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April Fools' Day
What does April Fools' Day celebrate?
April Fools' Day is a fun day to play practical jokes.
When is April Fools' Day celebrated?
April 1st
Who celebrates this day?
April Fools' Day is not a national holiday, but it is celebrated in the United States and many other countries. It is sometimes known as All Fools' Day. Anyone who wants to have fun can celebrate the day.
What do people do to celebrate?
The main thing people do is practical jokes. Sometimes even businesses or the media will get involved. Here are some of our favorite pranks:
- One year Sports Illustrated wrote an entire article about this great new pitcher the New York Mets had found. His name was Sidd Finch and he could throw the ball 168 miles per hour! The Mets fans were so excited. Only problem was, the story was all a joke. Hidden in the title of the article were the words "Happy April Fools Day".
- Taco Bell once announced that they had purchased the Liberty Bell and were renaming it the Taco Liberty Bell. People were really angry until they found out it was a joke.
- In 1992 NPR (National Public Radio) announced that Richard Nixon was running for president again. They even had a comedian come on and impersonate the former president!
- One year Burger King announced a "Left handed Whopper". They said they rotated some of the ingredients 180 degrees for left handed people. A lot of people came in the restaurant and ordered one!
- Other fun pranks include flying penguins, UFOs landing, and even changing the value of Pi to 3.0 to make math easier.
WARNING: One thing to be absolutely sure about if you do an April Fools' Day prank is that you don't hurt anyone or damage property. Check with your parents or teacher first, if you're not sure.
History of April Fools' Day
April Fools' Day may have come from a few different events in history.
One theory suggests that the day comes from the change in the calendar in Europe from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. This moved the New Year from Spring (around April 1st) to January 1st. When people forgot and still celebrated the New Year in April, other people made fun of them.
People liked to play practical jokes all the way back to Ancient Roman times, especially during the Spring festivals. The celebration of All Fools' Day started in the Middle Ages. It was generally celebrated on March 25th throughout much of Europe up until the 1800s.
Fun Facts About April Fools' Day
- The day is called Poisson d'Avril in France. This means April Fish. Kids tape a paper fish on their friends' backs and yell out "Poisson d'Avril" when their friends finally find it.
- In England they use other words for fool such as "noddy" or "gobby".
- The codename for one of the spies who helped to capture Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein was named April Fool.
- In Scotland they call the day "Hunting the Gowk".
- In Portugal they celebrate by throwing flour in their friends' faces.
April Holidays
April Fools' Day
Autism Awareness Day
Easter
Earth Day
Arbor Day
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