April Fools' Day is a day when people play tricks, pranks, or small practical jokes on each other. The spirit of the day is to have fun and add a little humor to life. After playing a joke on someone, the perpetrator will yell "April Fools!"

Beware on April Fools' Day. Tricks may be played on you by classmates, co-workers, friends, and even family. Trust No One! Some newspapers print special April Fool's Day editions with bogus headlines, and humorous stories. So do not believe everything you read! Some radio and television programs will also play tricks on their audience. So, do not trust everything you hear! After all, its April Fools' Day.

The origin of April Fools' Day is traditionally attributed to events in 16th century France. In 1582, the Gregorian Calendar was adopted. In the old calendar, April 1 was the start of the New Year. In the Gregorian calendar January 1 is the beginning of the New Year. Many people got confused by this and celebrated April 1 as New Year's Day. Those who knew better would play tricks on them, and call them "April Fools". The custom of playing tricks on people on April 1 continues to this day.

Note: This holiday is one of Calendar Mine's over 500 built-in observances.

See Also

Holiday Catalogue

American (USA) Observances