Why is April Fool's Day Celebrated?

April Fool's Day is not technically a holiday, but rather a custom whose origin is a little unclear. There are several theories as to how it began, but given their recent origin none can be sure of which is fact.

One theory has the day set at the spring equinox, which went from March 25th to the 2nd April. March 25th was new year at that time, and was surrounded by festivities and gaiety, and it's thought that perhaps the current observance is leftover from those festivities.

Another theory originates with the French adoption of January 1st as New Year’s Day by a decree by Charles IX. People exchanged gifts with coming of the New Year in April, and when the official date changed not everyone was aware of this. Those who were unaware were made to seem foolish by being sent fake gifts and being given invitations to parties that didn't exist, all for the purpose of making them the butt of other people's jokes.

The person fooled was called the poisson d'Avril-or April fish-because of the fact that in April the sun leaves Pisces, the sign of the fish. For many years the French would make fun of friends by putting dead fish on their back, but now they use a paper cut out (which I am sure is a relief to many!).

What people do, and how April Fool's Day is celebrated.

This is not the kindest of days, however it is probably the most light hearted and fun of all of the holidays. The only aim of April Fool's Day is to make your friend's and acquaintances look foolish. This is achieved through playing pranks on them, and if they fall for your prank they are said to be a fool.

The activities are performed before midday. Should a person miss the timing of the prank and have it fall after midday, then they become the fool.

Places to be/see for April Fool's Day

April Fool's Day is celebrated throughout the Western world, within many cultures. There are often parties held on this day, later in the day, after the pranks have finished. These can be a light hearted and fun way to end the day.

April Fool's Day Activities

There have been some famous pranks pulled on this day, to serve as examples of what people do.

In 1965 the BBC in the UK reported the trial of smell-o-vision; new technology that would augment TV viewing with odors. People really believed that they were receiving it and called in to report success.

In 1985 Sports Illustrated announced that a kid had learned to throw a 168mph fast ball, in a Buddhist monastery. The first letter of each paragraph spelled out that it was a fool.

On a smaller scale people might saran wrap toilets so that people have accidents, or swap sugar for salt. The tricks should not cause actual harm.