The Hidden History of April Fools’ Day: When Laughter Became Tradition— and why this year, the joke’s on us (in the best way possible)

April 1st, a day when jesters reign and laughter fills the air, has long been celebrated as April Fools’ Day—a time-honored tradition of playful pranks and lighthearted tricks. But how did this whimsical custom come to be? The origins of April Fools’ Day are as elusive as the pranks themselves, weaving through history with threads of speculation and mystery.

A Calendar Confusion:

One prevalent theory traces the roots of April Fools’ Day to the 16th century, during the transition from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. In 1582, France adopted the new Gregorian calendar, shifting the start of the year from April 1st to January 1st. However, news of this change traveled slowly, and some continued to celebrate the New Year on April 1st. These traditionalists became the targets of jokes and mockery, labeled as “April fools” by those who had embraced the new calendar.

16th century April Fools history illustration Gregorian calendar change

Echoes of Ancient Festivals:

Another hypothesis links April Fools’ Day to ancient Roman festivities, particularly the festival of Hilaria. Celebrated at the end of March, Hilaria was a time of merriment, masquerades, and playful disguises, where people would dress up and imitate others, including mocking magistrates. This spirit of joviality and trickery bears a resemblance to the modern customs of April 1st.

Literary Mentions and Cultural Spread:

The earliest known reference to April Fools’ Day in English literature dates back to 1686, when British writer John Aubrey described April 1st as “Fooles holy day.” By the 18th century, the tradition had spread across Britain, with people sending others on “fool’s errands” and playing practical jokes. The custom eventually permeated various cultures, each embracing the day with their unique twist on tomfoolery.

Famous Hoaxes:

Throughout history, April Fools’ Day has been the backdrop for some elaborate hoaxes. In 1957, the BBC broadcast a segment about a Swiss family harvesting spaghetti from trees, leading many viewers to inquire about cultivating their own “spaghetti trees.” This prank remains one of the most celebrated April Fools’ jokes to date.

A Universal Day of Laughter:

Today, April Fools’ Day is celebrated worldwide, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. From simple pranks among friends to intricate media hoaxes, the day serves as a reminder of the universal human love for humor and the joy found in shared laughter.

While the true origins of April Fools’ Day remain shrouded in mystery, the enduring tradition of jest and joy continues to bring people together, one playful prank at a time.

As we celebrate this centuries-old tradition of joy, jest, and unexpected delight, we couldn’t help but join in—with a twist of our own.

Starting April 1st, PinPaperStudio is offering 50% off a curated collection of enamel pins, stickers, and digital art—but no, this isn’t an April Fools’ prank. It’s our way of honoring the spirit of the day: a little surprise, a lot of fun, and a perfect excuse to treat yourself to something whimsical.

This playful sale will last only two weeks, and just like a good joke, it’s all about timing—so don’t miss it.