Read about April Fools’ Day, its history and how it is celebrated in different parts of the world.

Fundoo Times: Festivals: April Fools’ Day

April Fools’ Day Around the World

What is April Fools’ Day?

April Fools’ Day is dedicated to play spoofs and pranks on friends, family members, enemies, colleagues and neighbors. It includes sending them on a fool’s errand with the main motive of embarrassing them.

Origin of April Fools’ Day

The origin of April Fools’ Day is uncertain. Some believe that it is closely related to the shift of seasons, while others say that it was adopted from a new calendar. The origin of April Fools’ Day is said to have a connection with the Gregorian calendar. Around 1564, New Year was celebrated from March 25th to April 1st (8 days). When the Gregorian calendar was introduced, New Year was observed on January 1st. Some people misunderstood the calculation and celebrated New Year’s Day on April 1st. They were playfully treated and nick named fools as they mistook the observance day. The tradition of celebrating April Fools’ Day began in France. Later the pranks and hoaxes were gradually introduced into other countries by the Americans and English.

Ways to Celebrate April Fools’ Day

April Fools' Day is celebrated throughout the world. Each country has its own way of pulling fun and enjoyment by playing different kinds of tricks. Playing practical jokes and pranks on people is the highlight of this festivity. Looking for some things that do not exist, making people believe ridiculous things, sending invitations to non-existing parties, get together functions for fool errands, sticking ‘Kick Me’ stickers upon the butts of the victim are some of the popular pranks. There can be no end to the list. Each person uses his or her own creativity depending on the opponent’s awareness to play the practical jokes. People who get victimized take it in a light-hearted manner and enjoy the joyful movement when they get tricked. So, it does not matter where you happen to be on an April Fools’ Day, be ready to be part of the fun.

Also known as: April Fools’ Day, Aprilsnar, Hunt-the-Gowk Day, Massacre Of The Innocents, Poisson D'Avril, Prima Aprilis and Sizdah Bedar.

April Fools’ Day Celebrations around the world:
April Fools’ Day in Denmark
April Fools’ Day in France
April Fools’ Day in Germany
April Fools’ Day in India
April Fools’ Day in Iran
April Fools’ Day in Netherlands
April Fools’ Day in Poland
April Fools’ Day in Republic Of Korea
April Fools’ Day in Scotland
April Fools’ Day in Spain
April Fools’ Day in United Kingdom
April Fools’ Day in United States