What are the origins of the April Fool's Day celebration that is celebrated all over the world? Why do we joke about it and why do we say "April Fool's Day" on this day? We invite you to discover this funny celebration and the traditions of April Fool's Day in other countries.
The best-known origin of April 1st dates back to the time of the King of France Charles IX. In 1564, he decided on a calendar reform: while the year began in France at Christmas, Easter or in some regions on March 25th with an extension of the holidays until April 1st, the Edict of Roussillon made the new year begin on January 1st. The date was extended to all Christian countries by Pope Gregory XIII.
But many people had trouble getting used to this new calendar and some were not even aware that the date of the new year had changed! So they continued to give each other gifts and New Year's gifts on April 1st. Also, to make fun of them, some little pranksters had the idea of giving them special gifts, fake gifts, gifts for fun... And it is from that day on, it is said, that every year on April 1st, kids big and small got into the habit of playing jokes and pranks on each other . 
There are several hypotheses:
The first tells that at the beginning of April, when fishing was banned in France during the fish reproduction period, fishermen were "offered" a herring. The dead fish hanging on the back was replaced, over time, by a paper fish .
A second, more recent story, has it that fish in April was a symbol of Lent, a Christian period when it is only permitted to eat fish (no other meat).
Finally, one last story assures that the fish comes from the zodiac sign "fish" which happens to be the last sign of winter.
So at the beginning of the 20th century, we sent each other April Fool's Day cards illustrated with little fish, to wish each other love, friendship and happiness! 
Today, we no longer put herring in fresh water, but we hang, as discreetly as possible, small paper fish on the backs of people who sometimes walk around all day with this "April Fool" which makes others laugh.
In Belgium , the tradition of April Fool's Day is still very much alive: "Young people in schools tie a paper fish to the backs of their friends, their parents, their teachers... The press (TV, radio, newspapers) broadcasts false but credible information that day. Sometimes even politicians are accomplices. Between friends, etc., we also play telephone jokes or other things..."
In the United States , but also in the United Kingdom , Australia , New Zealand and all English-speaking countries , it is "The April Fool's Day" or the day of deception. No fish behind the back, but jokes called "April Fool's" (the fool of April)! The pranks last the time of the morning and in the afternoon, everyone becomes serious again... or almost!
In Germany , we say "April April" or "Aprilscherz" when making the joke or just after to make it clear that it is just an April Fool's joke.
"April Fool's jokes have existed in Germany since 1631, but their origins are thought to be much older. Experts, looking at the April Fool's birth certificate, have come up with no fewer than 800 hypotheses. Every country finds something to their liking."
In Japan , April 1st is also the day of pranks, called "bangusetsu " which means "the season of 10,000 absurdities". But for the Japanese, April 1st mainly marks the beginning of the cherry blossom dances ( sakura ).
In Italy , just like in France, we hang fish on our backs and play jokes on April 1st.
Article on the site Mômes par parents
The Great Barrier Reef is full of treasures of diversity! Come swim among the fish and discover the richness of these reefs with this marine motif with many details and subtle graphics.
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