April Fool's Day, primarily known for its playful pranks, lacks a definitive origin. One common theory traces it to 1582 when France transitioned from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. Those unaware of the change continued celebrating New Year's on April 1, earning the label 'April fools.' Other theories suggest connections to the Roman festival of Hilaria or the unpredictable spring weather. The tradition has evolved over time, with various pranks, ranging from humorous practical jokes to elaborate hoaxes conducted by institutions.
"Funnily enough, there is no definitive origin story to April Fool's Day. The oft-repeated story is that this day... dates to 1582, when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar."
"Those who didn't get that memo... and who continued to celebrate the new year on April 1 soon became the butt of jokes and earned the ignominious title of 'April fools.'"
"Two other theories are also proffered. One links April Fools' Day to the ancient Roman festival of Hilaria... Another ties April 1 to the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere, where Mother Nature 'fools' humans with changing, unpredictable weather."
"Pranks over the ages have seen the fooled being tacked with paper fish on their backs... Modern day pranks have seen everything from airlines to museums to zoos pranking people on April 1 over the years."
Collection
[
|
...
]