A line in the Nun’s Priest’s Tale by Chaucer referencing “Syn March began thritty dayes and two” — which could refer to the 32nd day of March, i.e. April 1 — has some speculating that the passage, written in 1392, could be the first reference to April Fools’ Day.

The French came to call April 1 “Poisson d’Avril,” or “April Fish.” An April fish is a young fish and thus, one which is easily caught. French children sometimes tape a picture of a fish on the back of their schoolmates, crying “Poisson d’Avril” when the prank is discovered. Traditionally, French pranks must include or at least relate to a fish. The nickname of “Poisson d’Avril” is said to have been acquired by Napoleon I when he married Marie-Louise of Austria on April 1, 1810.

Great Britain, on the other hand, points to a 13th century event in Gotham, the Nottinghamshire “town of fools” as the holiday’s origin. Back in those days, the legend goes, any road the king traveled on became public property, so when King John planned to come through Gotham, the townspeople preserved their main road by refusing the king entry. When his soldiers arrived in response, the townspeople posed as lunatics committing acts of tomfoolery, persuading the king to declare the town “too foolish to warrant punishment.”

Scotland calls the holiday “Gowkie Day,” named after the gowk, or cuckoo, and continue their pranks into April 2 by putting “Kick Me” signs on friends’ backs.

Like other holidays (including Halloween, Valentine’s Day, and even Mardi Gras), April Fools’ Day is believed to have evolved from a pagan celebration. Specifically, historians have linked it to Hilaria, a series of ancient festivals honoring Cybele, the mother of the gods.

Hilaria was held for several days surrounding the vernal—or spring—equinox, with a feria stativa (or holiday) occurring on March 25. On this day, people refrain from working and instead partake in festivities, including a solemn procession and silly games. 

April Fools’ Day is known as a time for playing pranks. It is good time to harness your inner fool, letting go of received notions about what is proper and appropriate. Be silly, and let yourself enjoy playing in a sun and have joy. It’s April Fools’ Day. Trust no one and nothing. Just like any other day.

Letting Go Ritual

If you have hard time of letting go, you can say this spell first. It embraces the energies and properties of element Air. Light a yellow candle and say:

The Air is fresh and

clean

With the joy of spring abandon

Wrapping around the flowers 

With phantom fingers at play

The Air carries messages of love

The mating calls of birds

The whisper of new leaves

Laugher as the children frolic

Let the Air of spring revive me

Reminding me to sing and dance

And give up care for a moment 

To celebrate the foolish breeze

Deborah Blake