April Fools’ Day
Introduction
April Fools’ Day, observed annually on 1 April, involves the tradition of playing practical jokes and hoaxes. Those engaging in these pranks typically reveal their actions by exclaiming “April Fools!” to the recipient. Mass media sometimes participate in these pranks, which may be disclosed as such the next day. The practice of dedicating a day to playing harmless tricks and practical jokes on others has been a widespread custom throughout history.
Origin
In Geoffrey Chaucer‘s “The Canterbury Tales” (1392), there is a disputed connection between April 1st and foolishness. In the “Nun’s Priest’s Tale,” a proud rooster named Chauntecleer is deceived by a fox on a day described as “Since March began thirty days and two,” which corresponds to 32 days since March started, hence April 1st. However, it’s uncertain if Chaucer intended to reference April 1st, as the tale also mentions that it occurs when the sun is “in the sign of Taurus had y-rune Twenty degrees and one,” which doesn’t align with April 1st. Modern scholars propose that a copying error in the manuscripts led to the discrepancy, and that Chaucer originally wrote “Syn March was gon.” If this is the case, the passage would have meant 32 days after March began.
Another Story
In 1508, French poet Eloy d’Amerval referred to a poisson d’avril (April fool, literally “April’s fish”), possibly the first reference to the celebration in France. Some historians suggest that April Fools’ originated because, in the Middle Ages, New Year’s Day was celebrated on 25 March in most European towns, with a holiday that in some areas of France, specifically, ended on 1 April, and those who celebrated New Year’s Eve on 1 January made fun of those who celebrated on other dates by the invention of April Fools’ Day.The use of 1 January as New Year’s Day became common in France only in the mid-16th century and that date was not adopted officially until 1564, by the Edict of Roussillon, as called for during the Council of Trent in 1563.However, there are issues with this theory because there is an unambiguous reference to April Fools’ Day in a 1561 poem by Flemish poet Eduard de Dene of a nobleman who sent his servant on foolish errands on 1 April, predating the change.April Fools’ Day was also an established tradition in Great Britain before 1 January was established as the start of the calendar year.
April Fools’ Day in different Countries
Armenia:
In Armenian culture, April Fool’s pranks are unveiled by uttering “ապրիլ մեկ!” which translates to April 1st.
Germany:
In Germany, April Fool’s pranks are often disclosed by exclaiming “April, April!” at the recipient, who then becomes the “April fool.”
Iran:
In Iran, the tradition is known as “Dorugh-e Sizdah” or the “lie of Thirteen,” observed on the equivalent of April 1st, which is 13 Farvardin (Sizdah bedar), occurring 13 days after the Persian New Year, Nowruz. It’s been a practice since ancient times.
Ireland:
In Ireland, a customary prank involves entrusting the victim with an “important letter” to be delivered to a named person, which turns out to contain the message “send the fool further.”
Israel:
April Fool’s Day pranks are embraced in Israel.
Italy, France, Belgium, and French-speaking regions:
In these areas, April 1st traditions are often called “April fish” or variations thereof. One common prank involves surreptitiously attaching a paper fish to someone’s back.
Lebanon:
In Lebanon, April Fool’s pranks are unveiled by saying “كذبة أول نيسان” (“First of April Lie”).
Nordic countries:
Danes, Finns, Icelanders, Norwegians, and Swedes observe April Fool’s Day, typically with news outlets publishing a single false story.
Poland:
April 1st, known as “Prima Aprilis,” is a day filled with pranks and hoaxes in Poland. It’s a tradition dating back centuries, with elaborate jokes prepared by individuals, media, and even public institutions.
Spanish-speaking countries:
In many Spanish-speaking countries, Holy Innocents Day (Día de los Santos Inocentes) in late December resembles April Fool’s Day, but some regions also observe April Fool’s Day traditions.
Turkey:
In Turkey, April Fool’s Day is called “Nisan Balığı” or “April Fish,” with pranks often involving verbal jokes and the shout of “Bir Nisan! / Nisan Bir!” (“1 April!”).
Ukraine:
April Fool’s Day, known locally as Humorina, is celebrated extensively in Odesa, Ukraine. Pranks are unveiled with the phrase “Перше квітня — брехня всесвітня” (“First of April — worldwide lies”).
United Kingdom:
In the UK, April Fool’s pranks are often revealed by shouting “April fool!” at the recipient. The custom usually ceases at noon, with pranks played after that time making the prankster the “April fool” themselves.
Ashish Bajpai 
