Why do we say April Fool's Day? The history and origins of jokes on the occasion of April 1st
There is no certainty about the origins of the April Fool, but several theories have been proposed. In the fifteenth century, in fact, the New Year was celebrated between March 25 and April 1: one of the most accredited hypotheses concerns the introduction of the Gregorian calendar. It seems that not everyone got used to this change and these were called the "fools of "April". From here comes the fun atmosphere of this day dedicated to witty and creative jokes like the one these guys do to their teacher.
The history of the April fish in Europe and in the world
In Europe, the pranks of the first of April became a "custom around the end of 1500, first in France and England and then in the rest of Europe". According to legend, many Frenchmen continued to exchange gifts between March and April, celebrating the New Year at that time, following the old calendar even after the introduction of the new Gregorian calendar. To mock them, all the others began to give these "careless" gifts absurd or empty during non-existent or invented parties. In the empty gift there was often a note that read "poisson d" avril ": fish of April, in French. In Italy this nice tradition took hold many years later following the French fashion and the same modalities. Finally, also in Germany "Aprilscherz" or "joke of" April "is celebrated.
See also
The tradition of April 1st is not only European. Indeed, each country has its own way of calling this day. In France, as in Italy, the expression poisson d’avril or April Fool is used. In the UK and America, however, it is called April fool's day. "Fool", in fact, really means jester and is a term that recalls the joking atmosphere of the party. In Scotland, April Fool's Day lasts even two days and on the second day of celebrations, which is called "Taily Day", they enjoy sticking a piece of paper on the back of the "victims" with the words "Kick me!" (Give me a kick).
A day of laughter since 1500!
