April Fool's Day

April Fool's Day or All Fools' Day, though not a holiday in its own right, is a notable day celebrated in many countries on April 1. The day is marked by the commission of hoaxes and other practical jokes of varying sophistication, the aim of which is to embarrass the gullible.

Other prank days in the world

The French prank day is also April 1. The tradition of the poisson d'avril (literally "April fish") is for people to attempt to attach a paper fish to their chosen victim's back without them noticing.

Related Topics:
French - April 1 - Poisson d'avril

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In the Spanish speaking world, similar pranks are practiced on December 28, the Day of the Holy Innocents. This custom also exists in certain areas of Belgium, including the province of Antwerp (which is situated in Flanders). The tradition is that children lock out their parents or teachers, only letting them in again if they promise to bring treats the same evening or the next day.

Related Topics:
Spanish speaking - December 28 - Day of the Holy Innocents - Belgium - Antwerp - Flanders

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In Iran, people play jokes on each other on the 13th day of the new year (Norooz). This day is called "Sizdah bedar" (Out-door thirteen), and it is April 3 (13th of Farvardin in Persian calendar). It is believed that people should go out on this date in order to escape the bad luck of number 13.

Related Topics:
Iran - Norooz - April 3 - Farvardin - Persian calendar - Bad luck of number - 13

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In Judaism, the traditional day of pranks, hoaxes and mockery is Purim. However, modern Jews prefer to play pranks on April Fools' day.

Related Topics:
Judaism - Purim - Jew

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