April Fools and Aphrodite

An old post, but I thought I would share this again! ...

I have quite a few "Avril" postcards that feature people holding fish! Little girls, ladies, even couples with big fish. What's with the fish on these old French cards?

In France, the victim of an April Fool's Day prank is called a "poisson d'avril," an April fish (which refers to a young fish easily caught!) But that's not the whole explanation...

April is named for Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, beauty and fertility. The fish is one symbol of Aphrodite, who was born of the sea. While she is called the Love goddess, her domain is more accurately described as the sensual passion and romantic attraction that draws couples together. She doesn't care if it makes good sense or ruins your life, she just wants you to hook up! Think how sly Aphrodite uses desire and passion to "trick" creatures into love or at least lust and fertility and thereafter a lot of work and trouble! Nothing can make a fool out of you faster than love and lust. In the Greek myths Aphrodite is one capricious and "tricky" goddess.

For many centuries, in many cultures, this time of year has been associated with celebrations of frivolity, lightheartedness, and sometimes pranks. (The Romans had a festival called Hilaria around the end of March.) The coming of spring after the long months of winter brings out our pent-up energy and silliness, and we need a day to let it out! Spring fever, I know it well. Spring is also when Aphrodite goes wild in nature, as birds and bees get busy :-)

April 1 was the beginning of the New Year in some places in old Europe (right around the beginning of Spring), and that transition day from the old year to the new was frequently a time when the usual rules didn't apply and the world went topsy-turvy. Much of the tomfoolery associated with April Fool's Day could be attributed to this. Ancient customs allowed a few days when people could break the rules and get a little crazy, maybe to let off steam. Pretty wise, if you ask me.

This year April Fool's Day falls on a Friday, which makes it extra powerful! Because Friday is named for Freya, the Norse goddess of fertility who is another face of Aphrodite. Enjoy a little "Spring Fever" tomorrow!

"The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year."- Mark Twain

April Fool, April Fish?

I have quite a few "Avril" postcards that feature people holding fish! Little girls, ladies, even couples with big fish. What's with the fish on these old French cards?

In France, the victim of an April Fool's Day prank is called a "poisson d'avril," an April fish (which refers to a young fish easily caught!) 

Why is April 1st a day for fools and foolishness? Nobody seems to know for sure. There are stories about the change of calendars in the 1500s, but they don't hold up well because April Fool's celebrations existed before that time. Some people connect it to the unpredictability of weather and nature at this time of year. 

We do know that for many centuries, in many cultures, this time of year has been associated with celebrations of frivolity, lightheartedness, and sometimes pranks. (The Romans had a festival called Hilaria around the end of March.) Maybe it's just that the coming of spring after the long months of winter brings out our pent-up energy and silliness, and we need a day to let it out! Spring fever, I know it well.

April is named for Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, beauty and fertility. The fish is one symbol of Aphrodite, who was born of the sea. While she is called the Love goddess, her domain is more accurately described as the sensual passion and romantic attraction that draws couples together. She doesn't care if it makes good sense or ruins your life, she just wants you to hook up! Think how sly Aphrodite uses desire and passion to "trick" creatures into love or at least lust and fertility and a lot of work and trouble! Nothing can make a fool out of you faster than love and lust. In the Greek myths Aphrodite is one capricious and "tricky" goddess.

April 1 was the beginning of the New Year in some places in old Europe (right around the beginning of Spring), and that transition day from the old year to the new was frequently a time when the usual rules didn't apply and the world went topsy-turvy. Much of the tomfoolery associated with April Fool's Day could be attributed to this. Ancient customs allowed a few days when people could break the rules and get a little crazy, maybe to let off steam. Pretty wise, if you ask me.

"The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year."- Mark Twain

Bathing Beauty Cards & Tag by Vicki Romaine

The ever-fabulous and creative Vicki Romaine of the Lunagirl Moonbeams Design Team has shared three more bathing beauty projects!  How she finds time during what I know is a busy week, I don't know, but aren't these lovely?  Visit Vicki's blog and join her challenges as well!

I have always been very fond of this image.  Here's what Vicki says about her piece and process:
"Background was ... where I cleaned my brayer on another book page.  The background and image were both printed on grey cardstock so the colors would be a little distressed.  The image was again torn, but no distressing was done as the tearing around the image showed the grey cardstock.  Three blue stones complete the tag."

Woman image from Lunagirl Bathing Beauties 2 collage sheet.

  
Joyful card with a bathing beauty and charming little fish!
"The background was made by cleaning my brayer on a page from a paperback book.  The image was torn and distress with light cranberry ink.  The fish are stick on embellishments and finally a sentiment on acrylic."


Women's images on this card and the next from Lunagirl Bathing Beauties #4 digital collage sheet.

I think this is my favorite.  I like the simplicity, and the colors, and the fence... and that outfit!  Most of all I really like the great quote!

Vicki's comment:
"A very plain card.  Quote is from Quote Garden on the net."

It's lovely ... and my thought for the day!

Poisson D'Avril -- April Fool's Fish?

Why are there always fish on these French "Avril" cards? In France, the victim of an April Fool's Day prank is called "poisson d'avril," or an April fish (which refers to a young fish easily caught!)

Why is April 1st a day for fools and foolishness? Nobody seems to know for sure. There are stories about the change of calendars in the 1500s, but they don't hold up well because April Fool's celebrations date before that time. Some people connect it to the unpredictability of weather and nature at this time of year.

We do know that for many centuries, in many cultures, this time of year has been associated with celebrations of frivolity, lightheartedness, and sometimes pranks. (The Romans had a festival called Hilaria around the end of March.) Maybe it's just that the coming of spring after the long months of winter brings out our pent-up energy and silliness, and we need a day to let it out!

One interesting note: April is named for Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, beauty and fertility. One of her symbols is a fish, a symbol of fertility. Think how sly Aphrodite uses desire and passion to "trick" creatures into love or at least lust and a lot of work and trouble! Nothing can make a fool out of you faster. In the myths she is one capricious and "tricky" goddess.

Anyway, have fun and be careful! You could become Poisson d'Avril if you don't watch out!