Explainer
April Fool’s Day, marked on April 1 every year, is one of those occasions devoted to jests, trickery, and merry deception. The precise nature of its beginning is not yet certain, though the historians relate it to various intriguing incidents. One popular theory ties the tradition to 16th-century France when Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar in 1582. This calendar shifted the New Year from late March or early April (as per the Julian calendar) to January 1. Those who continued celebrating the old New Year were mocked as “April fools” and often became targets of jokes and pranks.
Other explanations propose associations with ancient Roman festivals such as Hilaria, celebrated in late March, where people wore disguises and ridiculed others. Another interesting (although fictional) tale is of a jester named Kugel who tricked Roman Emperor Constantine into allowing him to be “king for a day” and proclaimed it a day of joking—an elaborate tale by historian Joseph Boskin in the 1980s.
10 Fascinating Facts About April Fool’s Day
- The first known prank was in 1698 in London when individuals were fooled into going to the Tower of London to witness “lions being washed.” Through centuries, this lighthearted tradition went global and developed into the contemporary celebration of harmless mischief.
- 10 Interesting Facts About April Fool’s Day
- Oldest Prank: The oldest known prank was in 1698 when individuals were invited to see “lions being washed” at the Tower of London.
- Calendar Confusion: The day may have started with the switch to the Gregorian calendar in 1582.
- Roman Roots: Others trace it back to Hilaria, a Roman festival of laughter and disguise from long ago.
- Worldwide Celebrations: Most nations celebrate it in different ways; in Scotland, for instance, it is known as “Hunt-the-Gowk Day.”
- Hoaxes in the Media: In 1957, the BBC broadcast a hoax report that spaghetti grew on trees.
- Digital Big Ben: In 1980, BBC joked about converting Big Ben into a digital clock.
- Netflix Prank: In 2015, Netflix released fabricated PSAs encouraging viewers to “binge responsibly.”
- Volcano Hoax: In 1974, Sitka, Alaska residents were tricked into believing their slumbering volcano was erupting.
- Flying Penguins: BBC purported penguins flying in a 2008 prank video.
- King Kugel Myth: Historian Joseph Boskin’s joke about a made-up jester-king was widely believed.
10 Fun Pranks for April Fool’s Day
- Inverted Screen: Flip someone’s computer screen display using keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl + Alt + Down Arrow for Windows).
- Soap That Won’t Lather: Cover a bar of soap with clear nail polish.
- Colorful Water: Place food coloring under a faucet’s nozzle for surprising colored water.
- Mouse Malfunction: Stick tape under a computer mouse’s sensor.
- Auto-Correct Fun: Change common words on someone’s phone autocorrect (e.g., “yes” becomes “no”).
- Frozen Cereal: Freeze milk with cereal in someone’s bowl overnight.
- Googly Eyes Everywhere: Stick googly eyes on items in the fridge or pantry.
- Voice-Changing App: Use an app to prank-call friends with funny voices.
- Keyboard Swap: Rearrange keys on a keyboard for harmless confusion.
- Juice Switcheroo: Replace orange juice with carrot juice—but make sure it’s drinkable!
These pranks are lighthearted and safe for school, college, or office settings—ensuring everyone has fun without crossing boundaries!
