The Very Mysterious Origins Of April Fools' Day

April Fools' Day is an annual custom observed on 1 April, during which people play practical jokes and hoaxes, often revealing them by saying “April Fool”. While it is widely celebrated, its exact origins remain uncertain.

One of the earliest suggested references appears in The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer in 1392, although scholars dispute whether the passage genuinely refers to 1 April due to possible copying errors.

A clearer historical mention comes from 1508, when French poet Eloy d'Amerval referred to “poisson d’avril”, meaning April fish, indicating that the tradition was already established in France.

A commonly cited theory links the custom to calendar reforms in the 16th century. Following the Edict of Roussillon, France officially moved New Year’s Day to 1 January.

Those who continued celebrating in late March or early April were mocked and became targets for pranks.

However, earlier written references suggest the tradition may predate this change.

By the late 17th century, April Fools’ Day had spread to Britain. In 1686, antiquarian John Aubrey described it as “Fooles holy day”. A well known example from 1698 involved people being tricked into visiting the Tower of London to see a non existent spectacle.

In Scotland, the tradition developed into “Huntigowk Day”, where victims were sent on pointless errands, often involving written messages passed from person to person. The following day included further pranks, such as attaching paper tails to people’s backs.

In modern times, the custom continues internationally, with participation ranging from personal jokes to organised media hoaxes.

Did you play any pranks today? Or were you played yourself?

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