2025

Who Was the Original April Fool?

Unraveling the Mystery Behind April Fools' Day

Every year on April 1st, people around the world play pranks, tell jokes, and try to fool their friends and coworkers—all in the spirit of April Fools' Day. But have you ever wondered who the original April Fool was?

While the holiday is widely celebrated, its origins remain somewhat mysterious, and the identity of the first person to be called an “April fool” is more legend than fact. Still, history offers some fascinating clues.

Calendar Confusion: A Likely Beginning - One of the most popular theories traces the origin of April Fools’ Day back to France in the 16th century. In 1582, France officially adopted the Gregorian calendar, replacing the older Julian calendar. Under the Julian system, the New Year was celebrated around the end of March or early April, often coinciding with the spring equinox.

When the switch to the Gregorian calendar moved New Year’s Day to January 1st, not everyone got the memo right away—especially those in rural areas. These people continued to celebrate the New Year in late March or early April and, according to folklore, were mocked by others who called them “April fools.” The jokes often included sending them on pointless errands or tricking them with fake invitations to nonexistent parties.

The Fishy French Connection - In France, April Fools' Day is known as "Poisson d’Avril" (April Fish). French pranksters still celebrate by trying to tape paper fish to the backs of unsuspecting victims. This tradition may stem from the idea that young, easily caught fish represented gullibility, making those who were fooled the symbolic “fish” of the day.

Earlier Origins: Roman Festivals and Medieval Fools - Some historians believe April Fools’ Day may have even older roots. The Roman festival of Hilaria, celebrated in late March, was a day of laughter, disguises, and playful behavior, held in honor of the goddess Cybele. Participants dressed in costumes and mocked public figures, creating a carnival-like atmosphere that may have influenced later traditions.

In the Middle Ages, court jesters and “fools” had a prominent role in royal entertainment, and some believe the practice of playing tricks on a designated “fool” may have grown into the idea of April Fools’ Day over time. Still, no specific “original” April fool has ever been definitively identified from this era either.

While we may never know who the first April Fool really was, the tradition has evolved into a global celebration of light-hearted trickery and good-natured fun. From media outlets publishing outrageous fake stories to friends putting salt in the sugar bowl, the spirit of the holiday is all about laughter and not taking life too seriously.

So, the next time someone plays a prank on you on April 1st, take it in stride—you’re just part of a centuries-old tradition that began with calendar confusion, fishy jokes, and a whole lot of laughter.

(c) 2025 Jill Reid

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Who Was the Original April Fool?

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