April

April is the fourth month of the Gregorian calendar, the dating system most widely used in the world. The month has 30 days and falls between March and May.

In Somali, the word 'Abriil' derives from the Latin 'Aprilis', following the pattern of other European languages. In the traditional Somali calendar, which is based on rainfall and pastoral seasons, April typically falls during Gu', the spring rains in the southern and central parts of the country.

Position in the calendar

The Gregorian calendar has 12 months. The months with 30 days are April, June, September, and November. April is the only 30-day month that immediately follows a 31-day month (March) and precedes another 31-day month (May). The first day of April always falls on the same day of the week as July 1 in that same year.

Climate and agriculture

In the Northern Hemisphere, April is part of spring, while in the Southern Hemisphere it is autumn. In Somalia and the Horn of Africa, April occurs during Gu', the most important rainy season for pastoralism and cultivation. Farmers and herders structure their annual plans around the onset of these rains.

Observances and customs

The first day of April is known in many countries as April Fools' Day, when people play light-hearted pranks on one another. The month also frequently contains Easter, the Christian festival whose date changes each year because it is calculated according to the lunar calendar. Islamic holidays, which follow the lunar-based Hijri calendar, can fall in April only in certain years.