Poisson d'avril - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Poisson d'avril, which translates to "April Fish" in English, is a French tradition where people play pranks on each other on April 1st. It is similar to April Fools' Day in other countries.
- 2. The origin of Poisson d'avril dates back to the 16th century when King Charles IX of France changed the calendar, moving New Year's Day from April 1st to January 1st. Some people refused to accept the new date and continued to celebrate the new year on April 1st, becoming the target of jokes and pranks.
- 3. One of the most common pranks played on Poisson d'avril is to tape a paper fish to someone's back without them noticing. This is meant to symbolize a gullible person, or "April Fish," who is easily caught.
- 4. Another popular prank is to send someone on a "fool's errand," where they are sent on a wild goose chase or given a task that is impossible to complete.
- 5. In France, newspapers and media outlets also participate in the tradition by publishing fake news stories or articles on April 1st. These stories are meant to trick readers and create a sense of confusion.
- 6. Poisson d'avril is celebrated in other French-speaking countries as well, including Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada. Each country has its own variations of the tradition, but the main idea of playing pranks on April 1st remains the same.
- 7. The tradition of Poisson d'avril has also spread to other countries around the world, including the United States, where it is known as April Fools' Day. In the U.S., people play pranks on each other on April 1st, similar to the French tradition.
- 8. In addition to playing pranks, people in France also exchange Poisson d'avril cards on April 1st. These cards often feature images of fish or other humorous designs and are given to friends and family members as a lighthearted gesture.
- 9. Poisson d'avril is a fun and festive tradition that brings people together to share laughs and enjoy the playful spirit of the holiday. It is a time to let loose and have some fun with friends and loved ones.
- 10. While Poisson d'avril is a light-hearted holiday, it is important to remember to play pranks in good humor and not to harm or upset anyone. The goal of the tradition is to bring joy and laughter to those participating, so it is important to keep the spirit of the holiday in mind when playing pranks.