This April 1, many EHS students look forward to pranking friends and family for April Fools’ Day. From a mix-up in the timing of the new year to the escapades seen today, April Fools’ has greatly changed throughout the past, impacting how students at EHS celebrate the day in the present.
The beginning of April Fools’ Day dates back to the late 16th century, when France switched from the Julian Calendar to the Gregorian Calendar. In the Julian calendar, the New Year began on April 1, whereas in the Gregorian Calendar, the New Year began on January 1. However, many were not aware of this change when it was first implemented, and thus people still celebrated New Year’s on April 1st, following the Julian calendar. Those unaware of the change were deemed ‘April Fools’ and became the butt of many jokes, from having paper fish placed on their backs to being called ‘poisson d’avril,’ which translates to ‘April fish’ in French.
In the 18th century, April Fools’ spread to Britain, where people pulled pranks by sending others on fake errands and placing ‘kick me’ signs or tails on their friends. Over time, April Fools’ would become more and more of a widespread tradition, where many would pull harmless pranks on others. This year, many EHS students celebrate April Fools’ by playing tricks on friends and family.
“I like pranking my brothers on April Fools’ Day in different ways. Last year I put tape under their mouse sensors,” said Hamza Mohammed ‘27.
Many EHS students celebrate April Fools’ Day by playing tricks on their family members, from parents to siblings. Some common family household pranks mentioned by students include swapping sugar and salt in the kitchen, setting alarms to go off at odd times, and filling a sibling’s shoes with toilet paper. For many students, these harmless jokes create laughter and lasting memories, making April Fools’ an enjoyable tradition in many family households. Other students take April Fools’ as a day to play jokes on their friends.
“I invite my friends over to my house and then prank them by pretending to lock them in their basement,” said Johnny Ren ‘28.
Many EHS students think of April Fools’ as a chance to pull harmless pranks on friends as well. From spreading fake news to altering a friend’s computer settings, students often find the most creative ways to trick one another. Some students take a more theatrical approach by creating creative and funny setups to get a reaction from another student. Such pranks represent the playful spirit of the day, in which humor comes from surprise.
“I prank my family and friends by swapping the cream inside an Oreo with mint toothpaste,” said Om Nariani ‘26.
Celebrated today by pulling playful pranks on friends and family, April Fools’ Day has greatly changed throughout history. However, the central theme of the day—trickery—remains strong in the eyes of many students at Edison High.
