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Moon Retzer | News | April
Photo depicts a student playing a prank on another.
Photo taken by Moon Retzer
Every first day of April, people around the world play pranks on their loved ones. It’s basically become tradition over the last century, but many ask “what started this holiday?”
Though the origin is widely unknown, many
different origins have been shared throughout the centuries.
Some historians believe that the origin of April Fools’ Day dates back to 1582, when France switched from the Julian Calendar to the
Gregorian Calendar. In the Julian Calendar, the new year started at the beginning of the Spring Equinox, April 1st. The Gregorian Calendar had the new year start on January 1st. Those who were slow to receive the news that the new year had changed, became the butt of jokes. They were referred to as “April Fools,” and they were pranked relentlessly.
It has also been linked by historians that April Fool’s Day could have possibly originated from
festivals such as Hilaria (Latin for joyful), which was celebrated in ancient Rome at the end of March. This was performed by the followers of Cybele, a deitywho represented the rebirth of mother nature. The festivities involved people dressing in disguises and mocking fellow citizens. It was said to be inspired from Egyptian legends.
There is also speculation that the pranking
holiday was linked to the Vernal Equinox, or the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. During this time, Mother Nature fooled people with
changing, unpredictable weather.
Modern April Fools’ Day traditions started to take form during the 18th century in Scotland. The
tradition became a two-day event, starting with “hunting the gowk”. A gowk is a cuckoo bird, which typically symbolizes a fool. During the first day of the event, people would send others onto phony errands.The second day, Tailie Day, involved more pranking, such as pinning fake tails or “kick me” signs onto others.
Today, many elaborate pranks are pulled on loved ones, teachers, and consumers alike. Many companies participate in pranks online and even news outlets try to run phony stories. Whatever the origin may be, it developed into a holiday beloved by many.
About The Writer: Moon Retzer, Editor-in-Chief
Moon Retzer is the Editor-in-Chief of the 2025-2026 Courier Staff. They have been writing for The Courier for 3 years. Moon loves to write, writing short stories in their free time. In addition, they love reading all kinds of the books and stories online. Moon's favorite articles to write are Opinion and Feature pieces.
Moon Retzer is the Editor-in-Chief of the 2025-2026 Courier Staff. They have been writing for The Courier for 3 years. Moon loves to write, writing short stories in their free time. In addition, they love reading all kinds of the books and stories online. Moon's favorite articles to write are Opinion and Feature pieces.
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