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April Fools’ Day
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A child hugs her father from behind and holds a finger to her lips, while a paper fish is taped to the man's back, suggesting an April Fools' Day prank.
Joker playing card featuring a smiling figure dressed in colorful, old-fashioned attire with a green hat and feather, holding a bag of gold coins and a playing card.
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April Fools’ Day

social custom
Also known as: All Fools’ Day
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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History

April Fools’ Day, in most countries the first day of April. It received its name from the custom of playing practical jokes on this day—for example, telling friends that their shoelaces are untied or sending them on so-called fools’ errands. A successful April Fools’ Day prank ends with the exclamation of the phrase “April Fool!” by the prankster. April Fools’ Day somewhat resembles Hilaria, a festival of ancient Rome, held on March 25. What are...

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