April Fools is a day that falls on the 1st of April. A day full of practical jokes and hoaxes. A holiday that has been celebrated for centuries. April Fool’s Day is celebrated differently amongst several different countries. There are multiple different theories, beliefs, and superstitions. Though, its exact origins are a complete mystery.
The History of April Fools
There are several theories, whether it’s a mystery among many centuries and cultures, or believed to originate from historians years ago. Many believe it originated from the English poet and playwright Chaucer because he played tricks. Others believe it originated from Roman times or came from ‘poisson d’avril’ (April fish in French) that started April first in France back in the 1500s. More believe it began when France instituted a new calendar known today as the Gregorian calendar. The old calendar known as the Julian calendar had the new year around April 1st. They changed the first of the year from April 1st to January 1st. When they published this new calendar people, would still celebrate the new year in April because they failed to recognize that the new year wasn’t in April anymore. They were considered fools because everyone else celebrated New Year’s on January 1st. Some theories believe it came from the vernal equinox which linked April Fools Day to a day when Mother Nature was to fool humans with bad weather. April Fools Day is a complete mystery, but if it’s such a mystery, then how is it known worldwide?
How did April Fools Day spread worldwide?
The United Kingdom, Brazil, France, Greece, India, Poland, and the United States all celebrate April Fools Day, but how did it spread? It’s assumed by many that it was spread among friends and family who participated in April Fools Day it and it expanded from there worldwide.
April Fools Day Superstitions:
- Don’t prank anyone past 12pm: Its believed to cause misfortune if you participate in playing jokes past this designated time.
- Breaking a Mirror: Accidently breaking a mirror on April 1st will give you bad luck for seven years.
- Two different shoes: Wearing two different shoes on April 1st can grant you with luck.
- Don’t clean the floor: Cleaning the floor on April Fool’s Day is believed to clear any good fortune that is currently in your life.
