There are many theories as to the origin of "April Fool's Day" or "All Fool's Day" on April 1. Some people believe that it may have begun in 1564 in France when the date of New Year's Day was changed from March 25 to January 1. Prior to that change, New Year's was celebrated from March 25 till April 1. As a joke, some Frenchman offered gifts to those who had forgotten the change of date.

In sixteenth-century France, the start of the new year was observed on April first. It was celebrated in much the same way as it is today with parties and dancing into the late hours of the night. Then in 1562, Pope Gregory introduced a new calendar for the Christian world, and the new year fell on January first.

There were some people, however, who hadn't heard or didn't believe the change in the date, so they continued to celebrate New Year's Day on April first. Others played tricks on them and called them "April fools." They sent them on a "fool's errand" or tried to make them believe that something false was true.

Although the origin of the day was unknown, its celebration became common practice in England in the eighteenth century. The custom was brought to America by early settlers from England.

In France today, April first is called "Poisson d'Avril." French children fool their friends by taping a paper fish to their friends' backs. When the "young fool" discovers this trick, the prankster yells "Poisson dAvril!" (April Fish!)

Today Americans play small tricks on friends and strangers alike on the first of April. Even though April Fool's Day is not a real American holiday in the sense that it is observed by schools or the government, it is still a day recognized by many. Everyone is "taken in" at some time or another on April 1. Some practical jokes are kept up the whole day before the victim realizes what day it is. Most April Fool jokes are in good fun and not meant to harm anyone. The most clever April Fool joke is the one where everyone laughs, especially the person upon whom the joke is played.