April Fools’ Day, also known as April Fool’s Day, is celebrated in many countries on April 1 every year. On this day, practical jokes (or April Fools) are played on friends and family. The jokes are done to embarrass them. In some countries, April Fools only last until noon, and if someone plays a joke after, they are an April Fool12.
The exact origin of April Fools’ Day remains somewhat mysterious, but several theories exist. Here are a few:
- Geoffrey Chaucer’s Connection: One theory suggests that the association between April 1 and foolishness comes from Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales (1392). In the “Nun’s Priest’s Tale,” a vain cock named Chauntecleer is tricked by a fox on “Since March began thirty days and two,” which corresponds to 32 days since March began—essentially, April 1. However, it’s unclear whether Chaucer was specifically referencing April 1, as the tale also mentions the sun being “in the sign of Taurus had y-rune Twenty degrees and one,” which wouldn’t align with April 1. Modern scholars believe there might be a copying error in the manuscripts, and Chaucer originally wrote “Syn March was gon,” which would mean 32 days after March, i.e., May 21.
- French Origins: Another theory ties April Fools’ Day to the Middle Ages when New Year’s Day was celebrated on March 25 in most European towns. Some areas of France, however, celebrated New Year’s Eve on April 1. Those who celebrated on January 1 made fun of those celebrating on other dates, leading to the invention of April Fools’ Day. However, this theory has issues because there’s an unambiguous reference to April Fools’ Day in a 1561 poem by Flemish poet Eduard de Dene, predating the official change of New Year’s Day to January 1 in France1.
Despite its uncertain origins, April Fools’ Day continues to be a lighthearted occasion for harmless pranks and laughter. So, be prepared for unexpected surprises on April 1! 🎉🤪13.
