April Fools’ 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 Fool.

Origins

People have set aside a special day for playing jokes for centuries. The ancient Romans had a holiday called Hilaria.

In the Middle Ages, New Year’s Day was celebrated on March 25 in most European towns. In some areas of France, New Year’s was a week-long holiday ending on April 1. Some people think that April Fools’ started because those who celebrated on January 1 made fun of those who celebrated on other dates.

Long standing customs

United Kingdom

In the U.K., a person playing a joke would yell “April Fool!” at the recipient. According to tradition, the joking was supposed to stop at midday.

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Nordic countries

In the Nordic countries, many news outlets would publish or broadcast a fake news story on April 1.

France

In France, an April fools joke is called a “Poisson d’Avril’. One tradition there is to try and stick a paper fish on one’s friends back, and shout “Poisson d’Avril!’ when it is discovered.

Media outlets

Sometimes a large media corporation would broadcast or publish a fake news story on April 1. For example, in 1957 the BBC broadcast a story about spaghetti trees. According to the story, people in Switzerland grew spaghetti on trees. Later, many people called the BBC asking how they could get a spaghetti tree.

Kiddle encyclopedia

Send us your best April Fools joke!  Email to newsteam@advertiserdemocrat.com and make sure you include your full name, age, and the town you live in.

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