Making fun of others isn't always funny, but making fun together is very tempting. Be ye fan or foe of April Fools' Day (perspectives differ from snickering prankster to unamused prank-ee), a cautious tongue-in-cheek tone today is well warranted. A scan of today's headlines nationwide shows even news editors can't resist the chance to lighten up.

Like it or hate it, what fool elevated the practical joke to near-holiday status? No one is sure; theories range from ho-hum (new calendar confusion and vernal equinox) to let's party (Ancient Roman cult festival of Hilaria in late March).

Regardless, all histories of foolery hold spring in common.

Spring was once the official start of a new year; in many cultures, it still is. France in the 16th century switched from the Gregorian to the Julian (Roman) calendar, with its start in January. The story goes that some foolish Frenchmen continued to celebrate near April.

Celebrating spring is an old notion. The ancient Celts, Greeks, and many others held end-of-winter festivals, with the earth's rebirth symbolizing hope, spiritual gateways, and life renewed. Joyful festivities often involved dressing-up and acting silly (probably after the wine was poured), so scholars generally point to these as April Fools' Day sources.

Of course there are the fools themselves - jesters in royal court tradition. While we see jesters as clowns, they began as servants, criminals, students, debtors and shepherds - almost anything. In freer courts they heckled their society and rulers, permitted to utter what might have earned punishment if said by anyone else. Cleverness of tongue was the most important qualification.

According to one story from the early fourth century, so enamored of his jester was Roman Emperor Constantine that he allowed his fool one day to be king. "King Kugel," named after a favorite dish, declared the date would forever be a day of absurdity.

This oft-repeated story has no reliable confirmation, but its first known modern report was in 1983 by The Associated Press. The source was a self-proclaimed "professor emeritus of American humor" at Boston University. Publication date: April 1.

Sholeh Patrick is a skeptical columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at sholeh@cdapress.com.