: Pranks should not cause physical harm, damage property, or ruin someone's life.
: A leading theory suggests the tradition began when France switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. Those who continued to celebrate the New Year around April 1 (the spring equinox) instead of January 1 became the target of jokes and were called "April fools".
Different regions have developed unique ways to mark the occasion: April's Fool
: Never prank emergency services or hotlines, as this can have dangerous real-world consequences. Notable Cultural Works
: Known as "Poisson d’Avril" (April Fish), the tradition involves sneakily attaching paper fish to people's backs. : Pranks should not cause physical harm, damage
: The earliest recorded association between April 1 and foolishness appears in Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales (1392). Global Traditions
To ensure the day remains enjoyable for everyone, participants are encouraged to follow specific ethical guidelines: Different regions have developed unique ways to mark
: Some link the day to the ancient Roman festival of Hilaria , celebrated in late March with masquerades and "general good cheer" where participants inverted the social order.