Although many theories have been proposed throughout the years, the origin of April Fools' Day is not exactly known. A disputed association between 1 April and foolishness is in Geoffrey Chaucer 's The …

April Fools’ Day, in most countries the first day of April. It received its name from the custom of playing practical jokes on this day. Although the day has been observed for centuries, its true origins are …

Mar 30, 2017 · Some historians speculate that April Fools' Day dates back to 1582, when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar, as called for by the Council of Trent in …

Nov 25, 2025 · The origin of April Fools’ Day is unknown, but theories say it started hundreds of years ago. Some theorize that the idea of April Fools’ Day dates back to ancient Rome and a festival called …

A day of playing practical jokes, spreading hoaxes, and generally messing with your friends and family for fun, the history of April Fools Day is uncertain. Here’s what we do know about April Fools Day, …

Apr 1, 2025 · What are the origins of April Fools' Day? The story goes back to the 1500s in France when the Julian calendar (established by Julius Caesar) was replaced with the Gregorian calendar …

Mar 28, 2016 · In 1686, antiquarian John Aubrey (1626-1697) first mentions April Fools’ Day in English in his book Remaines of Gentilisme and Judaisme, as “Fooles Holy Day,” explaining: “We observe it …

Mar 29, 2025 · Stacker sifted through hoaxes, pranks, and misconceptions to find the real origins of April Fools' Day, using academic research and historical documents.

Though April Fools' Day goes back centuries, its true origins are a mystery. Here are some of the theories, including a refusal to celebrate New Years Day, a Roman festival, and the general …

Apr 1, 2025 · The annual day of pranks dates back to the 16th century — and we have either a king, a writer or an equinox to thank for it.