The first of April is a special day, on which practical jokes may be played without punishment.The origin of the custom is uncertain, but it seems to have come about in France as a result of the change in 1582.
In sixteenth-century France, the start of the new year was observed on April first. It was celebrated in much the same way as it is today with parties and dancing into the late hours of the night.Then in 1582, Pope Gregory introduced a new calendar for the Christian world, and the new year fell on January first. There were some people, however, who hadn't heard or didn't believe the change in the date, so they continued to celebrate New Year's Day on April first. Others played tricks on them and called them "April Fools".
In France today, children fool their friends by taping a paper fish to their friends' backs. When the "young fool" discovers this trick, the prankster yells "April Fish!" Today American play small tricks on friends and strangers alike on the same day.
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