Did you know that April Fools' Day is celebrated in other parts of the world? In America, you might celebrate the holiday by playing a harmless trick on someone. In France, children celebrate by sticking a paper fish on someone's back. In Scotland, the Scottish celebrate Gowkie Day; a gowk is a type of bird that symbolizes foolishness.

The exact origins of the holiday are unknown. Some historians believe the holiday may have originated in France where New Year's used to be celebrated on April 1st. In the 1500's King Charles IX changed the new year to January 1st. People who still celebrated the old date were called April Fools. It could also be related to Roman festival held in the spring called Hilaria. Still others think it originally celebrated Spring because of the unpredictability of spring weather that can sometimes "fool" people.

Read more about April Fools' Day in our online databases World Book and Encyclopedia Britannica.

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