In certain countries, April Fools’ Day pranks must be performed before noon on April 1; otherwise, it’s the prankster who turns on April Fools.
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The origin of the customs of the time is shrouded in mystery. Some believe that it is likely a relic of the festivities held to mark the vernal equinox. These celebrations of the first days of spring began on March 25 and ended on April 2. Certainly there is some evidence to suggest that April 1 was observed as a general festival in pagan Britain.
Most commonly, the customs are associated with the change to the Gregorian calendar in France during the 16th century.
Historically, many parts of the world celebrated April 1 as New Year’s Day, due to its association with the beginning of spring.
France was one of the first countries to adopt January 1 as its official New Year’s Day, by decree of Charles IX in 1564. This was before the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1582.
Gifts and traditions that had been the hallmark of April 1 were changed to January 1. However, many people refused to accept the change or did not hear the news for several years. Those who still celebrated April 1 were seen as ‘fools’ by the general population, and fair game who were the butt of jokes and tricks were known as “poisson d’avril” or “April fish”.
The traditions spread to England and Scotland in the 18th century, and were brought to the American colonies by the English and French.
The tradition of April Fools’ Day, also known as April Fools’ Day, is observed in many countries on April 1.
In general, the goal of the day is to try to play a practical joke on a victim who is known as the April Fool. Practical jokes can range from simple to elaborate. Whatever the trick, the prankster usually ends it by yelling at his victim, “April Fools!”
April fools day around the world
Scotland In Scotland, April Fools’ Day is celebrated over two days: the first day is called Taily Day and the second day is devoted to pranks involving the buttocks. The “kick me” sign dates back to Taily Day.
Mexico City The equivalent in Mexico to the Day of the Innocents is December 28. Originally, the day was a somber remembrance of King Herod’s massacre of innocent children, though over the years it has become a joyous commemoration involving pranks and tricks.
France In France, the April fool is known as ‘poisson d’avril’ (April fish). It is not known what exactly the fish refers to, but it may be related to Pieces (the fish) sunrise in early April. Apart from the tradition in France was the unknowing placement of dead fish on the backs of friends. Today, the real fish have been replaced by fish-shaped paper shapes that kids try to sneak onto the back of their friends’ shirts. Shops and bakeries also offer special fish-shaped sweets.
Netherlands The Dutch have different reasons for celebrating April 1st. In 1572, the Netherlands was under Spanish rule. On April 1, 1572, the Dutch rebels took the city of Den Briel. This marked the beginning of the general civil uprising against the Spanish in the Netherlands. The Duke of Alba was the commander of the Spanish army at the time, and he was unable to prevent the uprising from gaining momentum. Bril is the Dutch word for glasses, so it was said that “Alba lost his glasses”. The Dutch commemorate this with jokes and humor on the first of April.