April Fools' Day 2024 (US): A Silly Celebration of Pranks and FAQs

April Fools’ Day 2024: April Fools’ Day on April 1 is when many of us unleash our most creative sides, all in a hilarious, sometimes over-the-top, attempt at deceiving those around us.

Why do we do this, and where did it start? Well, surprisingly, there isn’t a concrete conclusion by historians. We’ll explore the possibilities below, but every spring we all put on our pranking caps to plan out the most devious and diabolical yet safe and playful pranks we can think of, making these 24 hours possibly the most fun, exciting, and anxiety-filled day of the year!

April Fools’ Day: History

Pranking on April Fool’s Day has become a year-round internet trend. Thousands of videos on prominent websites appear daily, pushing pranking to dangerous levels. We don’t condone this; therefore, we’ll show you how to keep this holiday safe and hilarious!

The origin of the new year is unknown; however, a frequent hypothesis is that it wasn’t January 1 until 1592. Under the Julian calendar that Julius Caesar introduced in 45 BC, every year started on April 1.

Pope Gregory the 8th invented the Gregorian calendar, which we all enjoy. It took time for everyone to adjust to his New Year’s Eve move. People who were behind the times celebrated April 1 and were deemed idiots.

Geoffrey Chaucer’s 1392 book “The Canterbury Tales” contains a lesser-known, often-disputed account of prank day. One phrase in this publication mentions “March 32,” sparking a discussion about its significance. Due to its age and lack of context, the interpretation is unclear. Some think this annual custom is a prank, while others think it’s a typo.

Whether Gregory the 8th or Geoffrey Chaucer invented April Fool’s Day, it has inspired inventiveness and joy in the opening weeks of spring for centuries.

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April Fools’ Day: FAQs

What is the most common prank on April Fool’s Day?

From the combination of life experience and extensive research on this holiday, we find the most common pranks involve safe food swaps and the classic “tying someone’s shoes together” gag.

Is April Fool’s Day celebrated worldwide?

Yes, it is celebrated across the globe! Although the names, goals, and rules for the day vary from country to country,.

What if I don’t want to participate on April 1?

April Fools’ Day is a fairly harmless day that is meant to add fun and excitement. If you do not wish to partake, we recommend sending an inner-circle email or text to those around you in the weeks leading up. Just know that it’s a bad look to prank after asking not to be pranked!

April Fools’ Day 2024: Activities

Plan ahead

Start early! Some YouTubers and internet stars have dedicated entire careers to pranking, so your inspiration can begin here. Some ideas get extreme, so be sure to choose ones that are safe but will still garner a great response!

Practice your straight-face

Play it cool! You may not be a world-class poker player, but nothing ruins a good prank more than uncontrollably chuckling as you encourage a colleague to sit down at their desk after lunch. If they still don’t suspect that whoopee cushion, they are an April fool!

Give them a not-so-sweet surprise

Sour their sweets! This April Fool’s Day staple never gets old. Swapping out some sugar for salt will have them questioning their choice for that second-afternoon coffee.

5 Facts About April Fool’s Day Around The World

“Lie Day” for the Portuguese

In Brazil, this day is called “Lie Day” or Dia da Mentira.

France’s “Fools”

In France and some of the UK, they pin a paper fish to their prankee’s backs.

Scotland’s “Suckers”

The Scottish prank their friends by pinning a tail on them or a “kick me” sign.

Ancient Foolers

Some ancient Europeans celebrated by trading status, age, or gender roles for the day.

Fooled by the bell

Taco Bell had residents of Philadelphia fooled when it playfully announced its acquisition and rebranding of the Liberty Bell.

April Fools’ Day 2024: Importance

It’s an excuse to act a fool

It’s not every day you can play tricks on those around you and have a national excuse to get away with it! April Fool’s Day is a chance for some fun, hopefully harmless, and a great opportunity to show your creative side while getting a few laughs at the same time.

It gives us something to do in that no man’s land between winter and spring

With spring just a few weeks away, the weather is warming up, and all that vitamin D can jumpstart your creativity just in time for a prank day. Go find a patio with some friends and, responsibly, plot your targets!

Groups can get in on the fun

More minds are better than one! Gather up a team at the office, or choose sides at home. Your pranks will be more creative with more people working towards them. Just remember that this leaves more people to keep the secret and not get busted!