I recently re-read Umberto Eco's novel The Name of the Rose (and I saw the movie as well but, as usual, the book is better) where the plot is based on if laughter and joy is equal of sin. A common stereotype of medieval culture is that it was dark, melancholy and very serious because of the Christian dogma that was pretty much organizing the society. And of course, you should be cautious and stay out of sin so that you would not be eternally damned in the afterlife. But as Mary Carruthers states in her latest book The Experience of Beauty in the Middle Ages (2013) laughter and play was also essential in order to balance your moods and bodily fluids for both spiritual and medical reasons. This is why images in churches might include puns and curiosities for both more intellectual and common visitors. Above is a prophet discussing with a monkey from Odensala church, and below a camel from Härkeberga church — both painted by the Albertus Pictor workshop - but there can also be scrolls with riddles and jokes. And yes, I was April fooled yesterday!