April's Fool | PLUS × VERSION |
: Some link the day to the ancient Roman festival of Hilaria , celebrated in late March with masquerades and "general good cheer" where participants inverted the social order.
To ensure the day remains enjoyable for everyone, participants are encouraged to follow specific ethical guidelines: April's Fool
: Always reveal the joke with a playful "April Fools!" before things get too heated. : Some link the day to the ancient
: Experts suggest avoiding jokes related to health (e.g., pregnancy, COVID-19 symptoms), mental health, or serious personal issues like breakups. : A leading theory suggests the tradition began
: A leading theory suggests the tradition began when France switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. Those who continued to celebrate the New Year around April 1 (the spring equinox) instead of January 1 became the target of jokes and were called "April fools".
: Celebrations often last two days. The first day is "hunting the gowk" (sending people on phony errands), followed by "Taily Day," which focuses on pranks involving the backside, such as "kick me" signs.
: Never prank emergency services or hotlines, as this can have dangerous real-world consequences. Notable Cultural Works