April Fools' Day originated from a joke in France where people who were slow to change calendars in 1582 were tricked into celebrating the New Year in March or April and became the butt of jokes. It is also linked to an ancient Roman festival where people wore disguises. Some speculate it is tied to the unpredictable weather near the vernal equinox. The tradition spread throughout Europe in the 18th century and modern pranks have included fake news reports about spaghetti crops, a baseball pitcher who could throw at unprecedented speeds, and fast food companies renaming iconic landmarks.

1. April Fools’ Day
Tradition and Facts

2. Origins
• 1582, in France, calendars were switched from
the Julian to the Gregorian.
• People who were slow to change celebrated
the New Year mistakenly around the time of
March and April, and became the butt of
many jokes.
• One joke included putting a paper fish
unknowingly on a persons back, and being
referred as “poisson d’avril” or April fish.

3. Origins
• April Fools’ Day also linked to the Roman
celebration of Hilaria, which was celebrated at
the end of March, and where people dressed
up in disguises.

4. Origins
• Some also speculate April Fools’ Day is tied to
the vernal equinox, where Mother Nature is
playing a fool on us by switching the seasons
with unpredictable weather.

5. Popularity
• Began to spread throughout Europe in the 18th
century
• Was a 2 day event in Scotland, starting with
“hunting the gowk” where people would be
sent on false errands, followed by Tailie Day
where people would place prank signs on
peoples derrieres.

6. Modern Day Pranks
• Swiss farmers harvesting “spaghetti crops” in
1957.
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27ugSKW
4-QQ

7. Modern Day Pranks
• Sidd Finch, Sports Illustrated 1985
• Rookie pitcher who could throw a 168 MPH
fastball.

8. Modern Day Pranks
• Taco Bell announced the franchise bought the
Liberty Bell and was to rename it the “Taco
Liberty Bell” in 1996

9. Modern Day Pranks
• Burger King introduces the “Left-handed
Whopper” in 1998