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History of April Fools’ Day Tradition

April 4, 2011

It’s uncertain when April Fools’ Day started, but historians mostly believe that it began in France around 1582 when Charles IX reformed the calendar. Our current calendar, the Gregorian Calendar, was introduced. New Year’s Day used to be on March 25 – April 1 (it was a whole week of “New Year’s”!) to January 1. It took YEARS for some people to receive news of the change—information traveled very slowly in those days. Some were rebellious and decided not to acknowledge the change and continued celebrating New Year’s Day on the last day of the former celebration—April 1.

The ones that refused to celebrate according to the new calendar were labeled “fools” by the rest of the population. They were made fun of and sent on “fool errands”. People sent these “fools” invitations to nonexistent parties and were the butt of many other practical jokes. This harassment continued on and evolved over time. Pranks continue to be played on the first day of April. As people spread from the Old World to the New World, the traditions went along with them and now different countries celebrate the day with a flair all their own.

In England, for example, pranks are only played in the morning. Fools are given the nickname “gobs” or “gobby”, and the victim of the prank is called a “noodle”. If you do choose to play a prank on someone after noon, it is considered bad luck.

In Scotland, the holiday involves strictly spoofs involving the buttocks…yes, it’s true! It is nicknamed “Taily day”. If you’re the butt of a joke, you are called an “April Gowk”, which is another name for a cuckoo bird. Actually, the “kick me” sign is traced back to Scotland’s observance of this holiday.

In Rome, they celebrate April Fools’ Day on March 25 and it has another name “Festival of Hilaria” which celebrates the resurrection of the god Attis. It is also known as “Roman Laughing Day”.

In Portugal, April Fools’ Day falls on the Sunday and Monday before Lent. People throw flour at their friends.

So—anywhere in the world you may be on this interesting and unique holiday, don’t be surprised if someone plays a prank on you!