The joke of April Fools' Day began in France during the reign of Charles IX, between 1560 and 1574. It occurred after the New Year which, since the 16th century, was celebrated on March 25, parallel to the arrival of the spring season.
On the occasion, the festivities had fun dances that turned into nights, in addition to the exchange of gifts. The entire celebration lasted for a week, ending on the April 1st.
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However, in 1562, Pope Gregory XIII (1502-1585) implemented a new calendar for Christians, the Gregorian calendar, in which the New Year would be on the 1st of January.
However, the French king adopted the old calendar for two more years, following the decree only from 1564. Still, some French people were resistant, ignoring the change or claiming to forget it, keeping the celebration on the previous date.
Some ironists began to mock this attachment. They sent conservatives, adherents of the old calendar (nicknamed "April fools"), weird gifts and invitations to imaginary parties.
Over time, the joke was consolidated in the country, where, approximately 200 years later, it migrated to England and became popular all over the world.
See too: 12 Bizarre Facts That Sound Like Lies!
