On April Fool's Day, we can safely have fun at someone else's expense, but on the condition that we do it with the best of intentions. The day reminds us that laughter is the most direct way to deal with life's challenges. Therefore, on April 1, an innocent joke is perfectly allowed, even "mandatory". Well, laughter is healthy and "The world survived because it laughed"!

On this day only, Bulgarian media are allowed to deceive us quite legitimately, by creating ridiculous news containing a hidden trick. Last year, news was published that an elixir for eternal youth was been discovered. Two years ago, a surprisingly large number of Bulgarians believed an April Fool's Day report on the TV about a flying saucer circling over Sofia. Of course, the rest of the time we are "tricked" more or less by media and politicians. However, Bulgarians have a strong sense of humor - it is enough to browse social networks to laugh heartily at jokes and memes related to the current affairs and everything that worries and excites us.

Read also:

• We are the last of the Mohicans of newspaper humour: Mihail Veshim, editor-in-chief of Starshel newspaper

• Carnival weekend starts in Gabrovo

• The Museum House of Humour and Satire in Gabrovo celebrates its 51st anniversar

Our ancestors believed that in order to be lucky throughout the year, on April 1 you have to trick someone or be tricked. But in order to come up with a sufficiently convincing deception, you need imagination, humor and above all, good mood. The first day of the spring month is an occasion to awaken our senses and enjoy life. But pay attention! We must not lose our vigilance even for a moment!

April is a cheating month and nothing is really as it seems! It is no coincidence that its other name, according to folk beliefs, is... Lazhko (Trickster), and the old Bulgarian month of April was called "Lazhunyak". Why? Because it is normal for the warm days at the beginning of spring to trick the newly grown grasses and budding saplings into growing, before the winter cold suddenly returns and attacks them with snow blizzards, destroying the greenery awakening to new life. To distract Lazhko's attention, once upon a time our ancestors used jokes and tricks.

Bulgarians know how to use laughter, humor and satire as a counter-measure to fraud, fear and the absurdity of the world that surrounds us. So let's laugh a lot and heartily on this day. Humor shows higher intelligence; it is a gift that makes us stronger, happier and more resilient. And laughter, in addition to being free, is the only medicine that does not require a prescription. Aristotle said it back in the 4th century BC!

Publication in English: Al. Markov

Photos: Pixabay