April Fool’s Day.
Just saying it makes your inner 8-year-old giggle and your adult self, check your chair before sitting down.
Sure, it’s a day for prank wars and playful chaos, but this delightful day of deception actually has a rich (and ridiculous) history that stretches far beyond whoopie cushions and fake Zoom freezes.
So, in the spirit of good gossip and joyful mischief, here are 10 fun, unexpected facts about April Fool’s Day that’ll have you saying, “Wait… seriously?”
1. France Might’ve Started It… or Maybe Not
The most popular theory? April Fool’s Day began in 16th-century France, when the country switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. Those who stubbornly (or forgetfully) kept celebrating New Year’s on April 1 were dubbed fools – and sent on fake errands or gifted “joke presents.” Kind of like getting socks when you were promised concert tickets.
2. Scotland Celebrates for TWO Days
You read that right. In Scotland, the prank party lasts for 48 hours. Day one is classic April 1st trickery. Day two? It’s called Taily Day, and yes, it’s dedicated to jokes about your rear end. This is the origin story of the “Kick Me” sign. Dignity, optional.
3. Fishy Business in France
In France, April 1 is called Poisson d’Avril, or “April Fish.” The tradition? Kids tape paper fish to their friends’ backs and shout “Poisson d’Avril!” It’s like childhood espionage – with glue sticks.
4. Ancient LOLs: Hilaria and the Romans
The ancient Romans celebrated Hilaria, a festival of jokes, costumes, and unfiltered laughter. If someone wore a toga backwards or acted like the emperor’s therapist for a day – nobody blinked. It was a thing.
5. BBC Once Fooled Britain with a Spaghetti Tree
In 1957, the BBC ran a serious documentary showing a family in Switzerland harvesting spaghetti from trees. British viewers, unfamiliar with pasta at the time, believed it. Some even asked how to grow their own spaghetti tree. 🍝
6. Iran’s Prank Day Dates Back to 536 A.D.
Iran has its own April Fool’s tradition called Sizdah Bedar, celebrated on the 13th day of the Persian New Year (early April). It includes pranks, laughter, and letting go of negative energy. Kind of like a TikTok cleanse, but spiritual.
7. Chaucer May Have Slipped It In
In The Canterbury Tales (1392), Chaucer made a sneaky reference to March 32. You do the math. That subtle nod to April 1 might’ve been literature’s earliest mic drop.
8. Harry Potter’s Twins Were Born on April 1
Of course they were. Fred and George Weasley, the reigning kings of Hogwarts shenanigans, were “born” on April 1st. J.K. Rowling’s wink to the mischief gods was strong with this one.
9. Apple Was Founded on April Fool’s Day
Yep. Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne launched Apple Inc. on April 1, 1976. One week later, Wayne sold his 10% for $800. It would’ve been worth billions today. Talk about a cosmic prank.
10. America’s Been Foolin’ Since the 1700s
April Fool’s Day landed in the U.S. in the 18th century and has been making headlines (and mild chaos) ever since. From fake products to internet hoaxes, we’ve elevated prank culture into a national pastime.
One Last Thing…
April Fool’s Day isn’t just about silliness – it’s a celebration of curiosity, creativity, and collective joy. It’s a day that reminds us that laughter is good for business, connection, and the soul.
So go ahead, tape a fish to someone’s back. Just maybe avoid the glitter bombs. Those are never funny. (Okay, sometimes.)
If inspired, please share.
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