The Origin of April Fools' Day

Back in the sixteenth century (1500's), France celebrated the new year beginning on April 1st.

In 1582, Pope Gregory changed the Christian calendar where the new year began on January 1st. Because old habits die hard, or people just forgot, some folks continued to celebrate the new year on April 1st. These people were known as "April Fools".

This tradition has been perpetuated by playing silly jokes and pranks on unsuspecting people mostly because everyone enjoys stupidity as long as it is not from themselves.