The Strange History of April Fools’ Day
April First is a day for tricksters throughout the world. It is the holiday for anyone who loves nothing more than a good prank and a good laugh. But how did this tradition begin? And how is it celebrated around the world?
The beginnings of April Fools’ Day as a day celebrated on April First is shrouded in mystery, according to EuroNews. Read ahead to learn more about the holiday.
From Ancient Rome to The Festival of Colors
According to some, it has its roots in the ancient Roman holiday of Hilaria, which was celebrated at the end of March. During the Hilaria people played games, dressed in disguises and made fun of their neighbors, including nobles and members of the upper echelon.
Others trace the origins of the day to the switch from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian one in 564 CE. Until then, New Year festivities lasted from March 25th to April First. As tradition holds, some people were not aware of the change in calendars and still celebrated the new year on April 1st and hence were considered fools by others.
Finally, some people have noticed a relationship between April Fools’ Day and the Hindu holiday of Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors. During this holiday, there is great feasting, and dancing, and people throw bright, colorful paint powder on one another.
April Fools’ Say Throughout the World
In France, Italy, and Belgium, April Fools’ Day is April Fish Day. On April first people try to stick a paper fish on the backs of as many people as possible without their victims realizing they have been fished. Continuing the fish theme, in some parts of the Netherlands people fling actual herring at others. In Ireland, tricksters tend to prank people by sending them on a “fool’s errand” — an errand with no point.
Over the years, according to History, many journalists and companies have joined in the fun. In 1957, the BBC created an elaborate prank, including videos and pictures, reporting that farmers in Switzerland were having a record crop of spaghetti from their spaghetti trees that year. In 1996, the fast food company Taco Bell announced that they had purchased the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia and were renaming it the Taco Liberty Bell.
What Can You Do?
As for regular people looking for some fun but harmless pranks this year, the BBC has a few suggestions. One classic prank is to unscrew a bottle of shampoo or conditioner and cover the opening with cling film before screwing the cap back on. It’s going to take a lot of futile squeezing before the prank victim realizes what is going on.
Another fun idea is to print out pictures of a celebrity or celebrities and stealthy switch framed family photos with the celebrity ones. You’ll quickly find out how closely the people in your family pay attention to the little details in the house.
So, happy April Fools’ Day, and don’t get fished!
