Why is April Fools' Day Poisson d'avril in French?

Although not directly related to Easter, April Fools' Day traditions are followed by all French children on 1 April. read more

While the poisson d’Avril may have originated in France, it is certainly not the only country where April Fools’ Day is celebrated with paper fish. In fact, Italy’s Version of April Fools’ Day is very similar to the French one (and was probably adopted from their neighbors to the north). read more

A “poisson d’avril” is a joke made on April 1st. In France, children try to stick a fish picture on their friends’ back. When the joke is discovered, they shout “poisson d’avril !”. read more

In France, April Fools’ Day is known for the “poisson d’avril” (April Fish) which dates back to 1564. The origin of the April Fish in France is quite obscure, maybe it was reminescent of the ichtus used by Christians in the Roman era. According to popular beliefs, the New Year used to start on the 1st April up to the mid-sixteenth century. read more