The origins of April Fools’ Day are unclear.
Some believe the tradition began in 1582, when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar.
In the Julian Calendar, the new year began around April 1; people who were slow to recognize the change were called “April fools.”
Others tie the event to the ancient holiday Hilaria, in which Roman citizens mocked one another and their leaders.
Still others connect it to a medieval celebration called the Feast of Fools, where a faux pope was elected and church traditions were satirized.
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