and held on April 17 in Wellen Park. Finally, our end of the year bash at North Port Water Park is May 17 and reservations are open! �
Thomas
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THE DOCKET- APRIL 2025 | 15