Earthly renewal meant a new year, and before the modern Gregorian calendar, the lead-in to the new year was a week of celebration which began on March 25. The new year officially began on April 1.

Once the Gregorian calendar was introduced into Catholic Europe in 1582, the first day of the new year, by edict of Charles IX of France, became January 1. However, many people, especially rustics, still celebrated in the old way because they either had not heard the news, or did not believe it. From this sprang the modern traditions of April Fools' Day, and all the well-known tricks such as telling somebody that their shoe lace is untied. 

In France the April Fool is called 'Poisson d'Avril ' (April Fish), and French children tape a paper fish to their friends' backs, shouting 'Poisson d'Avril!' when the fish is discovered. This odd name is because this time of the year is under the zodiacal sign of Pisces. Napoleon himself, who married Marie-Louise of Austria on April 1 1810, was nicknamed 'Poisson d'Avril' thereafter.

The first of April is recognised as a day for tricks and mischief in countries of British culture, including the United States, as well as in France and Germany. In Scotland the fool is called 'April gowk', or 'April cuckoo'. There is in Scotland a second day, Taily's Day, is given over to pranks involving the buttocks - the 'KICK ME' signs which are a part of the April the first tradition, especially after midday (a compacted version of the second day) are of Scotch origin. In parts of Latin America the 'Fools' Day' is December 28.

These days April Fools' jokes can take practically any form, and radio and television channels will often broadcast bogus stories, carefully prepared to appear genuine. The more convincing the story is, despite its often absurd subject matter, the better the joke.
Susan MacDonald