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```*+*``` April Fools Day ```*+*```

The origins of this custom are complex and a matter of much debate. It is likely a relic of the once common festivities held on the vernal equinox, which began on the 25th of March, old New Year's Day and ended on the 2nd of April. Though the 1st of April appears to have been observed as a general festival in Great Britian in antiquity, it was apparently not until the beginning of the 18th century that the making of April-fools was a common custom. In Scotland the custom was known as "hunting the gowk," i.e. the cuckoo and April-fools were "April-gowks," the cuckoo being a term of contempt, as it is in many countries. One of the earliest connections of the day with fools is Chaucer's story the Nun's Priest's Tale (c.1400), which concerns two fools and takes place "thritty dayes and two" from the beginning of March, which is April 1. The significance of this is difficult to determine.

Europe may have derived its April-fooling from the French. French and Dutch references from 1508 and 1539 respectively describe April Fools' Day jokes and the custom of making them on the first of April. France was one of the first nations to make January 1 officially New Year's Day (which was already celebrated by many), by decree of Charles IX. This was in 1564, even before the 1582 adoption of the Gregorian calendar. Thus the New Year's gifts and visits of felicitation which had been the feature of the 1st of April became associated with the first day of January, and those who disliked or did not hear about the change were fair game for those wits who amused themselves by sending mock presents and paying calls of pretended ceremony on the 1st of April. In France the person fooled is known as poisson d'avril (April fish). This has been explained as arising from the fact that in April the sun quits the zodiacal sign of the fish. The French traditionally celebrated this holiday by placing dead fish on the backs of friends. Today, real fish have been replaced with sticky, fish-shaped paper cut-outs that children try to sneak onto the back of their friends' shirts. Candy shops and bakeries also offer fish-shaped sweets for the holiday. (Taken from: April Fools' Day - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) --submitted by Lah Barrett Suex

```*+*``` Allied and Friends Events ```*+*```

Dragon Run Toboggan Race: It was a cold snowy night, perfect for an event before winter was over, held in our lands at the Crystal Gold Lake. Many came in spite of the cold to try for the 1,000 gold. The run was a challenge, although five nearly made it to that last part, none made it through the dragon's head without incident. The bumpy scales did a few in but that last incline had a few spinning off the run or caught up in the dragon's mouth and icicle teeth. There was a quick run to determine who took second and third prize, deciding to give a consolation prize to the other three that had done so well. When all was said and done, Rennie Savage took second, Cait MacKenna in third and consolation prizes for Lady Silvereagle, Athalia Doe and Deirdre Callihan. We hope all our allies that participated had a good time as certainly those from our own lands had. --submitted by Rhett Shawnesey

St Patrick's Night: In celebration of the death of Ireland's renowned St. Patrick, the Kingdom of Telarus hosted a Tavern Night on Monday, March 17 in the Kilt and Goblin Tavern. Open to any who wanted to join in on an evening of green drinks and food, good company and of course, various contests! Amongst those attending the evening were Sirs Calhoun and Aiden, who accompanied two of Princess Elaina's ladies for the evening, Lady Cara and Lady Emily. They were joined by others of Telarus, Stone Cross and Devonshires and Scotland. Throughout the evening, Queen Julia awarded 100 coins to anyone wearing green and posed questions about St. Patrick, awarding coins for the correct answer and at one point, held an Irish brogue contest. Heathfield was well represented here, as Sir Calhoun, Lady Emily and Lady Cara all joined in and were awarded 300 coins and a green top hat a piece, but the true victor of the evening was Lady Emily, who vanquished all comers as the only female in a drinking contest of the infamous Julia Juice to win 500 coins! A delightful time was had by all, and thanks go to Telarus for a fine commemoration of St. Patrick.  --submitted by Cara A Thompson

Faolan's Spring Market: To market to market to buy a fat pig, or in this case a few horses. Joseph McDonough accompanied Cordelia Sandrine, Draven MacShire accompanied Tara Shawnesey, Cara Thompson came with Emily Stewart as well as Morgan went to the market. Two horses were bought, Draven's as a gift to his fiancée and one Joe purchased to hopefully enter through the two stables planned to join the Colition. Something to look forward to. The gracious Queen Julia Noir also sent two thoroughbreds from her quality stock as a gift for these stables once established. Those from Telarus and Devonshires/Stone Crossing also attended. Besides horses to buy there were also sweets and meats amongst other shops that were taken advantage. A good place to spend earned coins. --submitted by Joseph McDonough

Birds of Paradis Ball: On the evening of March 30th, a ball was held. Called the Birds of Paradise Masque and Ball, it was an Avian theme and was hosted by the Marchioness of Hawkstone and the Kingdom of Telarus at the Hawkstone Ballroom.   Heathfield was represented by Lord Joseph McDonough with his courted Lady Cordelia Sandrine of Telarus as well as Alannah, Regan and Deirdre Callihan, Sir Aiden Collins, Sir Gabriel Vaughn, Sir Cole Lachian,  Morgan Murray, Corwin Garrow, and Jessamine Saxton.  The costumes were colorful, clever and lovely. A wonderful time was had by all and new friends were made.  Congratulations to Sir Gabriel for placing second for his costume as an Owl and Corin Garrow in third place as a pheasant. --submitted by Regan Callihan

```*+*```+```*+*```   Featured Articles ```*+*```+```*+*```

Healer's Touch
by Samantha Golden

Buchu - is the Southern Africa's contribution to herbal healing. The leaves of this 5-foot shrub contain an oil that increases urine production. The native peoples of what is now Namibia and South Africa used buchu for urinary problems long before they had any contact with Europeans. In the 17th century it was adopted for urinary tract infections, kidney stones, arthritis, cholera and muscle sores. Later, English settlers adopted buchu and used the herb to treat many illnesses that medical botanists now claim it has been used for almost every disease which afflicts mankind.

Healing with Buchu:

Premenstrual Syndrome - Many women complain of 'bloating' from water retention before their periods. Buchu is an ingredient in two over-the-counter diuretics (Fluidex and Odrinil) marketed to relieve the bloating of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

High Blood Pressure and Congestive Heart Failure - Physicians prescribe diuretics to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. These are serious conditions requiring professional care. Consult your physician about including buchu as part of your treatment plan.

Urinary Tract Infection - Most modern herbals continue to recommend buchu for urinary tract infections. One study of its effects on the bacteria that can cause these infections showed no benefit, but herbal experts continue to stand behind it as an infection fighter.

Safety Factor: - Diuretics deplete body stores of potassium, an important nutrient. Anyone taking buchu should increase consumption of foods high in potassium, such as bananas and fresh vegetables. Pregnant women should not take diuretics without a physician's approval. Otherwise buchu is considered safe in amounts typically recommended and no harmful side effects have been reported.   --Taken from The Healing Herbs by Michael Castleman

Life Around Here

As Thomas Tusser spoke himself, April showers do bring May flowers, and after a long winter, everyone is eagerly awaiting the splashes of brilliant color and sweet aromas that will surely arrive within weeks as trees and plants produce their flowering buds as a way to greet the warmer weather. Likewise, children are spending more afternoons out of doors to soak up the sun's light, and with each passing week, more clothing will be shed and left in trunks for next winter. Toboggans will eventually be put away and hoops with sticks will take the place of winter activities. Perhaps we've seen the last of snowball fights, as well. Once more, it is safe to walk the streets.

And how can any person not adore the baby animals that begin to emerge? Lambs, calves, kittens and puppies, chicklets, kids... Nature certainly knows how to draw the cuteness out of its shell. Thank you, God, for the simple pleasures in life that will never cease to be.   --submitted by Cassie Saxton

Births: None this month. Marriages: None this month. Engagements: None this Month. Deaths: None this Month. Citizenship: None this Month

Gargoyles -- Possibly a species of pygmy domesticated dragon, gargoyles actually cannot fly but are extremely agile and able to leap great distances, which may give them the illusion of flight. In fact, their movement is very similar to a monkey swinging through a jungle canopy. While not aquatic in makeup, they are efficient and excellent swimmers

Only active at night, the gargoyle has adapted itself to remaining still for long periods of time so as to better guard the buildings on which it perches. With a stony skin that mimics brick and plaster, gargoyles are not affixed to building tops, but grip hold of them with incredible strength. Even though there may appear to be many gargoyles on a rooftop, only one will be a living creature.

They always look for the highest roosts possible, usually on cathedrals, skyscrapers or other tall buildings. It is believed they absorb their nutrients from rainwater through their porous skin. They become quite active during storms, especially if they have been dormant for an extended period of time. However, if struck by lightning, they become instantly petrified and fall to the ground where their body shatters upon impact.

-- submitted by Kathleen Frasier - from Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide. Everyone should have one!

April

The Roman Goddess of Love 'Aprilis' was honored when naming the month of 'April'. As part of the seasonal calendar April is the time of the 'Growing Moon' according to Pagan beliefs and the period described as the 'Moon of the Red Grass Appearing' by Black Elk (Black Elk Speaks, Neihardt). It is also the last month of 'Imbolc', before 'Beltaine'. Mark, of the gospels, features as a strong influence within the early Celtic church at this time of year (see February introduction). The need to toil the land, to work to achieve the ends is further symbolized by his work, that of spreading the news of the gospels and in the significance of the pilgrimage, the journey to achieve enlightenment. Early pilgrims were influenced by the laws of nature, in a similar way to the pre-Christians belief and practice of ritual and folklore related to nature, reading the actions of animals to lead them to a place of rest. Most important in this month are the cattle or oxen, the deer or stag, and of course the ram (Aries). The spirit was believed to be renewed in this month and therefore there was a need to let go of unnecessary worries and focus on the purpose, the commitment of faith and practice, to resurrect the slumbering energies if the months ahead were to be of service to the deities and God.

'Brigid' (1 February) and 'Columcille' (7 June) were joint protectors of cattle and it was practice at this time to hope that the protection asked for during the period of Samhain had been granted and that the cattle would be healthy, so ensuring that when winter returned meat would be plentiful providing strength in the months of darkness (Samhain and Imbolc):

'Everything within my dwelling or in my possession,
All kine and crops, all flocks and corn,
From Hallow Eve to Beltane Eve.' 'When April blows her horn (thunder)
it's good for hay and corn.' (http://www.mystical-www.co.uk/time/apri.htm)

In Celtic tradition, the night of April 30 was thought of as the darkest of the year, when witches flew to frighten, spawning evil throughout the land.  In response, people pounded on kettles, slammed doors, cracked whips, rang church bells and made all the noise they could to scare off the corruption they imagined to be moving on the moist air.  They lit bonfires and torches and witch- proofed their houses with spring boughs.  Such vigils were kept throughout the night until the rising of the May-dawn." (http://www.egreenway.com/months/monapr.htm)  --submitted by Mary Colleen McAndrews

April
by Ernestine Northover

Honeysuckle cascading along the garden wall,
Bees hum, and insects everywhere abound,
The cuckoo sends us all his two-note call,
So many voices in one glorious sound.

April showers glinting, on soft new born shoots,
Daffodils of yellow, shine so ultra bright,
Down river, paddling, come the aquatic coots,
Plumage black, bills of white, and a fork tailed kite,

Swoops down, and with this long wings soars again,
And with no backward glance, gives his farewell,
Listen to April, hear now how it sings,
A wondrous month, wherein the heart can dwell.

--submitted by Cara A Thompson

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April Rain
by Ernestine Mathilde Blind

The April rain, the April rain,
Comes slanting down in fitful showers,
Then from the furrow shoots the grain,
And banks are fledged with nestling flowers;
And in grey shaw and woodland bowers
The cuckoo through the April rain
Calls once again.

The April sun, the April sun,
Glints through the rain in fitful splendour,
And in grey shaw and woodland dun
The little leaves spring forth and tender
Their infant hands, yet weak and slender,
For warmth towards the April sun,
One after one.

And between shower and shine hath birth
The rainbow's evanescent glory;
Heaven's light that breaks on mists of earth!
Frail symbol of our human story,
It flowers through showers where, looming hoary,
The rain-clouds flash with April mirth,
Like Life on earth.

--submitted by Deirdre Callihan

April
by Sare Teasdale

The roofs are shining from the rain,
The sparrows twitter as they fly,
And with a windy April grace
The little clouds go by.

Yet the backyards are bare and brown
With only one unchanging tree--
I could not be so sure of Spring
Save that it sings in me.

--submitted by Mary Colleen McAndrews

Sakura, Sakura
by Unknown

Noyamamo satomo
Miwatasu kagiri.
Kasumi-ka kumo-ka.... asahi-ni niou
Sakura, Sakura,
Hanazakari.

Cherry Blossoms, cherry blossoms. 
On mountains, in villages. 
As far as you can see. 
They look like fog or clouds.They are fragrant in the morning sun. 
Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms.  
In full bloom."

--submitted by Iwakura Sachiko

Tulips
by Sare V.W. Lachicotte

--submitted by Deirdre Callihan

Did You Know?

The Black Stone - At the heart of Mecca, near the center of the court of the Great Mosque, is a small granite and marble shrine called the Kaaba, which Muslims consider the most sacred place on earth. The word Kaaba literally means 'cube', a shape that represents the three dimensions of space: height, width and depth. According to the teachings of the Koran, the Kaaba was first constructed by Abraham and his son Ishmael around a large reddish-brown rock called the Black Stone. This was given to them by the archangel Gabriel to become the cornerstone of a temple. Possibly meteoric in origin, the Black Stone is now encased in a larger silver band and embedded in the exterior wall of the Kaaba at its eastern corner. Although Mecca has been rebuilt many times, the Black Stone has always remained intact in the wall of the shrine. For Muslins, the Black Stone is 'the right hand of God' on earth. It is kissed or touched by pilgrims at the beginning of the tawaf, the ritual of walking around the Kaaba seven times as Muhammad is thought to have done in A.D. 630 when he rededicated the site to Allah. It was Muhammad, too, who formalized the tradition of the hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca, which all Muslims must make once in their lifetime. But he did not originate this idea; Mecca had been a place of pilgrimage since Abraham's day. The marble shrine itself is rectangular, measuring 39 feet long, 33 feet wide and 49 feet deep. Because it is intended to house the divine presence, its only furnishings are the three tall pillars that support the roof and several hanging lamps made out of gold and silver. The present building dates from the 17th century, but the Saudi government made repairs to its walks and roof. According to one Muslin sect, the Sufis, the Kaaba is the home of the soul, just as the heart may be thought of as the home of the soul within the body. The pilgrims themselves symbolize the blood of the world flowing around it spiritual heart. This heart is Mecca.

King Stones - Celtic Kings were once inaugurated standing or sitting upon sacred stones used only for this ceremonial purpose. Known as king stones, these stones may have symbolized the sacred marriage of he king to the earth goddess. For example, at Tullahoe, Ireland, which was the capital of Tyrone in medieval times, a stone throne was formed by placing three slabs against a boulder. The throne was used as the seat of many of Ireland's kings in the Middle Ages, but was finally destroyed by the English in 1602. The most famous coronation stone in ancient Ireland, upon which the kings of that county were inaugurated, was the Lia Fail, which means 'Stone of Destiny', in the hill of Tara. In a clear expression of the magical power of the king stone, the Lia Fail, so legend claimed, cried out at the moment the true king of Ireland was crowned. In most of the ancient inauguration ceremonies that used a stone, the king-to-be either sat upon the stone or made close contact with it with his bare hands or feet. According to ancient beliefs, this contact enabled the earth currents to flow through his body, 'charging' him with the special energies and vitality needed to exercise his unique powers as a representative of the gods upon earth.

The Legend of King Arthur - The idea of the king stone is also alluded to the story of King Arthur. For centuries past, his story has fascinated writers and historians. As a result, considerable myth and legend now surround this Celtic King - Arthur has even been described as 'the sovereign of the western medieval world.' Arthur legend recounts, was the son of Ygerene, the duchess of Cornwall and Uther Pendragon, king of the British. Arthur succeeded to the throne at the age of 15, but he first had to prove his right to the kingship. He did this by drawing the magical sword Excalibur from a sacred stone in which it was embedded. The stone stood in the courtyard of a chapel in London. On the stone were apparently inscribed the words: 'Whoso pulleth this sword from this stone is rightfully born King of all England.' Although many sought to extract the magical sword, only Arthur succeeded. -- submitted by Samantha Golden (taken from Earth's Mysterious Places, Reader's Digest)

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