April Fools’ Day. The one day a year when everyone is encouraged to unleash their inner trickster and share a laugh with their loved ones. The day is full of fun and laughter. Jokesters plot their pranks with mischievous grins, while their targets eye them with amused suspicion, wondering if they could be next. Ever wonder how this day of delightful chaos came to be? Grab a seat and read on – just be sure to check for whoopie cushions first!
It is theorized that April Fools’ Day began in 1582, when France switched to the Gregorian calendar. The previously used Julian calendar’s new year began on April 1st, with the start of the spring equinox. Those who were late to catch on to the shift and continued celebrating the new year from late march through April 1 became the target of jokes and pranks, being called “April Fools”. These hoaxes involved having “poisson d’avril”, or “April fish”, placed on their backs, symbolizing a gullible individual, much like a fish that is easy to catch.
The origins of this holiday are also associated with ancient festivals such as Hilaria, meaning ‘joyful’ in Latin. Said to be inspired by the Egyptian legend of Isis, Osiris, and Seth, it was observed in Rome by followers of the cult of Cybele at the end of March, who wore disguises and made fun of fellow citizens and even magistrates. The holiday may also be influenced by the volatile nature of spring weather, which could be said to fool people. In the 1700’s, April Fools’ day became a widespread holiday throughout Britain, evolving into a two-day celebration in Scotland. The festivities began with “hunting the gowk”, where people were sent on silly errands – “gowk” being a word for cuckoo bird, a nod to foolishness. This was succeeded by “Tailie Day”, in which people put fake tails or “Kick me” signs on others.
April Fools’ Day is a significant event around the world, but is particularly popular in the United States. People often play practical jokes on friends, family, and colleagues. Even prominent media outlets and companies participate with elaborate hoaxes, showcasing the day’s widespread influence and creativity. In 1967, the BBC aired a segment about Swiss farmers harvesting spaghetti from trees, fooling many viewers. In 1985, Sports Illustrated released a phony article about a pitcher named Sidd FInch who could supposedly throw a fastball exceeding 168 miles per hour. In 1998, Burger King advertised a “left-Handed Whopper”, leading many customers to order the nonexistent burger. In 2013, Youtube claimed that the platform was shutting down to choose the very best video. Google has also been known to take part in the fun with playful pranks, including fake features such as “Google Nose” to search for smells and “Gmail Paper” for printing emails. Don’t know how to celebrate? Don’t worry – a fellow Tahoma student has you covered! She suggests, “switch out your salt shaker for sugar!” A teacher here at Tahoma shares a fun family tradition: “I always do something called “Fools’ Cafe” for my kids. I make a menu with weird names so your order is a surprise. I always serve it with funny utensils like giant spatulas and bowls.”
