Putting salt in the sugar bowl and resetting clocks have been favorite April Fools' Day jokes for years. But did you know that the origin of the prank-filled day dates back to 1562 in France?

According to the U.S. Embassy, 16th-century France celebrated the new year on April 1 much like we do now with parties, dancing and dining. In 1562 Pope Gregory introduced a new Christian calendar, which slated the first of the year to begin on Jan. 1. Some diehards didn't want to change, while others didn't know about it and continued to celebrate on the old day. Those people were known as April fools and were sent foolish gifts and tricked into silly situations by the converted January crowd.

In France today the day is called Poisson d'Avril, meaning April Fish.

Although the American version has come to entail a range of pranks for kids and adults alike, the French celebration is a lighthearted affair in which children make paper fish and tape them to their friends' backs. When the "young fool" catches on, the trickster yells, "Poisson d' Avril!"


Rooks' artwork featured by SCA

The Saratoga Contemporary Artists group is hosting Edward Rooks for its monthly meeting on April 10 at 7 p.m. In addition to Rooks' work on display, there will be a peer and gallery review competition and light refreshments.

Rooks is a San Jose-based wildlife artist who grew up in Trinidad and Tobago. An accomplished painter, his work is vividly realistic, winning many awards and honors. His renditions of the golden trout and California tiger salamander were selected to represent California state departments. His paintings and prints are regularly on display at the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society building.

The meeting will be held at the Saratoga Senior Center in the modular building, located at 19655 Allendale Ave., Saratoga.


Winston performs at Carriage House

George Winston makes a three-night appearance at Montalvo's Carriage House April 11 and 12 at 8 p.m. and April 13 at 7:30 p.m. Winston is a solo pianist who plays a variety of music inspired by rock, blues, R&B and folk. He will be playing selections from his recent release, Night Divides the Day--The Music of The Doors, which features solo versions of his favorite songs, including "Love Her Madly," "Light My Fire" and "People are Strange." Tickets are $32­$37 and are available by calling 408.961.5858 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com.


Montalvo to host brunch, egg hunt

The Montalvo Service Group is hosting a buffet brunch to benefit art programs at Montalvo. The event will be catered by Pat Smith's Extravaganza Catering on April 20 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Children 10 and under can stay busy hopping along the grounds in an Easter egg hunt while guests dine on an array of meats, fruits, veggies and tasty treats created with a special Easter theme in mind. Tickets are $42 for adults and $22 for children 12 and under. Children 3 years old and under are admitted free. Reservations are required by April 13. To reserve a spot, call 408.961.5823. Montalvo is located at 15400 Montalvo Road, Saratoga.