Producer: Peuli Bakshi
The exact origin of April Fool’s Day is unknown, but it is believed by some to have started in France when the Gregorian calendar was adopted.
The Gregorian calendar shifted the New Year's Day from April 1 to Jan 1. Those who continued to celebrate on April 1 were called 'April Fools'.
Others believe that April Fools’ Day started on the first day of Spring. They think Mother Nature fools people with changing, unpredictable weather.
A legend has it that the tradition of April Fool’s Day began in Gotham, England, where townspeople played a prank on King John, who was so impressed that he exempted them from tolls.
April Fools’ Day celebrations last two days in Scotland. The second day (Apr 2) is called Tailie Day. People put notes like 'kick me' at the back of each other.
In medieval times, Romans had a holiday called Hilaria which was very similar to April Fools’ Day— a day of playing pranks.
In Iran, April Fool’s Day is celebrated on the 13th day of the Persian New Year, which is usually around April 1st.
In France, April Fools' Day is called Poisson d' Avril, which translates to 'April Fish' in English.
Paper fish are stuck on the back of gullible people, indicating their resemblance to young fish, who are caught easily or hooked.
The earliest recorded April Fool’s Day prank was played on April 1st, 1698. It was a humorous story published in a London newspaper that stated that the moon was visible from the Earth.