April Fools' Day

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April Fools' Day is a day celebrated in many countries on April 1. The day is marked by spreading hoaxes and other practical jokes on friends, family members, enemies, neighbours etc. People sometimes send their targets on a fool's errand, the aim of which is to embarrass the gullible. Traditionally, in some countries, such as the UK, Australia and South Africa the jokes only last until noon, and someone who plays a trick after noon is called an "April Fool". Elsewhere, such as in Canada, France, Ireland, Italy, Russia, The Netherlands, and the U.S., the jokes last all day. The most clever April Fool joke is the one where everyone laughs, especially the person upon whom the joke is played.

History - Its origins are uncertain. Some see it as a celebration related to the turn of the seasons, while others believe it stems from the adoption of a new calendar.

Theory 1 -  Julian Calendar was reformed around 1582 in France under Charles IX. The Gregorian Calendar was introduced and New Year's Day was moved from April 1 to January 1. Communication travelled slowly in those days and some people were only informed of the change several years later. Still others, who were more rebellious refused to acknowledge the change and continued to celebrate on the last day of the former celebration, April 1. These people were labelled "fools" by the general populace, were subject to ridicule and sent on "fool errands," sent invitations to non-existent parties and had other practical jokes played upon them.

The butts of these pranks became known as a "poisson d'avril" or "April fish" because a young naive fish is easily caught. In addition, one common practice was to hook a paper fish on the back of someone as a joke. This harassment evolved over time and a custom of prank-playing continue on the first day of April. This tradition eventually spread elsewhere like to Britain and Scotland in the 18th century and was introduced to the American colonies by the English and the French. Because of this spread to other countries, April Fool's Day has taken on an international flavour with each country celebrating the holiday in its own way.

Theory 2 - In the eighteenth century the day was often posited as going back to the time of Noah. According to an English newspaper article published April 13, 1789, the day had its origin when Noah sent his dove off too early, before the waters had receded; he did this on the first day of the Hebrew month that corresponds with April.

Events - All sorts of practical jokes are put to practice on this day. Putting salt in the sugar bowl for the next person one of the tricks played on this day. College students set their clocks an hour behind, so their roommates show up to the wrong class - or not at all.

• In Scotland, April Fool's Day is devoted to spoofs involving the buttocks and as such is called Taily Day. The butts of these jokes are known as April 'Gowk', another name for cuckoo bird. The origins of the "Kick Me" sign can be traced back to the Scottish observance.
• In England, jokes are played only in the morning. Fools are called 'gobs' or 'gobby' and the victim of a joke is called a 'noodle.'
• In Portugal, April Fool's Day falls on the Sunday and Monday before lent. In this celebration, many people throw flour at their friends.
• In Rome, the holiday is known as Festival of Hilaria, celebrating the resurrection of the god Attis, is on March 25 and is also referred to as "Roman Laughing Day."

Alternate Names - All Fools' Day, Taily Day (Scotland), April Fish or Poisson d'Avril (France).

Holiday Status - It is not a public holiday.