Although the exact history of April Fool’s Day or All Fool’s Day is uncertain, the current thinking is that it began around 1582 in France with the reform of the calendar under Charles IX? The Gregorian Calendar was introduced, and New Year’s Week, March 25 - April 1, was moved to New Years’s Day, Jan. 1.

Communication traveled slowly in those days and some people were only informed of the change several years later. Still others, who were more rebellious refused to acknowledge the change and continued to celebrate on the last day of the former celebration, April 1.

These people, labeled “fools” by the general populace, were subject to ridicule and sent on “fool errands,” or had other practical jokes played upon them. The butts of these pranks became known as a “poisson d’avril” or “April fish” because a young naive fish is easily caught.

This harassment evolved over time and a custom of prank-playing continue on the first day of April. This tradition eventually spread elsewhere and was introduced to the American colonies by the English and the French. Because of this spread to other countries, April Fool’s Day has taken on an international flavor with each country celebrating the holiday in its own way.”