Published By: Devyani

April Fool's Day: Got Pranked Today? Here's How and When the Tradition Began

Getting pranked or making a fool of others is what April Fool’s Day is all about—but have you ever wondered about its origin? 

We fool others, and sometimes, we get fooled too—it’s part of life. But on April 1, it’s a bit different. On this day, being fooled is a badge of honor and not embarrassing. It feels like a sport—how cleverly can we trick someone, and how smartly can we dodge others’ pranks? Whether it's a harmless joke, a playful hoax, or a surprising twist, April Fool’s Day is all about fun and laughter. And as we share lighthearted moments together, it strengthens our bonds with friends, family, and even colleagues. 

But have you ever wondered about where, how, and when did this tradition come from? Was there a particular event that started it all? Or did people just wake up one day and decide to make fools of each other? While no one knows it for sure, there are plenty of theories about the same. So, as we celebrate another April Fool’s Day, let’s take a journey through history and uncover the origins of this fun-filled tradition.

The French Calendar Confusion

One of the most popular theories points to 16th-century France. Back then, people celebrated New Year’s at the end of March, wrapping up the festivities on April 1st. But in 1582, Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar, moving New Year’s to January 1st.

Some people, either unaware of the change or refusing to follow it, kept celebrating New Year on April 1st. The rest of society mocked them, sending them on fake errands, playing pranks, and whatnot—a tradition still alive in France today as Poisson d’Avril.

 

(Credit: Propel Women) 

Sounds convincing, right? The only problem is that April Fools’ Day existed in some parts of Europe even before 1582, meaning this might not be the true origin. 

A Clue in Chaucer’s Writings?

Some believe that Geoffrey Chaucer’s ‘Canterbury Tales’ (1392) may hold a clue. In The Nun’s Priest’s Tale, a trickster fox deceives a vain rooster. The story takes place "Syn March bigan thritty dayes and two"—which, if interpreted a certain way, could mean April 1st.

 

(Credit: Frank McDonough) 

However, some scholars argue this was a misinterpretation or a scribal error, so whether Chaucer inspired April Fools’ Day is still up for debate. 

Ancient Roman and Medieval Celebrations

Long before April Fools' Day, Romans and medieval Europeans loved a good prank.

Hilaria (Ancient Rome): A festival of laughter, disguises, and tricks held at the end of March.

 

(Credit: Trimontium Trust) 

Feast of Fools (Medieval Europe): A day where people mocked authority figures and switched roles.

 

(Credit: Historium Unearthia) 

Could these old traditions have evolved into April 1st pranks? Many historians think so! 

A 16th-Century Poem About Pranks

In 1561, a Flemish poet Eduard de Dene wrote about a nobleman who sent his servant on pointless errands on April 1st. This suggests that pranks on this date were already a thing in parts of Europe. If it was happening then, does that mean it started even earlier? Quite possibly! 

 

(Credit: Signe Maene  is on Bluesky, Instagram & elsewhere) 

April Fools’ Day Around the World

Different cultures celebrate this day in their own way:

France & Italy: People prank each other and yell “Poisson d’Avril!”

Scotland: The pranking lasts two days! First, sending people on fake errands, then pinning "Kick Me" signs on their backs.

UK & Ireland: Pranks are only allowed before noon—after that, the prankster becomes the fool!

Brazil: Dia da Mentira (Day of Lies) sees newspapers and media outlets join in with fake news stories. 

So, where did April Fools’ Day truly begin? We may never know for sure. But one thing is clear: we love a good joke! And it's a reminder to not take life too seriously, to laugh a little, and to enjoy the harmless fun. 

(References:

  1. Wikipedia: April Fools’ Day
  2. Britannica: April Fools’ Day
  3. The Old Farmer’s Almanac)