It's Time to Make April Fools' Day the Halloween of Comedy
Briefly

April Fools' Day has a rich and convoluted history, beginning with biblical references and medieval celebrations of New Year's. Theories abound regarding its origins, with Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales' and 1700s prankster Jonathan Swift being pivotal moments in prank history. A notable prank included Swift's announcement of the death of astrologer John Partridge, which confused the public. The tradition continued into modern times with celebrated hoaxes like the Berliner Tageblatt's 1905 theft story and the BBC's 1957 spaghetti crop joke, demonstrating the longstanding cultural practice of humor through deception.
Jonathan Swift's prank on astrologer John Partridge revealed early instances of elaborate April Fools' Day jokes, showcasing the long history of pranks dating back centuries.
The origins of April Fools' Day are a mix of historical theories, from Chaucer's tales to medieval calendar mischief, reflecting our enduring fascination with humor.
Read at Vulture
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