Believed to date back to 1582 when France switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar, as decreed by the Council of Trent in 1563.
April Fish in France
In France, April 1st is called "Poisson d’Avril" (April Fish); children tape a paper fish to their friends’ backs as a prank.
Hilaria Festival of Rome
Ancient Romans celebrated a festival called “Hilaria” around March 25, involving people dressing in disguises, which may have inspired April Fool's Day.
Scotland's Two-Day Celebration
In Scotland, April Fool’s Day lasts two days. The second day involves pranks on the buttocks, known as “Taily Day.”
Media Pranks Worldwide
Famous media pranks include BBC's "spaghetti tree hoax" in 1957, convincing many that spaghetti grows on trees in Switzerland.
April Fool's Day and Spring
April Fool's Day is seen as a celebration related to the turn of the seasons, marking the transition from winter to spring.
Modern Traditions
Common April Fool's pranks include fake news stories, phony marriage proposals, and pretending to quit one's job.
April Fool's Day in Literature
Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" (1392) contains the first recorded association of April 1st with foolishness.
Educational Implications
Schools often use April Fool's Day to teach students about humor, hoaxes, and critical thinking in distinguishing fact from fiction.
Global Variations
Different countries celebrate it in their own unique ways, reflecting diverse cultural approaches to humor and pranks.