APRIL FOOLS' DAY

April Fools’ Day, also called to as All Fools Day, is an annual observance on April 1st marked by playing and jokes on people. This is the one day in the year where pranksters and mischievous older siblings all over the world roll up their sleeves to think of the most creative pranks.

How Did April 1 Become “April Fools’ Day”?

Although this odd prank-centric holiday has been celebrated since it gained popularity in the 19st century, its origin still remains somewhat of a mystery. Historically, people playing harmless pranks on one another has been a common universal practice since the beginning of the time. So, what is the history and origin of April Fools’ Day?

King of France IX. Charles, he decided to take the start of the year to 1st January. The start of the year, previously common in Europe, was 25 March. With the communication conditions at that time, this decision of Charles did not spread enough. Some people, who heard that changing, continued their tradition to protested King’s decision. They arranged parties on April 1. Others, who adopted the king's decision, called them April fools. On this day, they gave surprise gifts to everyone and produced unreal news. Years later, as January became the first month of the year, the French continued to see April 1 as part of their culture. From there it spread to the whole world as a joke day.

April fools across the world

April Fools’ Day is celebrating all around the world. Because who doesn’t like playing a friendly prank on their loved ones? Here are some examples:

In France, the fooled party is calling the poisson d’avril, which literally means “April fish.” France’s customary prank involves pinning a paper fish to a friend’s back.

In Scotland, April Fools’ Day was traditionally called Gowk Day—gowk being another name for the cuckoo, a common symbol of the fool. Pranks continued into April 2, Tailie Day, when celebrants traditionally attach a “paper tail” (or a “kick me” sign) to their friends’ backs.

Brazil celebrates April 1 as Dia da Mentira, or “Lie Day,” in which people try to fool their loved ones. Always for comedic effect, of course.