The origins of April Fools’ Day, also known as All Fools’ Day, are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have begun in France during the 16th century.
One theory is that it began as a result of the adoption of the Gregorian calendar, which moved New Year’s Day from the end of March to January 1st. People who continued to celebrate New Year’s Day on April 1st were referred to as “fools” and sent on false errands or tricked into believing something that wasn’t true.
Another theory is that it is related to the ancient Roman festival of Hilaria, which was celebrated at the end of March and involved dressing up in costumes and playing pranks on one another.
Regardless of its origins, April Fools’ Day has become a popular holiday in many countries around the world, where people play practical jokes and hoaxes on one another. In some cases, these pranks are harmless and good-natured, while in other cases they can be mean-spirited or even dangerous.
Today, many media outlets also participate in April Fools’ Day by publishing false news stories or hoaxes. While some people enjoy the lighthearted fun of April Fools’ Day, others choose to avoid it altogether.