The Joke No One Really Solved

April 1st: the only day of the year when lying to your friends and confusing strangers is socially acceptable. From cling film on toilets to fake headlines, April Fools' Day is that bizarre annual tradition that makes everyone a little paranoid. But where did this global prank-fest even come from?

Here’s the twist: no one really knows.

One of the most widely accepted theories dates back to 16th-century France. Before the Gregorian calendar was adopted in 1582, New Year’s Day was celebrated around the end of March or early April. When the new calendar shifted the new year to January 1st, not everyone got the memo—some refused to accept the change, others simply hadn’t heard yet (because, you know, no email alerts back then).

These folks were labeled “April fools” by those who were in-the-know, and they became the butt of jokes and hoaxes—like being sent on ridiculous errands or having paper fish (“Poisson d’Avril”) stuck on their backs as a prank. But that’s just one version. Some point to ancient Roman festivals like Hilaria, celebrated in March, where people wore disguises and mocked one another and the elite. Others believe it stems from renewal festivals, where chaos, jokes, and misrule were part of “turning the world upside down” before spring’s order and fertility returned.

In the UK, April Fools’ pranks traditionally end at noon, or the “fool” becomes the prankster. But globally, cultures have their own flavor of the day—Scotland has “Hunt-the-Gowk” day, and in modern times, even major brands participate in elaborate, staged pranks for laughs and likes.

The best part? The origin of April Fools' Day might be the biggest prank of all—a holiday that began without a clear beginning.

So next April 1st, when you’re being suspicious of every text, don’t forget you’re taking part in a centuries-old mystery, still unsolved. Just… maybe don’t trust your coffee.