April Fool’s Day started in France, where before France adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1564, New Year’s was celebrated from March 21st to April 1st. And when they changed New Year’s Day to January 1st, many French people continued to celebrate New Year’s on April 1st. The French people who wouldn’t change became known as April fools. The idea of fooling one’s friends and family on that day became a popular custom with the French and rapidly spread to other parts of Europe and eventually to America.
The jokes played on people were all harmless and the victims were called “April fish” in France. In Scotland they were called “April gowks.” Both names mean the same, a fool.
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