Origins of April Fools’ Day
The exact origins of April Fools’ Day remain shrouded in mystery, much like a mischievous grin hiding behind a mask. Historians believe it originates from around 1582 when France switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar per the Council of Trent. In the Julian Calendar, like the Hindu calendar, the new year began around April 1, coinciding with the spring equinox. However, some folks were slow to get the memo or failed to recognize the shift to January 1 as the new year’s start. These unwitting celebrants continued their festivities during the last week of March through April 1, becoming the unwitting targets of jokes and hoaxes—affectionately dubbed “April fools.” Pranks included placing paper fish on their backs, playfully referring to them as “poisson d’avril” (April fish), symbolizing both a young, easily caught fish and a delightfully gullible person.
The origins of April Fool’s Day vary and there are a horde of stories that make up it’s legend. Source: Canva
Historians also link April Fools’ Day to ancient Rome’s Hilaria, a joyful festival celebrated by followers of the cult of Cybele. During Hilaria, revelers donned disguises, mockingly imitating fellow citizens and even magistrates. The inspiration behind this merriment? Perhaps the Egyptian legend of Isis, Osiris, and Seth played a role. Additionally, the vernal equinox—the Northern Hemisphere’s first day of spring—may have contributed to the day’s timing. Mother Nature herself seemed to join the fun, fooling people with sudden, unpredictable weather changes. So, as the sun rises on April 1, remember: laughter is the universal language, and the world becomes a playground of delightful deception.
Jokes to crack:
Q: What do you call a lazy kangaroo? A: Pouch potato.
What did the librarian say to the man who was looking for books about paranoia? “Shh! They’re right behind you.”
A woman hops on a bus carrying her baby. The driver blurts out, “Whoa, that’s the strangest-looking baby I’ve ever seen!” Annoyed, the woman moves to the back. She grumbles to a fellow passenger about the driver’s comment. The passenger pipes up, “You go up there and tell him off missus. I’ll hold your monkey for you!”
What do mermaids wear to math class? Algae-bras!
Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Banana.
Banana who?
Knock knock. (wait a beat) Orange!
Orange who?
Orange you glad I didn’t say banana again?
Why does Peter Pan always fly? Because he Never-lands!
Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field!
What do you call a fish with no eyes? Fsh!
Knock, knock!
Who’s there?
Dora Belle.
Dora Belle who?
Dora Belle isn’t working that’s why i’m knowcking.
Two guys walked into a bar. The third guy hopped.
I don’t trust stairs. They’re always up to something.
Why was the man angry in the mall? He couldn’t find any camouflage pants!
Knock, knock!
Who’s there?
Brighton.
Brighton who?
Brighton early, that’s when I wake up.
Why did the bicycle fall over? Because it was two tired!
Why was the colour green always single? He was too jaded
Why did the teddy bear say no to dessert? Because she was stuffed.
Did you hear about the guy who had diarrhea? It ran in his jeans!
Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Interrupting cow.
Interrupting cow wh-
Moo.
Why don’t skeletons fight each other? They don’t have the guts.
Why don’t scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything!
Prank ideas:
Toothpaste oreos: Carefully remove the cream filling from Oreo cookies and replace it with toothpaste. Offer them to someone unsuspecting!\
Apply face cloths to someone’s face while they’re unaware. These cloths have a hidden surprise: they leave colorful stains! Watch their reaction when they see their colourful faces in the mirror.
Inject an orange or tangerine with hot sauce using a syringe. Offer it to your unsuspecting victim. Their taste buds won’t know what hit them!
Replace the contents of hand sanitizer with transparent glue or liquid silicone. When someone uses it, they’ll be in for a sticky surprise.
Fold a long strip of toilet paper into an accordion shape. Attach a piece of thick tape to one end. Place it inconspicuously on a chair. When someone sits down, they’ll find themselves with an unexpected “tail.”
Create paper balls and place them inside the tip of someone’s shoes. When they try to put on their shoes, they’ll wonder why they suddenly feel so snug!
Apply a small piece of clear tape to the bottom of a co-worker’s coffee mug handle. They’ll reach for their morning caffeine jolt only to find their mug mysteriously stuck!
Before your family wakes up, flip everything—paintings, books, and furniture—upside down. Pretend confusion ensues!
Fill up a carton of vanilla icecream with mayonnaise and freeze it overnight. The next day, scoop out some for unsuspecting family and friends and watch them gag on mouthfuls of delicious and hearty mayo!
Place a small piece of clear tape under the mouse sensor or cover the bottom of the mouse with a sticky note. Your coworker will wonder why their mouse isn’t working properly!
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