April Fools’ Day, a day that occurs every year on April 1, is a trickster and jokester’s dream. From the pranks being pulled to the jokes being told, April Fools’ Day will always be a beloved holiday.
However, while many people have traditions and enjoy having fun on the holiday, little is known about the origins of this holiday.
According to History.com, it’s speculated that these traditions started around 1582, which was when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. Because of the switch, the Spring equinox fell on the first of April. People were very excited about this change and celebrated throughout the beginning of the year.
Since some people were confused about the switch-up, many celebrations were still happening through March and through April 1. This was what jumpstarted the pranks and hoaxes that people have come to love about the holiday. These pranks included having paper fish placed on someone’s back with them being referred to as a “poisson d’avril,” which was said to symbolize a young, caught fish or a gullible person.
In modern times, people can be seen pulling harmless, silly pranks on loved ones. While the holiday has evolved and changed over the years, the spirit and joy the holiday brings have stayed the same.
